Collector Spotlight: O’Man

PCGS Set Registry member O’Man traces his numismatic journey back to when he was about 10 years old. That’s when he received an 1896 Morgan Dollar from his grandfather for helping him paint his garage. “I was not interested in coin collecting but always enjoyed holding that big shiny ‘wagon wheel’ in the palm of my hand,” recalls the collector, who treasures that coin because of the connection to his beloved grandfather.

“Over the years, I found and saved some interesting coins from my pocket change, but not with an eye toward collecting. Some 50 years after receiving the Morgan it began to severely tone,” he says. “I was searching for a way to arrest the toning of the Morgan and discovered that slabbing the coin would help. PCGS is a highly regarded company that authenticates, grades, and encapsulates coins.”

After receiving his encapsulated 1896 Morgan Dollar, he became acquainted with other collectors who had submitted coins for grading. “During my readings, I saw photos of coins collectors submitted, and they were beautiful. The artistry and craftsmanship used to produce these gems was of the highest caliber. The more I read in the forums, the more I began to appreciate coin collecting. Within a few short months, I had been bitten by the collecting bug.”

He began building a set of American Silver Eagles, later branching out into various other sets, including 50 State Quarters, Washington D.C. and U.S. Territories Quarters, and America The Beautiful Quarters. He has also pursued myriad other types of sets, including those representing African coinage. “I currently have 70 sets and three showcases. I am especially proud of all the showcases because they speak to important historical themes. I include a brief narrative on each coin in the showcase.”

While he now has dozens of beautiful sets, O’Man still has at least one piece he hopes to add to his cabinet someday. “I would love to acquire a 1792 Danish Abolition of the Slave Trade Medal. This medal is rare and historically significant.”

He also says collecting coins can be compared to looking into a kaleidoscope, “where patterns of interests shift, co-existing and buttressing each other.” He adds, “These interests range from historical; where coins often tell stories about the culture, economy, and history of the times they were minted; to nostalgia, where coins evoke personal memories, from childhood or from places visited; to a sense of community among enthusiasts who share tips, trade, and attend events,” he says.

“By happenstance, I met a member of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee at a PCGS show and was gob-smacked by his passion and commitment to the hobby,” recounts O’Man, who believes the artistry and craftsmanship of coins, as well as rarity, are other compelling reasons to collect. “Finally, there are people who see coins as a way to invest and preserve wealth, as certain coins can appreciate significantly in value over time.”

Ultimately, he thinks the most important reason for collecting coins is for the joy they provide the hobbyist. “Whatever the driving motivation is for collecting coins, enjoy!”