Mike De Falco is the founder and CEO of De Falco Numismatic Consulting. With nearly four decades of active participation in the rare coin market, Mike brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to this enterprise. He established his first company, Mike De Falco Rare Coins, in November 1973 and grew the firm until it evolved into De Falco Numismatic Investments, Inc (DNI), one of America’s preeminent rare coin dealerships and market makers of the 1980’s. Mike continued as President and CEO of DNI until March 1988. During the course of his illustrious career he has personally handled close to one hundred million dollars worth of rare coins, focusing his attention on premium quality specimens blessed with exceptional eye appeal. Because of his longstanding reputation for handling the finest coins available, Mike has been asked to collaborate in the completion of a number of world-class collections. One such set was the legendary Wayne Miller Morgan and Peace dollar collection (which was privately sold for a price in excess of $1 MILLION) and subsequently resold in a public auction conducted by Superior Galleries in 1986. He is currently assisting several clients who are putting together extraordinary collections of beautifully toned Morgan Dollars -- and is also helping three other leading silver dollar specialists with the acquisition of the finest and rarest PCGS certified Prooflike and Deep Mirror Prooflike Morgan dollars for their collections. Moreover, he was the professional numismatist primarily responsible for the completion of four other preeminent collections, which were ultimately sold at public auction (each shattering numerous price records at the time):
- The Eugene Spier Collection (a world class 50-piece Silver Commemorative type set and one of the finest known complete Peace dollar collections), which were the feature consignments at the 1987 F.U.N. Sale, conducted by Mid-America Rare Coin Auctions, Inc.
- The Fabulous 144-Piece Peter Shaffer Collection of Silver Commemoratives – sold by Superior Galleries in 1988 (which established numerous all-time price records).
- The World Renowned Harold Rothenberger Collection of United States Silver Commemoratives, which was auctioned by Superior Galleries in 1994. This legendary collection has been acclaimed to be the FOURTH FINEST complete 144-piece set of ALL TIME according to the PCGS Set Registry. Although that is certainly true in terms of numerical grade, it can legitimately be argued that the Rothenberger Collection ranks as the most exquisitely beautiful toned set to hit the auction block thus far, possibly eclipsing even the world-famous Larry Shepherd Collection (which was previously sold by Superior in 1992).
- The Franklin Dean Collection – recently sold by Superior Galleries as a part of their ORLANDO 2006 ELITE COIN AUCTION, which took place just prior to the FUN Show on January 2, 2006. Without a specific type of collection in mind, Franklin Dean told Mike that he was interested in building a significant portfolio of rare U.S. coins he could enjoy aesthetically while at the same time building a store of value for the future. From 1992 through 1994 Mike demonstrated that he was more than up to the task by carefully assembling a stunning array of premium quality coins that not only were enjoyed by Mr. Dean for over a decade, but proved to be an excellent store of value as well, a number of them establishing new price records when recently sold at public auction – such as the PCGS PR68 1878 Trade Dollar that realized $120,750, eclipsing any previous price record for that grade and type of coin by a significant margin.
In addition to buying and selling many of the finest U.S. coins extant, Mike has long been a prolific writer and noted consumer advocate as well. His exposé of the 1908 No Motto $20 Saint Gaudens and SS Central America gold coin promotions proven to be right on target and testify to his uncompromising dedication to consumer protection. From 1981 to 1988 he was the editor and publisher of “MARKETWISE”, a highly acclaimed rare coin advisory newsletter, noted for its hard hitting, straightforward market commentary and recommendations free of typical coin dealer hype. Furthermore, he authored a critically acclaimed rare coin investment manual titled “The Coin Game – Playing For Profits, Not Promises”. Moreover, in 1984 Mike contributed extensively to Dr. Gary North’s “Rare Coin Investment Manual”. Additionally, from August 1996 through February 2000, Mike was the managing editor and a major contributor to “THE INSIDERS ADVANTAGE” newsletter. Amidst his many other numismatic accomplishments, Mike’s credits include:
- An original consultant to the American Numismatic Association Certification Service (ANACS) grading board.
- A Founding member of the Investment Coin Review editorial board
- Author of numerous articles for the prestigious Coin Dealer Newsletter Monthly Supplement.
- A contributor to Wayne Miller’s all-time classic silver dollar reference work, “The Morgan and Peace Dollar Textbook”.
- A contributor to COINage Magazine, Coin Prices Magazine, Coin World, Numismatic News, Rare Coin Market Express, Rosen Numismatic Advisory, Bruce Amspacher Investment Report, The Numismatist, Coin Crazy Online Magazine, Coinlink, Wexford Capital Management Online Market Update and numerous different newsletters.
Having authored articles for countless other books, manuals and periodicals dealing with rare coins, Mike has long been recognized as one of the nation’s leading numismatic authorities and consumer advocate.
STEVEN DE FALCO
WEB DEVELOPER & WEBMASTER
At thirty-four years of age it is readily apparent that Steven De Falco inherited his father’s entrepreneurial drive and spirit, having already founded two successful businesses, including NetVision, Inc., a firm specializing in advanced web solutions – providing website design and development, network design, application development and content services. Whether one is seeking a brand new website, customized e-commerce solutions, programming, database development or computer networking – Steven has earned a reputation as being the go-to guy, just witness the world-class website he designed, developed and implemented for us.
Moreover, he achieved all of this while maintaining his position as a CDC Electronic Technician for Union Pacific Railroad at the Harriman Dispatching Center located in Omaha, Nebraska. Now that’s determination.
Steven has since left UP to devote full attention to his various enterprises the latest of which, Data Shield, Inc., a joint venture between Steven and Mike De Falco provides state-of-the-art Remote Data Backup Service for individuals as well as small to medium size businesses.
Prior to joining Union Pacific Railroad ten years ago, Steven was employed by his father and traveled the national coin show circuit conducting sealed bid rare coin auction sales among a host of well known dealers as well as representing Mike De Falco on a wholesale commerce basis. Couple that with the fact that Steven literally grew up in the midst of the dynamic coin market of the 1970’s and 1980’s, the son of one of the leading market makers of premium quality rare coins, it’s no small wonder that he achieved such stellar results in his latest endeavor.
Although Steven will carry on as CEO of his own enterprises, we are extremely pleased that he has agreed to be retained by us as Webmaster, and our exclusive source for ongoing web design and solutions. He will remain responsible for placing and maintaining De Falco Numismatic Consulting on the very cutting edge of e-commerce. We are elated to be able to count him as a member of our team.
For any of you out there who may be interested in availing yourself of any of Steven’s services, we are please to provide you with a direct link to his website below
 http://www.netvisionweb.com
http://www.edatasheield.com
LAURA DE FALCO
GRAPHIC DESIGN & IMAGING
To begin with, Laura is without a doubt a coin imager extraordinaire – just peruse our exquisite images and you’ll find that statement to be true. In fact, a number of clients have employed her to image some of the finest coins from their personal collections.
Moreover, she’s a very gifted and prolific designer – witness the mesmerizing graphic on our home page, and that’s just one of many captivating works she has produced over the years.
Laura is no stranger (nor is she a newcomer) to the fields of graphic design and marketing, particularly in regard to the rare coin and collectibles arena. Moreover, she has a very strong academic background, having graduated Magna Cum Lade with an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California. Further academic accomplishments include the following:
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member
- National Champion In Forensics (Speech And Debate)
- Certification In Illustration And Animation
- On The Dean’s List Every Semester And On The President’s List Repeatedly
- Winner Of Numerous Academic Awards And Scholarships
- South Orange County PSCFA All Conference Academic Team
- Recipient Of The South Orange Count Speech And Debate Team Edward Hart Inspirational Award
As impressive as the aforementioned accomplishments are, what good is all this education without practical experience and application to complete the package, well Laura has it all. While in the employ of Tangible Investment of America (now Superior Galleries) from May 1997 through February 2000 she was the Associate Editor of the “INSIDER’S ADVANTAGE” newsletter and went on to create, design, write and oversee the production of “The Art & Antiques Insider” as well. She was also responsible for designing brochures, business cards, direct mail marketing pieces and a myriad of ads from small black and white pieces up to and including four color full page spreads that appeared in prestigious publications such as Coin World, Art & Antiques magazine and Orange County magazine to name just a few. Moreover, Laura developed and produced a number of TV commercial spots that featured television personality Doug Lewellyn of “People’s Court” fame. Following her stint at Tangible Investment of America, Laura accepted a position as Marketing Director for C&E Vision in San Clemente, California, where in addition to her marketing duties she also created and produced a monthly newsletter for the firm that was read by hundreds of ophthalmologists and optometrists across the nation.
As an artist by nature, Laura was never really comfortable in a large stringent corporate setting, so when the opportunity to join in our family enterprise arose she jumped at the chance – and not just because she was married to the founder. The fact is she loves color, and is not afraid to use it generously in her work. Well, we here at De Falco Numismatic Consulting dearly love beautiful monster toned coins and Laura shares that love of toners from an artist’s perspective so it was a natural fit. Laura’s theory of design is simple – if it is accomplished through the arrangement of elements such as color, line, etc., and blends both tastes and environments seamlessly in a way that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye then you have achieved a satisfactory design no matter the media or forum – and that certainly is compatible with our view. Moreover, she has tremendous integrity and is meticulous when it comes to imaging coins for presentation to our clients on our website. Laura strives vigorously to achieve the most accurate images possible for each and every coin we sell. After all, if you manipulate the image just to sell a coin, it will be only returned because it does not look like the picture, or the customer will keep the coin and feel cheated. In either instance everyone loses and we certainly don’t want that to happen.
In closing, Laura is a font of enthusiasm and her positive attitude is an inspiration to us all. We are incredibly fortunate and blessed indeed to count her as a loyal and valued member of our team. |
