Catbert's FUN Show Report
Catbert
Posts: 6,269 ✭✭✭✭✭
(Edited to replace video with pics)
This was my 3rd FUN Winter convention. It is a great time to hang out with friends and to wander the bourse of 500+ dealers. Yes, there were several dealers that had bailed as detailed on this forum, but there were plenty of options for the material I like to collect.
I flew in Wednesday night to be ready for the Thursday morning opening for the public. I joined several coin friends to reside at a VRBO townhouse about 25 minutes away from the convention center. Having others around to discuss the day’s activities and have a few drinks is a great way to unwind after a busy day at the show. I also got to meet @Yorkshireman which was a pleasure!
My first stop upon entering the bourse was to speak with Bonnie Sabel of Sabel Rarities. There was a coin that I couldn’t get out of my mind after seeing it at the Baltimore show (I’d referenced it previously in another thread here). I wanted to see if we could come to an agreement on the price even though I know I’d be paying what, in my mind, was a ridiculous color premium for a price guide value of $35. I wasn’t successful initially with my offer, but by the end of my time at the show, we came to an agreement. Yes, “stupid is as stupid does”, but I had to have it. PCGS PR67:
The above coin is not what I usually aspire to collect, but it is a distinctive presence and is accurately depicted in the TV.
Part of my mission at FUN was to sell a few of my coins so that I could strengthen my type set efforts. I also wanted to gain feedback from respected dealers on the collection thus far. I was pleased to hear that all 4 dealers I showed it to were impressed and wanted to buy most of what I had. With that in mind, I did sell 7 coins, consigned 2, and bought 6 others.
Forthwith, here are the coins acquired (beyond the quarter above):
VF25 CAC from David Perkins
AU58 CAC from Rinkor Rare Coins
MS64 CAC from Gerry Fortin
AU50 CAC from Phil at Eye Appealing Rare Coins
MS64FH CAC from John Agre
I did have dinner at Vito’s Chop House with my group and two dealer friends. Listening to dealers talk about their challenges, war stories, and big wins was fun and interesting to me. Not surprisingly, the ability to replenish inventory with nice coins was a consistent theme. The CAC price guides were also felt to be understated, particularly for seated material. Both stated they were having a great show. The steak dinner was great while sipping a Stags Leap “Artemis” cabernet.
One of the great things about attending big shows is the ability to see awesome collections on display. There have been other reports about Stewart Blay’s impressive collection of which I’ll share a few pics here:
Of more interest to me was Jim McGuigan’s half cent collection that will be auctioned by Heritage this August. Just so cool and, while I doubt I’ll be able to afford one, this will stay on my radar.
I had such a great time and will continue to attend Winter FUN when I can. Thanks for reading and share your thoughts on my new pieces (good and bad)
Comments
Having trouble embedding my video links!
Oh, my gosh- such a great show report and love the photos! 1919 in MS69? Neat.
peacockcoins
Glad that you had a good time.
I remember when you posted that glorious 1963 Washie. I am really glad that you were able to come to an agreement and pick it up. It is gorgeous and unique and I can see why it stayed in your mind. It would be tough for ANYONE to walk away from.
I have always wanted a double dime. Your new 1876 64 CAC is a perfect, shining example of what to look for.
I saw that SLQ on CRO's website and almost bought it, as I need it for my OPD set! GREAT example!!
That early Half Cent collection is way cool and VERY RARE!!
Thanks for posting and Congrats!!
“I may not believe in myself but I believe in what I’m doing” ~Jimmy Page~
My Full Walker Registry Set:
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
That's a nice group of coins you have, there! While I generally prefer older coinage, I love the look of that 1963 Quarter. I like to call it "oil slick rainbow iridescence".
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Great report, thanks for posting it! Nice group of newps, I especially like the 1798 dollar, very original look to it!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Great report, @Catbert , and I really like the coins you selected for purchase! Funnily enough, myself and the Roosie Brigade also went to Vito's for dinner when I attended FUN a couple years back. Great place to dine and share coin stories.
Great report, and very successful!
Love your NEWPS.
So sorry we couldn’t meet up.
Glad that you also liked and appreciated Jim’s half cents.
Great report and awesome coins!
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Does the quarter have a nickname, yet? Really unusual and vibrant toning, to me.
As usual Catbert, your taste is coins is impeccable, and all obtained from my favorite dealers!
Best, SH
Successful transactions with-Boosibri,lkeigwin,TomB,Broadstruck,coinsarefun,Type2,jom,ProfLiz, UltraHighRelief,Barndog,EXOJUNKIE,ldhair,fivecents,paesan,Crusty...
Everyman Bust Quarters
Early Quarters
CAC Capped Bust Quarters
CAC Barber Quarters
Great report and great pickups, thanks.
Always interesting to hear others views of the same show.
I wished that I had brought more to sell. I was caught off guard with all of the strong dealer buying.
"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
@Catbert ... Great show report.... You acquired some very nice coins. I really like that Stags Leap Cabernet as well. Have had it often. Thanks for an interesting report. Cheers, RickO
I like all of them @catbert Well done Buddy. Diverse group of old and not so old!
Thanks for the report Catbert, love your new purchases. the SLQ has great gold toning. And the 39 half... that's how you spell crust!
That Washington Quarter.......you will never regret that acquisition.
Congratulations.
Wonderful report and coins. Thanks for sharing.
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Glad you picked up that Washington @Catbert! It belongs in your collection!
Nice coins and report but you had me at "Artemis"!
Tim
@Catbert If you're tempted to change your avatar, here you go
Washington Crossing the Astral Plane
My Gold Type Set
Thanks for posting this report. Washington quarter is interesting but I love that reeded edge. Great look.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
I’m a big fan of that 64 .20 ……. Tough coin! Thanks for the report. 🤓
WoW!! on a very successful FUN show @Catbert. Great report and even better pickups. 😍
- Bob -
"Central Valley" Roosevelts
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Really cool coins. I don't collect proofs and I don't really care for the candy-store toning they often get..... so I don't like the Washie.... well, wait, hmmmmm. I actually do like it. Shhhhh. Don't tell anyone.
The reeded edge half is really nice.
Thanks for a great report.
I had a "fun" FUN show. I found a couple of things that were on my list, an affordable Roman gold aureus and a British 1/3 gold guinea. I also located some Proof coins for my "1936 to 1942 Proof set project." Oddly enough I found the fewest coins for the 1941 set. I also bought so more British pieces and a few more coins for the Roman emperors.
My biggest single purchase was this rare Lincoln badge from his 1860 campaign.
Great report, and each of your pickups are outstanding!
Glad you had fun at FUN!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
Fun Newps, Congratulations!!!
U.S. Type Set
Bill, is that King #1/ DeWitt #1? Looked for one of those for years, before I sold off my Lincolniana.
@BillJones
I am quite sure that it isn't. I think that the DeWitt and Sullivan numbers are the same. The Sullivan #1 mentions the Wide-Awakes on it. This one does not. I have never seen an AL 1860-1 offered although I blew it and did not get involved with the Ford sales. There may have been one there. There was something like 27 catalogs.
The Lincoln portrait on this one is the same as the portrait on Sullivan / DeWitt AL 1860-2. This piece was made by Childs of Chicago as was the shield piece I posted earlier. The number for this one is AL 1860-2.
The coins look great. I've never attended one of thes shows. Manbere I should put it on my BUCKET LIST.
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
With well over 1,000 dealers there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. I spent most of my time in the ancient and foreign section although I went all over the floor looking for 1937 to 1941 Proof coins. Surprisingly I didn't come close to finding them all, but then again I am a bit fussy about Proof coins, both with respect to the look and the price.
@Catbert ---Thanks for taking the time to post a show report. Great purchases