FUN Show Report.

golden

I left home on Wednesday at dark too early to catch a plane to Orlando. There was the heaviest fog that I have seen in several decades. Since I had a lot of points, I decided to fly AA which meant that I would have to change planes in CLT. There was very heavy fog in CLT also. When we took off, I looked back and saw the entire area covered in fog except for 15-20 of the downtown tall buildings rising up through the fog. It was the coolest thing that I have ever seen. I arrived in Orlando at 10 AM. I picked up my checked bag and headed to the rental car counter to get my car. I went to Applebee's for lunch. After lunch I checked in at my hotel and took a short nap. I had a burger for dinner and went to bed at 9 PM.

On Thursday morning I arrived at the convention center at 9:15 AM. It cost $21.30 to park. It was $10 two years ago. I quickly got my name tag and found a seat to wait for the 10 AM opening. There were hundreds waiting to enter.

I first went to see David Kahn. I sold him the only coin that I for sale. I next went to see Ed at Emporium. I sold him the only currency that I had for sale. I had sold both in 10 minutes at my price.

I then started in aisle 400 looking to find something that I needed. I soon saw an 1807 Half Dollar in PCGS AU 58. It had been dipped too much and looked washed out. I passed. I said hello to Kenneth Goldman and Dan Decker. I saw two $20 Type Three's in PCGS AU 58+ at two different dealers. One had a small scratch on the cheek and a planchet void ( as made ) in the hair. The other had a long scratch in the left obverse field. I passed on both.

At the far- right side of the room there was a long line at the U.S. Mint booth. There was also a long line at the PCGS booth. I suspect that someone was paying people to do both.

At 3 PM I went to look at a few auction lots at Heritage. I always like to look when I can.

I then started at aisle 100 to finish the last 3 rows. I soon saw an 1802/1 $5 in PCGS AU 58. It had a nice strike and a cool reddish color like that it had spent a little time in a leather pouch. The price was ok, but it was not my primary focus. I wanted to finish one pass of the floor first to make sure that there was not something in my primary focus. I soon finished the first pass and went back to take another look at the $5 gold.

I took a very close look at the coin. After contemplating it for a while, I stepped up to the plate and purchased it.

I had pizza for dinner. I then went to the hotel to watch the CFP game.

Friday morning, I got to the convention center at 9:30. When it opened, I went to drop off one coin for Messydesk to image. I said hello to Harry Jones, Grant Campbell and Liz Coggan. I looked at the exhibits. I loved the National Bank Note exhibits from Kentucky and New York. There were several other very nice exhibits.
I checked out the concession prices. They had Orange Chicken and rice for $19 and a Pulled Pork sandwich for$15.25. Not for me.

I saw Ben Franklin and General Robert E. Lee walking around. David Kahn had an original half ( 10 ) roll of 1880 CC Morgan Dollars in an old paper roll from a Carson City bank. It was in a Heritage Auction about a decade ago. Very cool! I picked up my coin from Messydesk.

I went to Red Lobster for dinner. I then went back to the hotel to watch the CFP game.

Saturday morning, I checked out of the hotel and drove to the airport. I turned in the rental car and went to the gate to wait for my flight on SWA. The last part of the flight was a little bumpy. I arrived home just at dark. It was 48 degrees. Quiet a drop from the 82 in Orlando.

Although I only purchased one coin I had a great time. I will try my luck in the auction next week.

Catbert

Wish I had a chance to meet you! Maybe next year. Nice report.

Proofmorgan

Nice report! Post some pics of your new coin.

pcgsregistrycollector

Very nice report. Would love some pics. Crazy prices for both the parking and food though!

Walkerguy21D

Nice report, thanks for sharing your experience.
I posted a thread on the 1880CC dollar roll Friday morning, along with some pics.

lermish

@Catbert said:
Wish I had a chance to meet you! Maybe next year. Nice report.

+1

pcgscacgold

Thanks for the report.

2ndCharter

I loved the National Bank Note exhibits from Kentucky and New York.

Glad you enjoyed my Exhibit.

BLUEJAYWAY

Sounds like a complete trip. Very well defined.

safari_dude

@2ndCharter said:
I loved the National Bank Note exhibits from Kentucky and New York.

Glad you enjoyed my Exhibit.

I enjoyed the exhibits also. Some pretty awesome notes/errors/history on display! Very well presented too I might add!

Inspired70

@golden great report! Thanks for taking the time to put it together. Wish I could have been there this year, but sounds like the hobby is thriving with great attendance and strong prices.

RichieURich

Nice report, thank you for posting it!

RedRocket

When you stated there were long lines at the PCGS booth and you suspected someone way paying them to do so, what did you mean?

Walkerfan

Glad you had a good time. Thanks for the report. I always enjoy reading them.