ANA Show Report 8/7/24 (added report for 8/8/24 -in comments & bottom of original post)
U1chicago
Posts: 6,016 ✭✭✭✭✭
Here are my observations and thoughts from the ANA Show.
~Arriving a little after the 10 AM opening meant the line to get tickets ($10 per day or $25 for all days for non-ANA members) was fairly short and there was no buildup near the entrance
~Minted Assets were giving out a free coin specially made for the show at their booth (#730) and they should have some for a few days. I think this is a pretty cool design and you can’t beat the price!
~The bourse is large and there seemed to be more dealers than last year (I did not check the numbers to verify). There were plenty of people walking the show and certain tables were busy. I liked that there was a world mint section. It is a bit disappointing that most were not selling anything at the show-just advertising so that you can buy online. At previous ANA shows (I want to say circa 2015), I was able to buy some cool coins from the Austrian Mint and the mint in Ukraine. The US Mint was also present (I recall there was a thread on the CU forum a month or so ago mentioning that they had not yet been confirmed as having a table).
~Gold spot has decreased about $100 from its high point last week but dealers were below spot for US bullion. I had a ½ oz Spouse and the person I have normally sold to was not interested. I did end up finding a smaller dealer that offered $40 under (so $80 per oz/ ~3.5% under). I figured it was a good time to cash out of a coin I didn’t have much attraction too and turn the funds into something for the collection.
~There was plenty of gold and silver on the bourse but I did not notice many deals/fervor (I could have missed it of course but it did feel like some previous shows had more affinity for metals). Platinum, as usual, is even scarcer on the floor. Only a few dealers carry any and I’m guessing the drop in price over the last week has further diminished the prospects of much activity (which is too bad in my opinion since the platinum coins, especially some of the proof Eagles, have some nice designs).
~Buying can be a challenge since nice coins are priced strong (and this show was no different). I’m willing to step up for the right coins but a few that I liked were in moon territory. A very nice common date MS 62 high end toned Morgan was just one example-it was priced at $2k. This same coin was $1,600 at Central States (in May of this year), so the price is going up! Now it was with a different dealer but I’m not sure if a sale has happened in between or if it is just on consignment. I was willing to pay crazy money for that coin but not that crazy!
~Luckily I did walk away with two cool coins (photos to follow at the bottom). One was a nice reverse toned CAC slabbed Morgan. Having seen some other dealer prices, I figured this one would be in that range. I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be fairly priced (probably half of what others would ask and within the margins of what I could expect to pay if it were auctioned at a place like GC, eBay, or Heritage). The other “coin” is a toned Dan Carr Society of Silver Dollar Collectors overstruck Peace Dollar. It’s a toned version with only 12 made. I liked the color and enjoy Carr’s work, so this was a fun addition.
~Selling was a process but overall I was satisfied with the results. Like usual, it took showing items to multiple dealers before the right deal was reached. Several dealers passed or offered quite a bit less than I expected but I usually found someone who met my price (or close enough to make the deal). I was able to move several toners that I had upgraded in my collection or optimistically stretched on previously (that turned out to not fit my eye appeal threshold). I did let go of one Morgan that I still liked and would have kept but it helped seal a multi item deal at a price that was fair to both the dealer and me.
~Random item inserted to see if anyone is still reading: did the soap in the bathrooms smell odd to anyone?....ok back to your regularly scheduled programming…..
~I found the exhibits interesting. My favorite was one that showed the periodic table of elements via coins. I have seen something similar before but this exhibit used a tantalum coin from Kazakhstan (one of my favorite world mints), so that pushed it to the top. The Norfed display caught my eye too (I also found out that NGC started grading these in 2023). And the one with information about the PCGS Regency slab was back (saw it at a previous show). It had some cool items that included the original price sheets and order forms.
~There were more world coins at this show than Central States (as expected) but I still have not found that one person who has a silver proof from Uzbekistan that I need for one of my sets (I did not expect to find one either). There did not appear to be many pick/junk bins either. I recall seeing two (Central States seemed to have more). I know people like these as it’s a fun way to find something on a budget but it also does not make sense for most dealers to carry these with them (unless they are local and can drive).
~I did not see many oddball slabs. There were some small white Anacs holders, several SEGS slabs, multiple PCI, and even a few of the photo slabs/photo certificates but nothing super scarce. In terms of PCGS/NGC, many tables have some PCGS rattlers and occasionally someone has an NGC white label (2.0/2.1). GreatCollections had a set of NGC 1.0 black label slabs on display (not selling) and some PCGS prototypes (rattler and Regency) that are being auctioned.
~Overall it was a fun show and any day one gets to spend around a ton of coins is a good one in my book
Here is the CAC Morgan (MS 63):
And here is the free giveaway coin:
An update from my second day, 8/8/24, at the ANA
~Again there wasn’t much of a line to purchase tickets or a crowd to get in a little after the 10 AM general entrance time.
~I tried my luck at the NGC contest. This year was different than previous times. Instead of a pure grading test, there were three portions. Part 1 had general trivia questions, part 2 involved identifying coins, and part 3 was grading. I don’t want to give much away since the contest is still ongoing but for me there was a combination of easy and harder parts (some of which would be easy for those people that collect a certain region that I don’t know much about). Everyone who partakes gets a free participant slab and the winners will get some prizes (grading credits, etc).
~ Having mostly sold what I wanted yesterday, I decided to bring a few more coins today. These were more of a test of the market. I liked all of them and was only willing to sell at strong rates. As expected, only one coin sold after several efforts. With some others it seemed like a few dealers were close but did not think they could make enough on the coins to seal the deal. I was ok with that and happy to keep those coins. One I thought looked very nice under the show lights and I questioned why I was selling it. Of course I can’t keep them all if I want to continue to get upgrades, so sometimes sacrifices are made on nice coins in order to get even better ones.
~In terms of buying, I was focused on finding a world crown that had great eye appeal and a design that I liked for under $1k. I saw some decent items (Mexico, Central American Republic, French Indochina, Japan) but nothing that stood out. Either the prices were more than I wanted to spend or the coins were just average (yet still priced strong). I did not want to overpay just to get something.
~As mentioned yesterday, I’m also on the hunt for a coin from Uzbekistan. I came very close-Tajikistan! And it was priced at the $100 mark that I like. Unfortunately it wasn’t the right country (I already have a coin I like from Tajikistan and the design on this one wasn’t as captivating).
~I did find several US toned coins to buy in a combo deal. I paid a little more than I wanted for one but the others I was actually able to resell later at the show to effectively get the one keeper closer to my desired price. A little extra work paid off!
~I’m not one to shy away from a coin in a details slab if I like the look and it’s priced right. I saw one such Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS had called it UNC questionable color. I think the color is a toss-up but I liked the look. The dealer wanted 4,500 for it. That is in the MS 64-65 price range. I understand that the dealer thinks it is natural but that is the kind of price where you really need to get it in a straight graded holder.
~I ran into some people from Instagram and was able to talk/look at coins with one of them. Sometimes I’m super focused on the mission of hunting out something to buy or sell so I don’t stop to talk much. I also feel like it isn’t the best to take up extensive time, especially at a table, when others are waiting to buy/sell. I have been in that situation where it took a long time and I had to leave a table where there was something potentially interesting.
~I verified and the soap still smelled odd! It wasn’t me either since the soap at a fast food place smelled much better!
~Some dealers I have completely given up on and don’t think I will stop by again. I have not been able to reach a deal buying or selling after years of trying. One annoyance is those that say top prices paid or buying all coins and they pass without even listening to a price. Bonus points to those that have prices that are multiples of what I’m asking yet they can’t make any money at my prices (maybe they need to lower their spreads and move some of those coins).
~Kudos to the dealers that pass on coins gracefully. I understand a deal can’t always be made and some are good at being nice about it.
~I saw one Compugrade holder today! It said NFS (not for sale). It wasn’t a rarer version. All are tough but this was a Morgan with a grade that is seen occasionally, 64.3 (it is not on the list that Lakesamman needs so it can’t be that rare!).
~The show wasn’t packed today but there were plenty of people there. It will be interesting to see what total attendance turns out to be. Although I don’t think this show will set any records, it should still see decent numbers.
~Well two days are in the books and it was fun! Hopefully others that went enjoyed their time too and everyone else got a little taste from reading the reports.
Comments
And the Carr:
@braddick tidbit: one of the exhibits made me think of you. It had elongated cents from a zoo in Oklahoma City. Included was a picture of a peacock similar to an avatar you have used on here and eBay (I did not take a picture of it).
Great report. Thank you
Wonderful report!
"~Random item inserted to see if anyone is still reading: did the soap in the bathrooms smell odd to anyone?....ok back to your regularly scheduled programming….."
I recall the smell of soap that would have been dispensed at gas stations back in the 70s. You would push up on the bottom plunger of the dispenser and the soap was often an odd pink shade.
Although it's been over 50 years, I can still smell that soap in my mind and would imagine it was close to what you experienced!
Back to the report. . . I am in love with that "1988" Peace dollar.
peacockcoins
Excellent summary. Thank you for taking the time to share it.
Please forgive the rhetorical question, but I have to ask. What did the soap smell like?
Here is another that would make a nice addition to the silver you own!
peacockcoins
Thanks for that outstanding report.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I very much enjoyed the regency holder exhibit also. Nice report!
Chopmarked Trade Dollar Registry Set --- US & World Gold Showcase --- World Chopmark Showcase
Since you asked, I will oblige with a reply.
).
I can't quite describe it but the closest comparison I can think of is mildly fishy (no hint of mustard though
It's funny how certain smells stick with you over the years!
As far as the "1988" Peace Dollar, it certainly captured my attention in the case. This was someone that I imagine knew about Dan Carr as he had close to 20 slabs (with only a few duplicates). There was one other color toned token (Carr's own design on both sides) but that one was more expensive and not silver. I believe it was copper and looked like the image below:
I did find that one while searching on eBay (as well as the untoned Silver MS 70). I'm trying to stick to toned examples for Carr items (just happen to like them more than untoned-although I do make an exception for Carr's 1964 Peace Dollar, which I like untoned).
The dealer that you describe I believe is a member here…but I’m forgetting their name at the moment!
Thank you for the nice writeup. As one that could not attend, it is nice to hear from ones that did.
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, thanks for taking the time and effort to share your experience.
Thanks for the nice report
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Finding Carr items is a hit or miss affair. Sometimes there are a several dealers that have them and other times you don't see any. If the show is in Colorado, your chances go up (especially if Dan has a table). This show had two or three dealers with some Carr items that I saw (maybe others had some tucked away where I did not notice them). The best finds tend to be dealers that have one item that they don't know much about. There was one instance like that for me several years ago (the dealer probably assumed it was fancy bullion and had a premium on the Carr piece but it was lower than one would have to pay on eBay).
An enjoyable read. Thanks for your effort.
thanks for taking the time to write your report, I really enjoyed reading it this morning over coffee!
Thorough report, thanks, and cool pick ups👍
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
Meaty report!
Thank you.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Great report, thanks for sharing @U1chicago!
Thank you for the great report!
Nice reading, thanks.
An update from my second day, 8/8/24, at the ANA
~Again there wasn’t much of a line to purchase tickets or a crowd to get in a little after the 10 AM general entrance time.
~I tried my luck at the NGC contest. This year was different than previous times. Instead of a pure grading test, there were three portions. Part 1 had general trivia questions, part 2 involved identifying coins, and part 3 was grading. I don’t want to give much away since the contest is still ongoing but for me there was a combination of easy and harder parts (some of which would be easy for those people that collect a certain region that I don’t know much about). Everyone who partakes gets a free participant slab and the winners will get some prizes (grading credits, etc).
~ Having mostly sold what I wanted yesterday, I decided to bring a few more coins today. These were more of a test of the market. I liked all of them and was only willing to sell at strong rates. As expected, only one coin sold after several efforts. With some others it seemed like a few dealers were close but did not think they could make enough on the coins to seal the deal. I was ok with that and happy to keep those coins. One I thought looked very nice under the show lights and I questioned why I was selling it. Of course I can’t keep them all if I want to continue to get upgrades, so sometimes sacrifices are made on nice coins in order to get even better ones.
~In terms of buying, I was focused on finding a world crown that had great eye appeal and a design that I liked for under $1k. I saw some decent items (Mexico, Central American Republic, French Indochina, Japan) but nothing that stood out. Either the prices were more than I wanted to spend or the coins were just average (yet still priced strong). I did not want to overpay just to get something.
~As mentioned yesterday, I’m also on the hunt for a coin from Uzbekistan. I came very close-Tajikistan! And it was priced at the $100 mark that I like. Unfortunately it wasn’t the right country (I already have a coin I like from Tajikistan and the design on this one wasn’t as captivating).
~I did find several US toned coins to buy in a combo deal. I paid a little more than I wanted for one but the others I was actually able to resell later at the show to effectively get the one keeper closer to my desired price. A little extra work paid off!
~I’m not one to shy away from a coin in a details slab if I like the look and it’s priced right. I saw one such Capped Bust Half Dollar. PCGS had called it UNC questionable color. I think the color is a toss-up but I liked the look. The dealer wanted 4,500 for it. That is in the MS 64-65 price range. I understand that the dealer thinks it is natural but that is the kind of price where you really need to get it in a straight graded holder.
~I ran into some people from Instagram and was able to talk/look at coins with one of them. Sometimes I’m super focused on the mission of hunting out something to buy or sell so I don’t stop to talk much. I also feel like it isn’t the best to take up extensive time, especially at a table, when others are waiting to buy/sell. I have been in that situation where it took a long time and I had to leave a table where there was something potentially interesting.
~I verified and the soap still smelled odd! It wasn’t me either since the soap at a fast food place smelled much better!
~Some dealers I have completely given up on and don’t think I will stop by again. I have not been able to reach a deal buying or selling after years of trying. One annoyance is those that say top prices paid or buying all coins and they pass without even listening to a price. Bonus points to those that have prices that are multiples of what I’m asking yet they can’t make any money at my prices (maybe they need to lower their spreads and move some of those coins).
~Kudos to the dealers that pass on coins gracefully. I understand a deal can’t always be made and some are good at being nice about it.
~I saw one Compugrade holder today! It said NFS (not for sale). It wasn’t a rarer version. All are tough but this was a Morgan with a grade that is seen occasionally, 64.3 (it is not on the list that Lakesamman needs so it can’t be that rare!).
~The show wasn’t packed today but there were plenty of people there. It will be interesting to see what total attendance turns out to be. Although I don’t think this show will set any records, it should still see decent numbers.
~Well two days are in the books and it was fun! Hopefully others that went enjoyed their time too and everyone else got a little taste from reading the reports.
Here is the coin from 8/8/24
There is a strike-though on the reverse; it's not a scratch)
Great report. Spent the day there today. Met up with many forum members at a local bar/restaurant after the show.
Nothing came home with me but I was able to drop off my latest batch of Dan Carr stuff at ANACS. They are always so nice to work with.
The Norfed exhibit was nice. I did find the dealer with a good run of Dan Carr items but nothing I needed.
Successful BST with BustDMs , Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino (CBH's - 37 Die Marriage's)
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
Appreciate you taking the time with your excellent daily reports - enjoyable read!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Great reports! Thanks for sharing!
Informative report!
Yes, I too notice the lack of people.
Well from my one day visit, anyway. Thursday.
Maybe Friday, will make up for that?
I'll be in attendance.
That Carr Peace Toner is magnificent!
Did anyone notice the "Halogram" coin, I think from the Lithuania table?
Very cool presentation and coins!
From them.
Great Report, thanks 😊
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.Do you remember the year or what else was on the coin? Lithuania's mint makes coins for several countries and they had the honeycomb from 2018 that they made for Latvia on display. That one was popular and has increased dramatically.
Too bad you missed some of the cheap deals on membership that were around at the beginning of the summer. $5 for the year and it would have saved you $20 in admission!
ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
Thanks for your report.
I figure the $20 makes up for never paying for membership (that is my contribution to the ANA
).
And for those wondering about my prowess as an NGC triathlete, I ended up being #36 out of 200 with a 74% accuracy (hey it's a passing grade
).
Thanks for your report.