Welcome to the Tarnished Truth, your newsletter. The phrase very fine is an interesting concept both in the English language and in the grading of coins. At the turn of the twentieth century a very fine coin was considered the lowest collectable grade for coins. Now with the advent of modern minting practices and big dollar media presentations only high grade super flashy mint state coins are wanted. But you know there is just something special about the look of a nice very fine coin. It now has character; it has an individual look, not all model 'T' black anymore. I'll always wonder at the ridiculous spread in values between a nice very fine and a mint state example of a coin, especially a common one. But as a collector of these nice very fine coins maybe I should not question the difference, but just enjoy the lower prices the grade demands.

You know numismatics,like life gives back in like portions just about the same as you put into it. So pick your passion and attack it with full force gusto, and the returns and rewards will surprise you in there size and scope. Get involved because you definitely don't get out of this life 'Alive'.