The Insider’s Guide to Coin Collecting Pitfalls Revealed Through Todd’s Birthday Tributes
October 23, 20258 Advanced Numismatic Grading & Curation Techniques That Pros Use (But Rarely Share)
October 23, 2025
I’ve Watched Collectors Make These 5 Birthday Post Blunders For Years
Ever noticed how even seasoned collectors can fumble a birthday post? What should be a heartfelt gesture often turns into a missed opportunity. After years in collecting communities, I’ve spotted the same five mistakes popping up like unwanted PVC residue. Let’s fix that.
Mistake #1: Forgetting Who You’re Celebrating
How You Might Be Messing Up
Generic “Happy Birthday!” posts vanish faster than a rare coin at a garage sale. Posting a Barber half when they collect Morgan dollars? Ouch. One collector cringed: “I sent a Draped Bust when he only collects Capped!”
Your Game Plan
- Stalk (respectfully): Check their recent posts or collection threads. Did you notice how sharp collectors referenced Todd’s love for MS61 coins?
- Birth year magic: That “first year of issue” reference tying Todd’s birth year to the coin? Chef’s kiss perfection.
Mistake #2: Ruining Your Coin’s Close-Up
How You Might Be Messing Up
We’ve all seen those photos where you can count the fingerprints better than the details. One collector sheepishly admitted: “My potato camera missed all the orange toning!”
Your Game Plan
- Natural light is your friend: Those crisp MS61 shots didn’t happen by accident.
- Tell what the photo hides: Can’t capture the rainbow toning? Describe it like you’re writing a catalog description.
Mistake #3: Being All Coin, No Story
How You Might Be Messing Up
A great coin deserves a great story. “Happy Birthday” + photo = scroll bait. Compare that to Todd sharing Lance Keigwin’s regrading journey – now that’s collecting drama we love!
Your Game Plan
- Provenance power: “Ex-Keigwin, ex-Solomon” adds instant credibility.
- Don’t just show the coin – give it a voice: That mint error post joking “off-center – just like this thread!”? Brilliant.
Mistake #4: Tech Fails That Derail Your Post
How You Might Be Messing Up
Nothing kills the mood like “PCGS ate my upload!” mid-celebration. Double posts and broken links make you look like you’re celebrating with too much birthday champagne.
Your Game Plan
- Test drive your post: Check image sizes and links before hitting publish.
- Alt text isn’t optional:
<img src="coin.jpg" alt="1828 O-109 CBH – looks better than my retirement plan">helps everyone participate.
Mistake #5: Posting and Ghosting
How You Might Be Messing Up
Ever dropped a birthday post and ghosted? Todd’s secret sauce was sticking around – his “Coffee break time! You guys rock!!” kept the party going for days.
Your Game Plan
- Be the host with the most: Compliment others’ coins (“@Nic – that toning deserves its own birthday!”).
- Keep the conversation flowing: Todd’s playful “most of you. 😀 ;)” replies built real connections.
Quick Fixes For Common Oops Moments
Posted the wrong coin? Pivot like a pro: “This is the only coin shiny enough to match Todd’s reputation!”
Late to the party? Own it: “Fashionably late is still fashionable – check out this stunner!”
Remember These Essentials
- Match their collecting passion – generic posts get forgotten
- Great photos + vivid descriptions = engagement gold
- Stories make coins memorable – provenance is poetry
- Test before you post – no one likes broken links
- Stick around – this turns a one-off post into a real conversation
Nail these details, and your next birthday tribute won’t just be polite – it’ll be legendary in the collector community.
Related Resources
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