FUN Report & New Pieces

Catbert

As alluded to in other threads, I had trouble getting to Orlando due to flight delays and cancellations. I had intended to arrive Wed night. Unfortunately, I did not arrive to the bourse until about 4:30 pm Thursday. As such, I missed a seminar I wanted to attend and skipped the PCGS reception since I wanted to get to the bourse floor pronto. Of course, I realized that scavengers like @spacehayduke had scooped all the good coins and left the carrion for me.

On Friday, first stop was PCGS to submit a crossover show grading submission of a non-pronged NGC CAC'd AU58 coin. This was for a certain registry set I'm building. I learned the next day that it did not cross. After showing the coin to a dealer I respect, his suggestion was to get it into a pronged holder and then submit since it would allow more light on the coin. My reply was that I'll plan on sending to the new CACG company and await whether these holders are accepted by the PCGS registry. If not, I'll defer repeating the cross decision for a later date.

Friday also brought a wonderful meeting with @lkeigwin (sharing a table with Sheridan Downey) with whom I've had great PM exchanges but had never met. We had a nice lengthy chat to catch up, discussed his decision to sell some of his bust half coins (many of which he had in a case and had sold to dealers at the show), and the nuances of bidding in Sheridan's mail bid auction.

Speaking of that auction, I reviewed several lots in hand (I had bid on the lots via Sheridan's website prior to the show), Ultimately, I bid on 3 lots, winning one:

AU53 CAC O-118a, T-24, R3

This lot was described in a 2016 Heritage sale as "Extensive die cracks and internal cuds on the reverse represent the imminent end of the reverse die. Lustrous gold toning at the rims recedes to pale-gold at the centers of this remarkably well-struck half considering the advanced state of the dies. The obverse die shows heavy die clashing and faint cracks at stars 2 and 3, yet five later varieties make use of the obverse die."

My nuclear bid on another lot failed due to another's thermonuclear bid. This was a 1814/3 Capped Bust Half with intense obverse toning. I was kinda glad I lost it since my bid would have stretched my resources.

Friday also brought the wonderful opportunity to meet fellow board members near Steve's exhibit. Always great to match an icon with a face! For example, @DeplorableDan really doesn't look deplorable! The others there were great to meet and to share stories regarding our Forum experience. I know there are other show threads referencing this meet up so I won't repeat all the wonderful members met.

Since my return flight wasn't until Sunday, I figured I'd visit the depleted bourse on Saturday and knew that many dealers had departed as per normal at these big shows. I wasn't geared to buy anything further, but after a nice conversation with John and MaryAnn Agre at CRO, I saw another coin worth taking home. It was in fact very similar in coloration to the lost nuclear auction coin if only a tad less vibrant (and a hellava lot cheaper).

AU55 CAC

I had also solicited various knowledgeable specialist dealers to provide me with feedback on a half filled PCGS box of coins I had brought that comprised my efforts to partially complete a relatively short registry set. It was most gratifying to hear that they really liked what I had assembled thus far and half jokingly tried to buy them from me. I truly sought out this feedback to see if I was on the right path vs getting an ego stroke.

This was my 5th FUN show and I had a great time. It is worth the effort to attend.

PeakRarities

It was great to meet you as well, @Catbert ! I'm really glad that you were still able to make it, despite the flight debacle that you had to deal with. I love both of your newps, they both look super solid for the grade and I love the color. I agree that it was well worth it to attend this one, I'm sure our paths will cross again at another show in the future.

ElmerFusterpuck

Nice half dollars and report. I bid on a few capped bust halves in Sheridan's auction but lost on every one of them. I really liked that orange toned 1818 in AU-55, but someone else wanted it more!

Walkerguy21D

Thanks for posting, and I really like your new halves. More importantly, it was great to finally meet you in person!

lermish

Sorry about all of your logistical issues but glad that everything ended well. Great newps!!!

lkeigwin

Great to finally meet-up, @Catbert. I enjoyed talking with you in person, after so many PM's, email, and much coin sharing.

I'm glad you found a bust half to take the place of the 14/3 you missed out on. Sheridan's auction was pretty intense with some extraordinary bids. FWIW, I think you'll come across an even better 14/3. I wasn't crazy about its hazy reverse and the drift mark. But obviously this didn't trouble other bidders .
Lance.

Jimnight

Thanks for the read and nice coins.

Pnies20

I bid on the 14/3 too. Safe to say, I was not the underbidder.

Very nice pickups!

Desert Moon

CB you got the 1826 from CRO - that coin was several discussions between myself, another pcgs board member, and JA. I am not collecting bust halves, but my friend is. I did everything I could to convince him to buy it...... It was clearly best of show amongst all of the bust halves on the bourse, and I am not surprised you grabbed it up. The colors are vibrant and the surfaces pristine! Well done!

santinidollar

Sharp acquisitions! You might actually forgive the airline.

Barberian

Beautiful 1826, Catbert. I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you at FUN. Sounds like you had more challenges getting there than I had.

Eldorado9

Beautiful Newps! Love both!

Yorkshireman

Enjoyed meeting you at FUN 2022. Glad you had a good time this year.
Wish I could have made it there this time.

asheland

Awesome pick ups!

ricko

@Catbert... Thanks for the report. Nice coins.... There were certainly major flight issues, affecting many as well as yourself. You seemed to have done fairly well though. Cheers, RickO

messydesk

Nice pick-ups. I remember seeing the half you bought at CRO's table. Glad you were able to get it. Pity I didn't get a chance to meet you.

Smudge

Thanks for your report.

FlyingAl

Love the color on that 1826!

Walkerfan

@Catbert It was a pleasure to read your report.

You picked up some marvelous NEWPS. I, especially, like that Draped Bust Half!

Congrats and thanks for the great read.

CharlotteDude

Nice update… lovely coins!