Summer ANA 2023 ... a Nut report (updated with closeups of NEWP's)
pursuitofliberty
Posts: 7,061 ✭✭✭✭✭
After a week on the beach in Oregon with my family, and then a redeye flight from Portland as the first leg of travel to the show, I arrived in Chicago on Tuesday morning to a cancelled flight to Pittsburg, a lost (delayed) bag on the rerouting, and what ended up as a very, very long day-night-day thing. However I did arrive in time for a two hour nap before the Corn Roast, which gave me almost enough energy to be fully alert visiting with members and guests of the BHNC.
One member had a great box for sale … I thought about one I wanted just a little too long … and it was gone. Another offered me a nice 1812/1 Small 8 (O-102.a) in P55, and I asked him to hold unit breakfast the following morning.
Wednesday morning after a great breakfast at the hotel, we started at the JRCS meeting. Well attended and interesting … the main event was a great podcast-like event with John Dannreuther.
Regarding the 1812/1 … I slept on it, looked again, and decided I liked it at least as much, if not more than my tired eyes from the night before … and so, she was mine.
Off to the floor of the show. First real stop was with Phil (and his brother Tom) at Eye Appealing Coins. I really like chatting with Phil and he showed me a coin that really interested me, an 1810 O-109a, very late die state (109.5), with all the cracks in P53. He quoted me a nice price and we did some other business, him buying a few of my “for sales” and me picking up another coin from him. Later I received some very interesting backstory of where the coin has been in the last ?18? months, but that is for another day. I do believe this may be coin from the Voight/Lee sale, last publicly offered in 1999, as it is absolutely the 70° Die Rotation.
Lots of energy on the floor, but in retrospect not a huge amount of fresh material. Later in the show, discussions of the general lack of better coins being offered took place between more than a few attendees.
After looking through more than a few tables and decided I would submit the notes I brought to PMG. Super easy and quick, and I was on my way. The PMG table was on the one far end of the floor, and as I meandered back towards PCGS so I could submit the coins I brought, which was at the other far end of the floor, when I stumbled upon a find. For those who don’t follow Bust Halves, an 1831 in P58cac with original skin is hard, but not impossible. An 1831 O-117 becomes a much different animal. Disclaimer when you see the image below ... the coin was re-holdered with the Attribution and had just got back a week before the show, so it needs to be re-stickered.
Since this wasn’t a cherry pick, the dealer had the coin priced very strong … but I was persistent discussing and trying to find best price. I decided not to tell anyone where it was and walked away without it. Later that afternoon, I did tell @drddm and asked him what he thought about such a coin, and he convinced me that maybe the final price the dealer and I discussed might be pretty close to right price.
Wednesday night was closing for Sheridan Downey's Auction, and after lot viewing earlier in the day, I went back to the hotel before dinner to enter bids. Mostly I was unsuccessful with some of the better lots, either being above my price already, or getting beat before the Internet portion closed. I was fortunate to win the 1811 O-110a on P58 for less than my maximum, and also won not one, but two of the 1823 O-104's in the sale! Ha!! I had a check bid the P53cac because I loved the doubled profile and after lot viewing really liked the look ...and had also bid the second P55 as it looked solid and had nice surfaces.
I will say this, no matter how strong the prices were, it seemed much more normalized (for an SD MB Sale) than the Winter FUN. I don't think the "suction whale" showed up.
Dinner with club members and other friends was ... ahh, let's say interesting in many different ways ... although decent food and a few people I really enjoy. Afterwards @Pnies20 and I broke away from the group as we were meandering back to the hotel, and had a beer a block or so down from the restaurant. We ran into our waitress and the chef as they got off work, and their local knowledge helped me confirm the restaurant I wanted to visit Thursday night was a solid choice.
There are other stories there too, but best to leave it at we had a good time and it was a very nice end to the evening.
Back to coins, I considered the 1831 O-117 at breakfast Thursday morning, and thought I really needed to go look again. It is a gorgeous example, with great skin and surfaces, and a tough R4+ Die Marriage to boot. I firmly believe now, after doing some research this morning, it may be in the Top 5 for the Die Marriage. I also believe it is probably worthy of a plus, although I may not play that game.
By the time the BHNC Board meeting ended, I was focused. I talked to @Pnies about it and he walked over with me to look before we settled into the rest of the day. I had told him before we got there if it was maybe 5% less than the dealers best offer the day before I would probably buy it, but I wanted his thoughts on the coin before I went any further.
After viewing, @Pnies agreed it was all there, and the dealer offered 5% more back without much prodding ... I thought about asking for another bit off, but decided to take it without further negotiation. I paid strong money, but it's not going anywhere and ultimately I didn't want to let it slip away. For what it's worth, the dealer is young, but I think he really does know coins. I want to cultivate any relationship I can there.
I looked for other coins, currency and just browsed around until the BHNC meeting where we discussed some new Die States and other general findings. The rest of the day was a bit of visiting with dealers and friends before heading out for dinner.
The restaurant was outstanding and somehow we were seated at the best table on the rooftop terrace (maybe I got lucky or asked just the right “nice”). What an outstanding meal and time with @Pnies20 @Bikergeek @Davidk7 and @jacrispies talking coins and life, and just being able to see the surrounding skyline. If you're in Pittsburg, I would highly recommend the Gaucho Parrilla Argentina.
After dinner @Pnies20 @Davidk7 and I decided to walk around to look for a Martini bar place I had heard of ... which upon finding looked beyond dead. We strolled around a bit and stumbled into a Roundtable Trading party at another bar. Thanks Sarah if you read this ... it was great spending time with you, you’re awesome.
The next bar stories are somewhat epic, but let's say that there were a couple silly drinking games, some local girls who spiced things up a bit and a damn cool bartender … all of which made for quite an entertaining evening (if not maybe a little over the top).
Somewhat hungover Friday morning as I nursed coffee, orange juice and breakfast, I finally headed over to the floor and sat with Phil at Eye Appealing Coins again, reviewing the Prism collection, and talking about coins and happenings. If you like color coins, the Prism collection is a must see study, and you would be smart to view and ask for the catalog. Those coins will be fixed price offered in January at FUN.
Afterwards, thinking of everything I saw and did throughout the show, and somewhat winding down, wishing maybe I had a slightly earlier flight, I decided to go back and look at one more coin again.
It had been in the back of my mind since Wednesday when I first saw it. I looked again, asked for the best price, was quoted slightly better than I had been on Wednesday, and decided to make her mine. Strong money, but a lovely original crusty 1832 O-105 in an old NGC fatty at AU58. Strong claims to 62 IMO, although I doubt I will do anything other than send her to CAC for a sticker next time I send a box.
Back to the hotel, and met with a long time BHNC member from Canada to share a taxi to the airport and catch the same flight to Chicago. We arrived earlier than we needed to, but this was a really enjoyable time where we ended up having a great Pittsburg sandwich at the airport, a nice coffee after and a long conversation throughout, spanning multiple topics, including coins, history and life.
Most of this report was drafted between delays and on my last flight last night, but as I edit and proof-read and add some images .... being back home this morning, and feeling like I haven't been home in a month, I am reminded of something.
Besides the great coins ... I had a great time with great people, enjoying life intertwined with the events surrounding our great hobby.
More detailed images and descriptions will show up over the next week or two, but for now ...
The rooftop table
New purchases
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Okay, by request, here come larger close-ups of the NEWP's ... hopefully I get them all done before the weekend is over. I'll put them all here in the first post so they're easy to find. Check back!
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The 1812/1 Small 8, Overton 102a (102.2) in P55, ex Stewart, ex Herrman
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The 10-109a (109.5) "crack monster" with a 70° die rotation in P53 (former owners may be announced later)
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The 31-117 (117.1) in P58cac that just makes me smile
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The 32-105 (105.1) in the old NGC58 fatty, ex Brown (consummate crust)
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The following images are courtesy of my good friend @lkeigwin who does Sheridan Downey's imaging
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Lot #48 from Mail Bid #56 - 1811 O-110a (110.2) in P58
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Lot #61 - 1823 O-104 (104.1) in P55
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Lot #62 - 1823 O-104 (104.1) in P53cac
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Comments
Awesome show report @pursuitofliberty! Sounds like a really fun time and productive. Thanks for writing and sharing this.
Awesome and really descriptive report! Thanks!
Looking forward to seeing some close ups of those CBHs!
Coin Photographer.
Thanks for sharing such a great report!
Great report! The camaraderie is half the fun of attending and looks like you got a stellar haul of halves as well. Thanks for sharing.
Nice report, sorry I missed meeting you in person…next time.
That was a very good read, @pursuitofliberty, but I didn’t see anything about “nuts”. I love cashews!😉
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I'd say, even with the travel woes, that was a wildly successful show for you. Thanks for the great report.
Great trip Todd!
Can’t wait to hear where that 10-109a might have been these last 18 months…
@pursuitofliberty, as you know, this was my first big show. TOTALLY enthralled by the experience and looking forward to doing it again! I met so many good people (yourself included) and really enjoyed that rooftop meal with @Davidk7 and @Pnies20 and @jacrispies. Finding out that the guy right across the table from me was @jacrispies, with whom I'd already shared some great correspondence on the forum, was just one of those "ahh... cool!" moments that you can only get by going to the shows.
And I just want to publicly acknowledge: @pursuitofliberty 's advice to come out for a small group meal, vs. going on the adventure that a larger group of old-timers went on, was MOST excellent advice and saved me $200 on the meal (I don't think I've ever had a $200 meal, and don't want to start now).
I made a bunch of great friends, bought some coins, sold some coins, and I'm ready to do another show!
New website: Groovycoins.com Capped Bust Half Dime registry set: Bikergeek CBHD LM Set
@pursuitofliberty
I too would like to see the close ups of your new acquirements.
Enjoyed your report.
Thanks
Wayne
Kennedys are my quest...
I'm very sorry to inform you that you missed the correct die variety. Cashews are drupes, not nuts 😉
@WAYNEAS I'm going to add some images as I get them shot, edited and cropped. I think I'll keep them all in the first post so they're easy to find. Putting the 1812/1 up in a few minutes, and I'll I try to get all of them up over the weekend. Check back!
@JayPem my draw dropped when @drddm was telling me how it went as far as he knew. Watch for a PM in a bit, and maybe you can help fill in some of the blanks.
@MarkF One of these days we've got to get you out to a show again. That would be nuts!
@Bikergeek It was great meeting you and I'm glad you joined us ... and also glad you had a great show.
Regarding that, I think if you only go to one big regional or national show a year, the Summer ANA just has to be the one.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
👏🏼 great report and great newps. I didn’t know you bought the brown coin too!
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
Nice report. Pittsburgh...a very nice town.
Over the years, I’ve made some errors in my posts. While hopefully, there haven’t been too many, I have no doubt that this one was the most egregious, by far.😬 🫢 😕 😧 😩
Please pardon me and don’t have me banned.😬
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
All NEWP images updated in first post
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Todd, if you could only choose one as your favorite, which would it be?
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
That's a really tough question Mark. A good one though.
I think I like the look of the 31-117 the most for color, luster, surface quality and overall rarity (as in, if they all could look like that, I think I would be broke!) ...
HOWEVER ... as a "crack addict" I absolutely fell in love with the 10-109a ...
And I appreciate the general look and surface quality of the 11-110a (Lance did a fantastic job imaging that one) and the 12-102a (my color seems a little off - too "gray").
I really do appreciate them all, and although I'm not happy with my current image of the 32-105, it is much finer in hand (in my opinion). That coin escaped many of the shenanigan's over time.
The 23-104 in 55 has really nice, flashy luster with lots of neat die rust, and the 53cac has even better color and luster than Lance could capture.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Wow. With the better pics....holy cow man.
The '31 O117 is a friggin' jaw dropper.
The '32 O105 looks like one of those elusive MS58's.
The fields on the '23 O104 in 55 look like MS65 fields, good Lord.
Also, love the centering dot on the '23's. I'm a big fan of coins that show evidence of their creation processes.
Todd, I didn’t mean for the question to be easy to answer.😉
And speaking of answer, did you answer the question? If so, I can’t tell.😈
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Todd, it was a pleasure meeting you! Haha crazy night as well, can't wait for the next time! Beautiful Busties by the way, I am a fan of all of them.
It was also a pleasure meeting you too @Bikergeek! That was an absolutely phenomenal dinner. Thank you to everyone who was there, it was a great time.
Collector of Capped Bust Halves, SLQ's, Commems, and random cool stuff! @davidv_numismatics on Instagram
I brought coins for you to photograph and you said you weren’t good enough, then post these…
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
Great pics!!
Those 23-104’s are really fun to look at.
Tell us about the bumps above the date on the 55?
Die rust?
They seem to be gone on the 53… 🤔
Thank you ... again, @lkeigwin gets credit for the last three images.
Good eye, as always. As for the 23-104 in 55, yes, that is what I would call bumps from Die Rust. "Fresh" and pronounced enough to suggest an early striking from when the micro-pitting developed, as my speculation is the heat and "re-hardening" of the die from striking coins again tends to soften this look fairly quickly
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Ok... how do you get home and send you coins to Lance that fast?!? I am still at the airport!! By the time I get picked up by grandma and grandpa, I'll have been at the airport for 20 hours (storm delays🫠). The day started off with a groin pat down at security which was probably my bad luck 😆
It was absolutely fantastic to meet you, Todd, and many other forum members and non-forum members. I had a blast that will be in memory forever!
By the way your show report was very well written, great read.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
“Lots of energy on the floor, but in retrospect not a huge amount of fresh material. Later in the show, discussions of the general lack of better coins being offered took place between more than a few attendees.”
I completely agree with this statement. This was the stalest summer ANA in terms of material in at least a decade. An absolute ridiculous amount of foreign littered the entire bourse. Glad you found a few items of interest.
Great report and awesome NEWPs! Sounds like you had a great time. I unfortunately did not attend as I don't fly for shows but will be at the ANA when it's back in Rosemont next year. Hopefully we can meet up again there.
Collector
75 Positive BST transactions buying and selling with 45 members and counting!
instagram.com/klnumismatics
Thanks for the fantastic report.
"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
Great report and beautiful newps, Todd!
You did really well picking up that 1831 O.117 in PCGS 58…it sure has a nice layer of original crust on her, not to mention the 1832 O.105 as well….love that one as well.
I see you also picked up my 1810 O.109a and 1823 O.104 PCGS 53 CAC. I personally love the late die state on the 1810 with all the cracks fully formed. It wasn’t easy for me to sell that one but @jayPem was wise to grab that one a little while back from me. I’m glad it made its way into your set, Todd.
I bought the 1823 O.104 (along with the 1818 O.105 and 1829 O.118, also in MB 56) from an advanced collector who collected back in the 70’s and 80’s. I love the look of the toning on the 1823 O.104, along with its neat double profile.
It was a great show for me as well. I didn’t buy any coins, but was happy with the results of how my coins (Kings Park Collection) did in Sheridan Downey’s auction. Most of all though, it was great catching up with many of my BHNC friends and also meeting some cool new people such as @Pnies20 and @jacrispies.
Looking forward to seeing many of you again at the January FUN show!
Dave
Really nice read, thanks for sharing.
The 1811 in P58 is so deserving of a bean.
Aha!
Didn't know the Kings Park collection was yours Dave, way to go!
😀
I needed to pack up a few nice coins and send them off to new homes recently, unfortunately the 10-109 was among them... tough call but the cause is worthy.
More on that later, but I think that coin belonged I'm Todd's collection all along.... 👍
Terrific report! Thank you! And that comes from a person with only three bust halves.
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
Thanks @Nic !
It's not the quantity, it's madness they inspire in some of us!!
And you have some beautiful coins, I know.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Well done! 👍🏻
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
@pursuitofliberty
Thanks for the pics.
They are really nice coins.
Wayne
Kennedys are my quest...