Have You Met Mike Joque?

By Dean Cugliotta

Kalamazoo native and KNC Life Member #75, Mike got started collecting coins in
Kindergarten. His grandfather would get his work mileage in half dollars. This was his
introduction into numismatics. Mike has always appreciated the design of the U.S.
Benjamin Franklin half dollar coin. “It is a nice coin in all grades, especially when you flip it
over and see the Liberty Bell.”

You might see Mike with his friend, George, our VFW Post Chaplain. They are good
friends and spend a considerable amount of time together. They discovered our great club
from former President and Life Member Jim VanderRoest. Mike shared a neat memory with me about one time his friend George and he spent searching rolls…half dollar rolls, of
course.

Location: Unknown (Secret)

Found: 50, that’s right 50 “S” mint half dollar silver coins in bank wrapped rolls. Roll hunting is still a fun way to spend our long Michigan winters. It paid off for these two numismatists.

What is your favorite U.S. coin to collect?

Mike responded again by showing me two examples of silver half dollars, pointing out the luster, strike, the design, and that they are silver. Mike also mentioned that he has had luck with presidential and Sacajawea $1 rolls. He loves to find “S” mint and also satin finish Sacajawea dollars in rolls. As you can tell, Mike enjoys the hunt and the find. He found a “W” quarter before he even knew of the release. Way to go! Mike also shared with me a collection of banknotes that were given to him by his father. The beauty of this hobby is how it flows from generation to generation, and collector to collector.

What is your focus right now in coin collecting?

Once striking is complete on a design or denomination, that is his sign to collect it. For example, in 1963 the Franklin half ends with a one-year-only type coin, the 1964 90% silver Kennedy half. It’s one year; one issue; it’s a sign to collect them. The next year it was 40% silver; then it went to nickel-copper. What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Kalamazoo Coin Club? I love the auction night. It’s fun! With a big smile, Mike shared, “The coin club is like a circle of friends.” I have to agree. Our club has 72 active members and a wealth of knowledge that they love sharing. In our life as numismatists, “Not a coin goes unturned!”

It is with great pleasure to meet you! Thank you, Mike, for sharing your love of the hobby with us.