My 2024 FUN Show Experience
Catbert
Posts: 7,295 ✭✭✭✭✭
I had an absolute blast at FUN.
I believe this trip was my most meaningful FUN show trip of many due to the variety of people met while also fully taking advantage of what the show offered me on many fronts! I will share what interested me:
Thursday events:
There is such an endorphin rush when descending the escalator heading into the FUN show. One knows there will be stimulating eye candy and the possibility of finding a coin that puts “a thrill up one’s leg” like Chris Matthews experienced when hearing Obama speak.
My first visit was to CRO’s table to see if there was anything there for which I had interest. Not so this time. Next up was Gerry Fortin’s table where I consigned a coin to Rich, reviewed auction lots for Gerry’s upcoming auction, and then saw a coin in his inventory I decided to buy:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/900659835
So, how does one take in 600 coin dealers? Methodically! I decided to scan tables starting in the middle working rightward. After several rows were done I came across an excellent upgrade candidate at Eye Appealing Coins. I worked a trade plus cash deal for this coin:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/900950183
After 3.5 hours getting through about half the bourse (I had very specific objectives so I did so quickly), I was exhausted and stopped to eat lunch in the back and then resumed my row by row review. Surprisingly, I did not see @WQuarterFreddie manning this booth:
The late afternoon involved Heritage lot viewing. This is always a great opportunity to relax and review lots of different coins. I particularly was interested in the Walt Husak collection of early large cents. I do love early copper, but these coins were outside of my humble collecting pursuits yet I saw this as a wonderful opportunity to see coins in hand that I could dream about owning Here are a few I videoed:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/900950483
Funny thing, that last one large cent pictured above I saw again the next day at lunch when the buyer showed me his new coin. Wonderful!
I also visited Great Collections to pick up a coin I had won in the Sunday auction of 12/31/23. I sent an email that evening asking if they could bring the coin to the show so I could avoid shipping fees. Raeleen answered my email on New Year's Day! Wonderful customer service!
The Husak live auction began at 5:00 pm and so I sat in the back to witness the introduction and the first few lots being sold. I then met up with @spacehayduke and @ldhair and @BillJones to go to dinner at the Capitol Grille. What an evening we had! Getting to spend time together after only conversing on the forum was quite a privilege. It was not only a very informative evening as we talked coins, but spacehayduke had a coin for me that he wished to sell – and, it was done!
Friday's events in my next post.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Comments
Friday events:
The objective for this day was not to buy more coins, but to continue to survey the bourse in case something compelling arose and to take in the exhibits.
I love seeing raw coins all jumbled together and imagining the old times where a hand few of these cents might be all that a common man worker possessed:
At Witter Coin, it was really enjoyable to see these old coin holders that came into their shop one day:
Over on one side of the bourse, Hansen had his Barber halves on display:
I then happened upon a dealer that had a few colorful proof Washies. This is a side collection for me that isn’t a priority for my collection goals. Temptation is hard to resist and I picked up these three anyway:
https://player.vimeo.com/video/900661936
https://player.vimeo.com/video/900663625
Lastly, I then visited the exhibit area. One is immediately impressed with the time and care taken to put these exhibits together. Here are a few pics from a couple of exhibits: (pics to follow)
The day’s conclusion was another dinner – this time with @DeplorableDan @FlyingAl @FloridaFaceLifter and a couple of other invitees. Great conversation!
So there you have it. I tried to capture my very busy two days of activity. It was truly FUN!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Thanks for the great report, Catbert. Gave me hankering for coins and olives...
Tim
Nice report. Thanks for sharing
Latin American Collection
Great report! I don't know how many times I can lament not meeting more great forum members but here I am again
We will connect one day Mr. lermish!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Thanks for the show report and taking videos of some amazing copper pieces. I like your Seated half dollar pickups; they had some great detail.
It sounds like you had a great time meeting up with other board members.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
Awesome writeup. Great coins, and great collecting company! All the ingredients for a lovely weekend!
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
Nice report
Thanks for sharing it
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
Love it, the show reports this round have been amazing!
Thanks for the write-up.
Thanks for your great show report.
Thanks for the report and pics. The VaultBox comment was super funny.
Wouldn't it be crazy if @NJCoin was manning the booth!
There was a bullhorn nearby with the initials NJ……
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Thank you for sharing your experiences! Nice seated halves to add to your collection!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Great report CB! I missed the VaultBox booth! Great vids of your pick ups and coin viewings.
Best, SH
Nice report! Pity we didn't run into each other.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Great report……loved to have been there.
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
Great to read.
That lime green toned Washington is a stunner!
Thanks for sharing.
peacockcoins
Sounds like a full few days. Wonder what that box that says "Fender" on it that is at the top of the large cent case contains. I know it must be guitar related.
Nice report
Nice one CattyB. Sounds like you did it right. Well done!
Nothing is as expensive as free money.
Good heavens, a lime-colored quarter?!!! When are you going to settle down and get serious with coins?
I'm glad we didn't meet, Catbert. Your pretty coins with their vivid color would have brought on a headache and puts my dark, corroded, no-date Newfy half to shame.
