I feel Dick brought up an interesting point if not a new one. If I recall correctly Marv Weaver addressed the ring dilemma in every issue of his catalogues. Although a variety, it can be easily counterfeited. If one wishes to collect them using ring variations price should be considered since the possiblility of fakes is quite considerable. Even other variants could be suspect. A Bally's $200 strike with no mint mark sold recently on ebay for $ 4,827.77, auction # 1090731982. I have spoken to some coin collectors as well as silver smiths. A skilled trades person could remove a mint mark or alter strikes in another manner at least to pass visual inspection.
A number of hours of work would be worth a price increase from $300 to $4000. If one has the means and has no concern for authenticity full steam ahead.

I can understand no reason for Peter's comment to Dick Maheu about prinitng counterfeit money in his basement. Dick voiced a legitimate question
which is of concern to any collector of any item.
This has little bearing of whether he is "enjoying" the hobby. An apology is in order.

Warren