Airplanenut's Philly ANA Show Report + Newps!
airplanenut
Posts: 22,335 ✭✭✭✭✭
I don't go to too many big shows anymore. With work and travel times, they tend to interfere with my schedule more than I'd like, but it's always fun to get an opportunity to go. I went to FUN 3 1/2 years ago when it conveniently fell the same weekend as my cousin's wedding 2 hours away. As for Philly, my brother lives a short train ride away from the convention center, and I'm usually in Philly 4-6 times a year anyway, so it was a no brainer. I get to go to a coin show and I get to see family. Win-Win.
I don't buy many coins each year. My tastes are evolving faster than the amount I'm willing to spend, so I tend to be reserved with my purchasing, waiting for something I really like. When it comes to shows, I enjoy simply walking the floor and seeing what's there, and I love getting to catch up with friends, many of whom I haven't seen for a few years. As far as I'm concerned (and as was the case at that last FUN show I attended), I can walk out of the show with nothing new, but still have a great time. If I find something to buy, it's icing on the cake.
I took a red eye that got me into Philly early on Thursday morning. I went from the airport straight to the convention center, where I found out that the security room was closed for the duration of the show. Unlike most shows where you can have in-and-out privileges as you please, the ANA let you drop stuff off before the show and pick it up when the show ended. Hauling my luggage with me, that wasn't ideal. Luckily a friend let me drop everything behind his table, and I started walking the floor as the show was waking up.
As always, my main item of interest was "whatever catches my eye." As it happened, the first coin that caught my eye was from across the aisle. It was so hideous from 10 feet away that I had to get a closer look. As I got closer, it got worse. One of the ugliest bust dollars I've ever seen. I did not ask for a price.
I had walked most of the floor by the time the doors opened to the public at 10am, and then proceeded to do it again, this time more deliberately as many tables that hadn't been set up on my first pass were now displaying their wares. Quite a few hours in, and in the second or last aisle for me, I found what became my first purchase. I find Barbers to be extremely hit or miss. They can be gorgeous, and they can become really ugly really quickly. I have a few pieces in my collection that I think are gorgeous, and then I found this one to fit right in with them. It's lustrous, it's colorful, and it was priced very well as a PCGS MS63+ compared to recent auction results in 63 and 64.
That became the only coin I purchased on Day 1, but the rest of the day was filled with seeing some great stuff (Rare Coin Wholesalers had a few matte gold and deep cameo gold which was a treat to look at--they're well beyond my budget, but I just love how they look) and catching up with old friends. I spent plenty of time with James Sego, who is somewhat local and I see semi regularly, as well as (sorry if I forget anyone) John and MaryAnn Agre of CRO (John and his son were my first ever passengers when I got my pilot's license, but I'd never met MaryAnn in real life), Dave Wnuck, Andy Lustig, and John Marburger, with whom I played show-and-tell, where he showed my a coin I vaguely remember selling him years ago, and I showed him a coin he sold me long ago and was ready to buy again. I finished the day finally getting to meet a long-time consignor with whom I've interacted a ton online, but never met in person.
While I'm no baseball fan (it's been 9 years since I last went to a game), my brother's kids (the 2 oldest: 7 and 5 1/2) got wind of the possibility of going to a game, so there was no way out. I do, of course, hate all things Philadelphia sports, and this year, it's easy to root for the Mets and their depressed fans, so I just hoped to see a good game. Well, the game ended with the Mets setting their all-time record for runs, and the Phillies giving up the 3rd most runs in franchise history. Among the ways the Mets scored were a home run on the first pitch of the game, a grand slam, some regular home runs and RBIs, a bases-loaded walk, a balk with runners on 2nd and 3rd, and a handful of errors on the Phillies' part, one of which made SportsCenter's Not Top 10 of the week. It was a great game.
Friday was my last day at the show, and I got there just after the doors opened at 8 to walk the floor yet again and see what I missed. While I did hit every aisle, I ended up spending a lot more of the day chatting, and overall it was a great day. If you ever talk with Dave Wnuck, you'll find he's really passionate about nice coins, regardless of price point. While I showed him what I brought of my collection the day before, I had some questions for him about Jacques Wiener medals. I've handled a few over the years and always wanted one--the artistic skill is simply incredible. After narrowing down the long cathedral series to a few of the more impressive designs, I took a look at examples of two of the better designs that he had available. I fell in love with this St. Paul's Cathedral medal for its combination of design and superb surfaces and color. It's mesmerizing in hand, and small lighting changes reveal new details.
I also had a nice chat with John Agre, picking his brain about some large cents I've been considering, and spent a while catching up with John Kraljevich, Wayne Herndon and Mike Printz about coins and life in general. I lost my voice, but that's didn't stop me from talking some more.
Shortly before leaving, I found a part of an aisle in a back corner that I hadn't seen, where I found my last purchase. I'm working on a set of ultra chopmarked trade dollars. I've never found one at a show, but happened to find a dealer who had 3. Two were duplicate dates for me (one not so attractive, and the other not bad, but the one I currently hold is nicer), and one was a crusty example of a date I didn't have. Mine.
The remainder of the trip was family time, with me flying home Sunday night. At the airport, my bag got stopped (shocking), and when it went to get a second screening, the TSA agent said, "I thought you all left yesterday" and asked if I'd rather have a private screening. The area was rather open, so I took them up on it. The screening wasn't much, and they looked through a few coins quickly. While doing so, one of the two asked me for the Honus Wagner equivalent in coins. We had a nice little chat, and I was on my way. For all the times I've gone through security at PHL, those must have been the friendliest agents I've ever dealt with.
In all, a great long weekend. We'll see when I get to another.
Comments
Nice report. Thanks.
I agree with your view on Barbers and you sure found a winner.
I went to the ballpark on Wednesday vs the Red Sox. Place was packed and it was an excellent game.
"If I say something in the woods and my wife isn't there to hear it.....am I still wrong?"
My Washington Quarter Registry set...in progress
Thanks for your show report!
Also congrats as that Barber is very nice and wouldn't look out of place in a gem set.
What was your answer to,if any, as to the question "what is the Honus Wagner equivalent in coins?"
Great report! Nice job on the fantastic 1898, and the ball game. Love the balanced toning on the quarter. Wonderful example.
Dave
Good show report. Nice Barber. Thanks.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Sorry I missed seeing you there. Hope all is well
Must be love at first sight
That is a BEAUTIFUL BARBER 
I enjoy your report as well. Thank you
I mentioned the 1804 dollar and 1933 double eagles. There are plenty of good choices, but I figured it would be simplest to go with two options where just a few examples exist, the costs are enormous, and the coins are very well known.
Great report, Jeremy.
I gotta say how attractive I find that, Barber. You have great taste and a refined eye.
Congrats
Nice report thanks. Dig the .25
TY for the response.
A few more additions as I remember people: I finally ran into Phil Arnold (the guy behind TrueView), whom I've been trying to find for a while. We got to talk cameras, photography (coins and other), and more. I think he does a pretty good job with his photos, even though he cheats by taking them all raw
Also, I saw Tim Larson and Mark Hagen. I've known them for about as long as I've gone to shows, and we have flying in common. It's funny that I see Tim more across the country at shows than I do locally, even though we only live half an hour away from each other.
Thanks for the nice report, I like the trade dollar
Well written report and great coins. Thanks for sharing.
I've never seen so many chopmarks on a coin before...
This one has a good number, but most of mine have more
Great report Jeremy! Congrats on the pick ups
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Jeremy, thanks for sharing that Barber Half with us. I generally find Barber Halves to the be ugliest uncirculated coins I've ever seen. It took me four years to find one I liked. Yours is a pleasure to view.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
Sounds like you had a full day. Congrats on your pick-up and thanks for sharing !!!
Your post says you fell in love with the medal, but did you buy it?
Great report, incredible eye, awesome pickups!
Best, SH
Thanks for the nice report, Jeremy. Very nice Barber for that grade !
Is it just me, or am I seeing a lot of purple coins lately on the forum?
Commems and Early Type
Thanks Jeremy for the great report. While not a Barber fan, I find your purchase very attractive. But the St. Paul's Cathedral Medal is one I have loved for ages and I congratulate on a beautiful addition to your collection.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Great report, Thank you.... and that Wiener Medal is superb. I have always liked them... still do not have one.... but looking. Cheers, RickO
Good point. Yes, this one is now mine.
Stunning Barber Quarter! Those St. Paul's Cathedral medals are pretty snazzy too!
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Nice to catch up with you in Philly. Congrats on the coins!
The most amazing thing you showed me was the screen saver on your phone - you should post it!
i love that st pauls cathedral token. thats a real nice one