Went to a local coin show today.

Gilbert

The most significant event(s) that I noticed was that a favorite dealer friend of mine was loaded with consigned high grade coins in SEGS, PCI Gold, ANACS VAM slabs. Believe it or not, there were some outstanding coins in those SEGS and PCI slabs and not many where I would question the grade. Of course I asked him why he was using SEGS and PCI so much, and he responded that they were consigned, as they wouldn't be his preference either. He also agreed that a great many of the assigned grades were not out of line. I felt like most would cross to PCGS or NGC slabs. My only problem at the show was/is, since they were consigned, there was no bargaining to be done AND the owner had most of the desirable VAMS attributed and of course wanted VAM premium money. Now there is nothing wrong with that; an owner should know his wares, but, for me the "cherrypicker", there were no cherries to be picked. Only exceptionally baked full priced slices of cherry pie. I'm depressed.

BigD5

Did you pick anything new up anyhow? I have a dealer friend that always has raw consignment material. I either don't agree with the assigned grade, or the price is too high for what I think the coin grades. Out of 2-3 boxes of coins, I may end up with 2-3 pieces. It can be a bit frustrating, but looking through boxes of coins ain't so bad. Big show, little show? Busy, dead? Let's get the lowdown!!

Gilbert

No BigD

I unloaded a bunch of raw material that was just accumulating, but, I just couldn't bring myself to part with the retail and above prices, particularly since most of the coins weren't within my collecting goals. That was primarily my intent; get rid of the odd stuff so that I could get re-focused on my Franklin halves, 1878 (P) Morgan varieties and a bust half every now and again. One half was a 1807 50/20 graded and priced AU; I saw it as XF and there is a tad bit difference in the money. Of course, it was a consigned coin, so there was no compromising. Saw a very nice 1878CC and 1878 R78 in MS65, both looking like they may cross from SEGS to PCGS, but again both at retail and not within my goals. Don't know about you guys, but $700 +/- is a bit much for me to spend on a coin that doesn't quite fit in my collection. Numerous coins caught my eye, but as I've already alluded to, my eyes are much larger than my budget. There were many other dealers, regulars for the area, who I don't do much business with for personal reasons; as a matter of fact, one guy has the very same PCGS 64 1878 doubled tf that I've seen in case for the last 3 shows - still refuses to accept less than retail for it though. Problem is it is a common 7/8, a PCGS weak variety but he insists on the rarer variety premium. The most enjoyment was being invited behind the dealer's table (the first guy I was talking about) where I spent about three hours going through most what turned out to be consignments. So I left with him making inquiry as to if there is any wiggle room on the 78-CC, a VAM 4 8tf and the 1878 VAM100 (R78 I mentioned), while he asked me to keep an eye out for a few coins. Problem is, he can't get back until after Long Beach. We need a larger full time dealer here in Harrisburg PA.

BigD5

"my eyes are much larger than my budget." Is there a coin collector where that statement doesn't come into play? I suffer from the same disease.
There's a dealer at my local shows that always has quite a few Buffalo nickels.......the same ones month after month!!!! He won't budge. Not a penny. Every week I smile as I walk by asking him if he's ready (I've already made reasonable standing offers for the coins), but he just shakes his head no. At some point, I would imagine, cash flow issues would come into play, but I guess not.

Pushkin

Interesting post Gilbert,

I also have a few really nice IHCs in SEGS slabs and a couple IHCs and FEs in OLD PCI slabs that are accurately graded or even a point overgraded. I like to go to shows and try to cherrypick nice coins in those slabs.