Home U.S. Coin Forum

Charmy's June 2012 LONG BEACH SHOW REPORT w/lots of Pics!!!

ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
Long Beach is one of my favorite shows and I was happy to learn that set up had been moved up to noon, which gave the dealers extra time to perfect their booths and showcases, as well as to have more time to browse, see the exhibits, and catch up with dealer friends, etc.
image

I collected my ribbons at the registration booth and saw Taryn’s pretty smiling face waiting there to greet all us dealers!
image

It was nice to not be so rushed during set up. One thing I noticed was that EVERY table at the show was occupied! After I was set up, I walked around the bourse to hunt for some coins and ran into some familiar faces.

Matt/BillyGoat with Pinnacle
image

Then I spied another familiar face – Mark Feld
image

I tried to get a photo of Mark and me together, but he suddenly became camera shy – was it something I said?
image

And here are a couple of coin people hard at work! (Todd/Blu62Vette and his dad Roger/MustangGT)
image

Rick Snow/Eagle Eye was already conducting some business with Brian Wagner
image

Larry Shapiro and Glenn Holsonbake/PonyExpress
image

Bonnie is one of the nicest people on the planet, so she didn’t even mind having her photo taken with Mark! And notice that Mark actually smiled in this photo!! Bonnie obviously has something I don't!
image

I caught MrEureka hanging around Todd’s table
image

Doug Bird was ready for business!
image

Wei trying to look serious while another dealer (Will) hams it up behind him!
image

Dennis 88 is always fun to chat with!
image

This was the show’s innovative interactive coin locator
image

PCGS seems to be pulling out all the stops in trying to improve and make the Long Beach show a better show. They even had a “Suggestion Box” set up at the Information Booth!
image

Then I headed over to Fred Weinberg’s table because I knew he had just acquired some very rare and very cool errors.
image

Below are a few of Fred’s deep die cap penny errors: top left is a 32+ piece 1969-D, top right is a 34+ piece 1979-D, and the bottom center is a 21+ piece 1979-D.
image

Here’s another photo of the same pieces plus a 1979-D 3 piece die cap
image

I bought a couple very unusual errors from Fred for my personal collection, including this 2001 penny that was struck 5 times – 4 of which are off center, including the reverse!
image
image
image

I also bought a 25-piece stack of melded planchets from the late 1960’s that got pressed and melded together after they were stacked in the tube that fed the coin press. I forgot to take a photo of it with my cell photo but I gave it to Todd to photograph and will post a photo as soon as I get one.


After set up, I joined my usual group for dinner at Piccolos Italian restaurant. And WHAHOOOO – my wine fast was finally over! We each bring a bottle of wine to taste and we usually end up with a great variety of some wonderful wines! I brought the Selyem Zinfandel (which ended up being my favorite out of all the wines!)
image

This is Karl Stephens (a long-time foreign coin dealer) and Ron Guth (PCGS)
image

Here are Karl’s wife, Joanne, and my good friend Jerry Carsman (a dealer from Sacramento area)
image

Here’s what our table looked like after the wine started flowing!
image

And I know what you’re thinking – they drank ALL THAT WINE? Well, no, we had lots left over that we just corked and took home (or to the show the next day).


Thursday opened with a bang! The show had RECORD attendance for a Thursday, and every dealer I spoke with said they were busy most of the day, and everyone was very pleased with the turn out and all the business being transacted – including me!
image

image

PCGS was also quite busy during the entire show
image

Now that I own the trademark for The Penny Lady® I had a few hats made that include the little ® after my company name (not sure you can see it in the photo). I tried to get my guy helpers to wear my new company hats, but for some reason they were quite adamant against the idea!

However, my friend Cindy (Logan McKechnie’s daughter of VAMS & More) didn’t mind wearing my hat at all (it didn’t hurt that it also came with a glass of wine!)
image

I took a few minutes later in the day to check out PCGS’s very interesting exhibits that including the inverted Jenny airplane stamp, some of wonderful Babe Ruth memorabilia, very old cigarette packets, and a couple cancelled dies

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

Notice the highly sophisticated coin stand that this rare coin sits on!
image

image

This dealer had an interesting display of small jars of gold and silver for sale
image

And this is the pirate ship where the kids’ gather for the treasure hunt on Saturday
image

I usually travel home each night after dinner, but since my hubby was in Mexico for the Baja 500 this weekend, I decided to stay in Long Beach at the Hyatt. So when I was checking in, I ran into a couple other notables!

Don Willis and David Hall
image

image

The Hyatt Long Beach is certainly a beautiful hotel, and I had an amazing view of the Aquarium and the harbor from my room.
image

image

After the show closed on Thursday, I joined a large group of dealers at Naples Rib Company which I understand is a Thursday night tradition at the Long Beach show. WOW, they were the best ribs and brisket I’ve ever had! And the entire room was filled with coin dealers!

There was so much food that I only ate 1/4 of this plate, and had another 1/4 for lunch the next day, and gave the rest away!
image

image

Me and another one of my favorite people – Patrick of Grass Valley Coins
image

image

image

A sculpture outside Naple’s Rib
image

After dinner, a few of us headed over to St. Pepper’s Dueling Piano bar right across from the convention center. Since my belly were still quite full from dinner, I only had one drink – but boy, was it tasty – I sure missed having Guinness!
image

Even though we didn’t end up staying all that long, it sure was a lot of fun!
image

image


Friday started out more slowly but soon picked up and the show was buzzing again. I was soon very busy both buying and selling coins, answering collector questions, offering advice on the coins they would bring me, or giving appraisals on their treasures. I do enjoy this part of being a dealer – chatting with people about pennies. Even with the odd and sometimes unclear questions, I am grateful that I get to be a part of this world!

On Friday after the show, we went over to one of my very favorite chain restaurants, PF Changs, which is just across the street from the convention center. On my way over, I took some pictures of the convention center and the area around it. The Long Beach Convention Center is one of the most beautiful convention centers I’ve been to and is surrounded by an equally beautiful harbor.

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

image

And I couldn’t resist having a tasty Mai Tai at PF Changs!
image

After dinner, a few of us drove over to Hawaiian Gardens Casino to play some poker. I happened to take this picture of the sign outside the casino and one of the security guards came up to me and told me I wasn’t allowed to take pictures at the casino. I was a little confused and told him I was outside the casino, not inside, but he said we couldn’t take photos anywhere on the casino premises. I had to chuckle because to me, I thought that would be pretty hard to enforce but I guess they have their rules!

image

Saturday started out very quietly but gradually picked up speed and the room was once more a buzz. I had a very pleasant surprise on Saturday – Bill Tate, an old attorney friend from my 17 years as a paralegal at Morrison & Foerster (MoFo), stopped by my table with his adorable son, Will. I didn’t even know Bill was a collector all the years I worked at MoFo, but then a couple years ago he came to the Long Beach show to fill some holes in his penny collection. We were both “closet coin nerds” and didn’t even know it!
image

One thing I noticed at this show - other than dealer forum members, I didn’t see many other forum members. MJ didn’t even stop by my table so I could take his picture for my report – dang, I seriously must be losing my charm! I’ll have to work on that!!

Mike/Illini did stop by my table a couple times and it’s always a pleasure chatting with him. And then on Saturday he came by with a new little treasure. He had just one PCGS’s grading contest and his prize was this $20 gold piece!

image

image

Soon, once again, it was time to wind down, pack up everything, load the car and travel back home. I was very glad I didn’t have far to go but it does seem like this show in particular always ends too quickly. I thoroughly enjoy the Long Beach show and am very glad to know that Taryn and PCGS are working very hard to keep it alive and to make it even better. In my opinion, they are to be greatly commended as they did an excellent job with this show! Thank you to Taryn and all of the PCGS staff!
Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®

Comments

  • stealerstealer Posts: 3,968 ✭✭✭✭
    Great report Charmy!

    Were Wei's eyes open? I can't tell. imageimage
  • mkman123mkman123 Posts: 6,849 ✭✭✭✭
    awesome pics! I felt like I was there with those pics. Wish I could try the food.

    I always enjoy when you snap pics of other collectors, neat to see their face.

    Successful Buying and Selling transactions with:

    Many members on this forum that now it cannot fit in my signature. Please ask for entire list.
  • lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,408 ✭✭✭
    simply amazing there "the penny lady"
    i truly do wish you the best of the best...image
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


  • alohagaryalohagary Posts: 2,761 ✭✭✭✭
    always a great report, wish I was there
  • AuroraBorealisAuroraBorealis Posts: 3,591 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great report Charmy...Thanks for all the pics...

    ABimage
  • jhdflajhdfla Posts: 3,025 ✭✭✭
  • MWallaceMWallace Posts: 3,832 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I always enjoy your reports. image
  • RadioContestKingRadioContestKing Posts: 3,002 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Once again a great report with pictures, thanks for sharing as these are my old stomping grounds, The last job I worked at was building that Aquarium and did many of the buildings in Long beach. A big congrats to mike he is a stand up guy and thats wild he won that contest. Sounds and looks like you all had a fun week and that always translates in your reports..........Enjoy tom image
    https://youtube.com/watch?v=UayFm2yCHV8
    I used to be famous now I just collect coins.


    Link to My Registry Set.

    https://pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-specialty-sets/washington-quarters-complete-variety-set-circulation-strikes-1932-1964/publishedset/78469

    Varieties Are The Spice Of LIFE and Thanks to Those who teach us what to search For.
  • CMCARTCMCART Posts: 1,409 ✭✭✭
    Great reportimage
    Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865)
    5$ bills are WOW with the numbers - wanted:
    02121809
    04151865
    Wanted - Flipper notes with the numbers 6-9 or 0-6-9 ON 1$ 2$ 5$ 10$ 20$
    Wanted - 10$ Sereis 2013 - fancy Serial Numbers
  • illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great report and it was definitely a very fun show for me image

    image
  • 123cents123cents Posts: 7,178 ✭✭✭
    Great report and I love all those great photos!
    image
  • TURBOTURBO Posts: 494 ✭✭✭
    The best! As always!!
  • curlycurly Posts: 2,880
    You're the best, Charmy!

    I gotta get me one of those hats!
    Every man is a self made man.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Marvelous report Charmy..... and some interesting wines too... Cheers, RickO
  • ObiwancanoliObiwancanoli Posts: 1,065 ✭✭✭
    Great report, Charmy... one of these days, I'm going to make it down there, fully inspired by your pics & reports... it would be great to connect some of the faces with names I've become so familiar with!

    Thanks again!
    UBERCOINER

    A Truth That's Told With Bad Intent
    Beats All The Lies You Can Invent
  • nibannynibanny Posts: 2,761
    Great report, Penny Lady! As always.
    Thanks! image
    The member formerly known as Ciccio / Posts: 1453 / Joined: Apr 2009
  • HighReliefHighRelief Posts: 3,654 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Charmy, another excellent coin show report along with some great pictures of the event. The penny errors are really unique and the Babe Ruth collection is outstanding.

    Looking forward to seeing you at FUN next year.
  • MFHMFH Posts: 11,720 ✭✭✭✭

    Your reports are always enjoyable.

    Thanks for taking the time to post them !
    Mike Hayes
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !

    New Barber Purchases
  • mozinmozin Posts: 8,755 ✭✭✭
    Thanks Charmy for another wonderful coin show report. I always look forward to your accounts, especially of the shows I used to attend regularly, like Long Beach.
    I collect Capped Bust series by variety in PCGS AU/MS grades.
  • kazkaz Posts: 9,052 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thoroughly enjoyed the report and pics. Sometimes I wish I lived on the West Coast!
  • Thank for posting the report Charmy! I always look forward to reading these after big shows.
  • dizzyfoxxdizzyfoxx Posts: 9,823 ✭✭✭
    Another superb report with outstanding pics. Why do I always feel like I was there after reviewing Charmy's reports. image
    image...There's always time for coin collecting. image
  • DennisHDennisH Posts: 13,963 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I always feel like a total voyeur when I read your reports, Charmy.

    (There, I did it... I used the words "voyeur" and "Charmy" in the same sentence!!! I'm not in trouble now, am I?)
    When in doubt, don't.
  • EagleEyeEagleEye Posts: 7,676 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great report. Next time take a picture of the sign out front of the show that says "No pictures allowed". Dave and Don will have to put you on staff to make it acceptable.
    Rick Snow, Eagle Eye Rare Coins, Inc.Check out my new web site:
  • pakasmompakasmom Posts: 1,920
    Thanks, Charmy! Your reports mean a lot to those of us that can't attend.

    What did the back of Illini's shirt say?
  • Thanks for the report, can wait to see your newps listed on your site. image
    Terry

    eBay Store

    DPOTD Jan 2005, Meet the Darksiders


  • << <i>Bonnie is one of the nicest people on the planet, so she didn’t even mind having her photo taken with Mark! And notice that Mark actually smiled in this photo!! Bonnie obviously has something I don't!
    image

    >>



    I think this is the first picture of Mark Feld smiling that you have ever posted in one of your show reports. image
  • illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Thanks, Charmy! Your reports mean a lot to those of us that can't attend.

    What did the back of Illini's shirt say? >>



    It said "toasted" and had a picture of some toast, haha... just a dumb shirt I got in Hawaii once. I would have dressed up nicer if I knew I was going to become famous yesterday image

  • RebelRonRebelRon Posts: 544 ✭✭
    Thanks again for the report , Charmy!
    I always enjoy them!
    Coin Shows and Resaurants and Wine!
    Oh my! image
  • tbarrecatbarreca Posts: 299
    Tony Barreca

    "Question your assumptions."
    "Intelligence is an evolutionary adaptation."
  • Halfhunter06Halfhunter06 Posts: 1,332 ✭✭✭
    Great Hats Charmy!
  • tbarrecatbarreca Posts: 299
    Great post, Charmy. Thanks!
    Tony Barreca

    "Question your assumptions."
    "Intelligence is an evolutionary adaptation."
  • The one time I was in Long Beach , there was no coin show , but I dined
    at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co . After all your reports , I was wondering if I
    could trade two Merlot , a Chardonnay , three Pinot Noir and a Zinfadel
    for a nice Indian Cent Proof for my type set?
    Home of quality widgets
  • Thanks for the report. I like your reports best! They have great photos.
  • WhiteTornadoWhiteTornado Posts: 2,102 ✭✭✭
    Great report as always. Love the pictures, thank you!
  • renomedphysrenomedphys Posts: 3,487 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>A sculpture outside Naple’s Rib
    image >>


    I'm fairly certain (although I could be wrong) that this type of sculpture is actually just a bike rack. Well... nice rack, at least image
  • littlebearlittlebear Posts: 1,431 ✭✭✭✭
    As always, Charmmy, an excellent job. Thank you!


    Larry L.


    image
    Autism Awareness: There is no limit to the good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit.
  • etexmikeetexmike Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭
    I look forward to and always enjoy each and every show report.

    Thanks for taking the time and effort to post.


    Mike
  • DorkGirlDorkGirl Posts: 9,994 ✭✭✭
    Thanks!
    Becky
  • StaircoinsStaircoins Posts: 2,565 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I look forward to and always enjoy each and every show report.

    Thanks for taking the time and effort to post.


    Mike >>

    imageimage
  • gonzergonzer Posts: 2,986 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great field trip Charmy, thanks a bunch. Interesting and eclectic group represented. One thing though...


    << <i>Bonnie obviously has something I don't! >>



    i ain't seein' it! image
  • mr1931Smr1931S Posts: 5,955 ✭✭✭✭✭
    "I tried to get my guy helpers to wear my new company hats, but for some reason they were quite adamant against the idea!"

    I think you have a very handsome looking company hat and your guy helpers need an attitude adjustment.
    image

    Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.-Albert Einstein

  • ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thank you everyone, I'm glad you enjoy my show reports. I certainly love attending the shows and trying to bring as much of that experience as I can to those on the message boards who can't attend.

    Look for my next report from the ANA Summer Seminar in early July!!!
    Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®
  • ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here's the 25 blank planchet stack of pennies mentioned in my report that I bought from Fred Weinberg for my collection - isn't it soooo cool!!

    image


    And here's the 5-struck error I also bought

    image
    Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®
  • Great report as always Charmy! Thank YOU for all that you do to make our show better. I love hearing your feedback both positive and constructive! You are thoughtful in your insights and I am happy that you had a great show!

    Thank you to all of our wonderful exhibitors. I hope that you saw some positive changes at the June Long Beach show. Looking forward to keeping up with the momentum and giving you even more to cheer about at future shows. As always, email me at lbexpo@collectors.com to offer feedback, ask questions etc.

    Best,
    Taryn

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file