John, I started collecting in 1994. But only Nevada. Naturally over the years I picked up from other states. Those I used as traders to help my Nevada collection. I have found trading to be the most fun. But next to that would be going to swap meets, yard sales, coin stores and any other place I might find strikes. Some of my finds were a Circus Circus clown error for $9.00 and a Sierra Sids solid window eagle for $12.00. I have had thoughts in the past about getting out of striking. And when I really thought about it. My conclusion was really in the business end of striking not my end which is collecting. Like any other part of a casino, it is there only to make money. They don't care about the little guys like us collectors. Only the money they can get from us to put in the machines. I look at my collection as a investment so I think about almost every strike I buy or trade for. In the long run would it be a good investment. So if I trade common for rare I want the better end of a deal because the rare strike has already proven its self. The common ones, who knows. Now as collections as investments, we have all taken a hit in the past couple of years. The hoards are coming out on the older strikes and the casino's are more and more putting in chase strikes or low mintages. So we are being pulled from both ends of the pocket book. I know a couple people who are sort of taking a back seat for now in collecting. Tired of the chase to have them all. It is a fine line between the casino's putting to many strikes to soon with low mintages and other casino's not enough to keep interest up.
My friend, before you make the final leap out of striking, think about it and the real reason who you are souring to it. Take care of yourself, follow the doctors orders and I look forward to seeing you at the convention.

Dennis SS-094