Showdown at FUN

BJ

With the success of the Indian Cent Showdown at Long Beach, we have decided to hold another showdown at Florida's FUN convention in January. I'm looking for ideas. Which series do you think should be next? Should we hold an online poll during the event or was the feedback from the show sufficient?

Also, if you own a top set and would like to participate in a showdown either in January or in the future, let me know that as well.

Please post your feedback here or email me directly. Thanks!

goose3

I was kinda hoping you would throw something together for Baltimore....maybe the Spring '03 show possibly. I'd like to be present for one of these showdowns.

My vote is for buffalo nickels in baltimore '03!!!

BJ

Goose,

One show at a time. More than likely we will do a showdown at the ANA, but first things first! I do appreciate your suggestion, however.

CarlWohlforth

I was very pleased to see the Indian Head Cent showdown in LB!

I doubt I'll make it to FUN so probably shouldn't vote.

I would like to see High Desert's type set, but since Swan sold part of his set there is little competition.

I think Morgans or Mercury dimes would be popular!

I'd also like to see Buffalo Nickels as well as Trade Dollar Nut's proof Trade Dollars.

EVillageProwler

BJ,

Will you allow non-registered sets to compete? This will allow the CU registry to prove the quality of its sets in competition with all comers. Then, you can say ``finest'' with greater justification.

EVP

BJ

EVP,

The PCGS Set Registry and everything we do for it is for PCGS graded coins only. However, anyone who has a set that is unregistered, who believes he/she could compete with any currently registered set should contact me. This is exactly what happened with Stewart Blay's Indian Cent set. His set wasn't registered, but he believed it to be the best. He contacted me about the showdown. I agreed to put the showdown together and he agreed to register his set. As you know, the rest is history. Stewart registered his set which landed in first place and the showdown occurred between the top three registry sets.

PTVETTER

Great idea!

I know it's lots and lots of work for the PCGS staff and, I for one wish to complement you and your staff.

Typetone

BJ:

I know this would add cost, but I would recommend flying some of the participants down and putting them up as PCGS's guests. Let them stay by the table most of the time and answer questions.

My choice would be nickels. One competition for Buffalos, one for Liberty Nickels. In Buffalos, it looks like there are several sets that are almost equal and all spetacular. In Libs, I would put my set up against the #1 set. Also, there is a mystery set out there which is at least the equal in grade of either, and maybe higher. While the collector is unknown, perhaps the well-known dealer assembling it could be enticed to represent it. Thinking of CS, but could also do a proof class depending on space available and interest.

Greg Samorajski

lordmarcovan

I agree with Carl- being mostly a type collector, I would love to see the High Desert and/or Walser collections. As to what to have in the showdown, I don't know what to suggest- I suspect you'll need to go with two or more nearly-matched sets from a popular series, like you did with the Indians.

I love Indian cents, and that was a good choice, but don't forget us type collectors- a type set can be more visually interesting than the sameness of a set comprised of identical-looking coins.

Maybe a type set showdown is not feasible at this time, but how about Mercury dimes? Those guys seem really competitive, and it's a popular series. I don't collect Mercs myself, but it was a humble VG 1936 Mercury dime in a drawer at my grandmother's house that launched me into numismatics, 26 years ago this fall.

I think I am on the brink of starting a Registry set of proof 2 cent pieces, but that's not exactly one of the bigger, more competitive sets on the Registry- at this time, it looks like there are three people doing it. At least I'll be able to make my debut in the Top Five, LOL.

Whatever you choose, I'll be there at FUN, watching with interest.

If you ever decide to host a showdown in raw, holed coins, I'll be the top contender. I will be a "walking exhibit" at FUN. It would also be amusing to see the Braddick collection of MS ("Mighty Slick") coins!

SportsModerator2

Oh My!!!
You mean I might get to see the infamous Holey Coin vest in person!
I can't wait!

MastaHanky

How about a Sacajawea showdown?

OK, maybe not.

I'd be interested in seeing an early commem showdown. The 50-piece type set has six sets that are complete with an average of over 65.00.

I'd also be interested in Buffalo nickels, although I'd much prefer that one to be held at a show that's closer to me. Maybe you can wait until the ANA show is in Salt Lake City again (it only took them 16 years last time).

wondercoin

"Also, there is a mystery set out there which is at least the equal in grade of either, and maybe higher. While the collector is unknown, perhaps the well-known dealer assembling it could be enticed to represent it"

Greg: I'll check with the collector and see if he is interested in having his PCGS unregistered MS Liberty nickel collection participate in such a "showdown". Speaking of nickels, displaying MS Jefferson nickel collections would be another possibility. I am looking into that possibility as well.

Wondercoin

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

I vote for the guy with the holey coin vest.

B.J. - Speak to Greg Roberts and ask him if he will register his clients type set.........and if anyone thinks High Desert has the Best type set.........ain't seen nothing

Can I assume Carol and B.J. will continue to woo the crowd ?And I will not forget Gayle

Stewart

SportsModerator2

Right now it's Carol and BJ.
If we can get someone to take over in the office for Gayle she will replace me at the showdown.
(and I just got invited to pleasure island...what's that?)

We'll see as we get a little closer to the event.

Keyrock

Would it need to be a show down? There are some phenomenal sets that may be in a class of their own and the competition would pale in comparison (i.e. Trade Dollars etc...)

Rich

SportsModerator2

I think showdown is generic at this point.
The only true showdown was Stewart's.
It has to be, I burned all my western shirts this weekend.

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

Carol

I would love to hear what your wearing.........unless ......

never mind
Stewart

a2labmom

My vote goes to Mercury Dimes or 3 Cent Nickels. I will be at the show and would love to see some sets and people in person.

merz2

BJ
You know what my answer is I'm sure.Lincoln Proofs rule!!!!!!

SportsModerator2

Behave Stewart..I have the power to make it so you can't post anymore
BTW, why isn't the penny in you icon red?

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

I'll agree to participate in a Lincoln cent proof showdown with Don Merz,Doug Wright and any closet registry collection

Stewart

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

Or I will challenge the Law collection to a Barber Dime Duel

Stewart

merz2

Stewart
You and I both know I can't compete with your set.But I'd send mine just to represent one of the top five,and to show that I'm not ashamed of mine.You and doug have the premiere sets and you both have the complete 1909-1958,while I don't.

SportsModerator2

No duels...much to messy to clean up.
Play nice tonight.

Adios Amigos!

PTVETTER

I thinking about bathing suit showdown for the PCGS girls.

SportsModerator2

hmmm..

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

Carol is DEFINITELY ALL WOMAN

I WILL CHALLENGE ANYONE TO A LINCOLN CENT SHOWDOWN AT


FUN IN 2009

Stewart

wondercoin

"BTW, why isn't the penny in you icon red?"

Carol: Lay off my aluminum Indian cent! It means a lot to me


Wondercoin

DMWJR

Well, I get off the board for a little while and I almost miss this one. Of course I would be glad to put my Proof Lincoln Wheats up at the FUN show.

As far as a drawing card, I don't think it really would be one. It would be nice to have a major set on display with the Lincoln Proof's as a second set. It's such a short set it wouldn't be hard to have at the show. With another collector or two out there, THE top coins could very well be produced. I would like nothing better than to see both 1936 PR67reds compared, as well as several others. (And who's going to dress up like Mary Todd?)

As for the "major" set, I would think a type set, Morgan, or Winged Liberty Dime sets would be very nice choices.

Coppernicus

Just putting my 140 cents worth in here - I simply must see the Lincoln wheats - c'mon Stewart, let us see 'em!!

Coppernicus (Mike)

dbldie55

How about one of the modern series. A nice clad showdown should go over great, that is what is popular now (well that is what I read here). You can do dimes, quarters, halves or dollars (cents are kind of clad now, should add memorials to the list). Should be a pretty display, very popular.


Left out nickels since they are the same composition as the 1866 Shield and the same size/composition as the 1883 Liberty.

PQpeace

MORGANS AND PEACE Dollars.
I am in !
Larry

BJ

Wow. I'm sure getting a mixed bag of opinions on this one which tells me that I could hold showdowns for years to come! I'll try to accommodate everyone, but it may take a few shows down the road before your wish comes true. What I do clearly see is your enthusiasm, which I truly appreciate.

SportsModerator2

Wondercoin - I would never make fun of your coin.

WalkerGuy

Walkers would make a nice option. There are alot of sets registered, and I'd love to see the Cajun set that can't be viewed on line. I only know 3 guys with Walkers that participate on the forum, but several fo the specialty sets are within striking distance of none can get any better. There are some terrific colored collections also.
Would love to see the Trade Dollars, doesn't hurt my eyes as much squinting.
Dick Graham

dpoole

I would LOVE to see Stewart's Lincolns! If he wants to delay it until 2009, I MIGHT be able to show with him, if he keeps helping me, that is!

If not, I'd sure enjoy looking at some high-grade Buffs.

Carol--Lord's holey vest is something to behold.

Of course, I'd like to see the Three Cent Nickel proofs, because there are some REALLY nice sets in the group (Bruce Scher comes to mind). But I know that the series is not widely popular, like the Lincolns and the Buff Nickels.

Either way, I'll be there to see it!

PTVETTER

I would like to see Walkers and Mercury dimes, I believe they are the two most beautiful designed coins oj the 20th century.

segoja

Let's see some of the modern sets. Seems like this is a red hot part of the market, so getting more attention could very easily get more folks interested in the hobby...a good thing for all of us.

I'll vote for the IKES. Glad to display my set!

The IKE King!!!

DMWJR

I can do Roosevelts:

1946-1964 MS Set #2
1950-1964 PR Set #3
1965-2002 MS Set #2
1965-2002 PR Set #4

I think I'm the only one with all of the Roosies since 1946 in a Registry Quality Set. Any takers?

Legend

Sorry to be a puss Stewie, but the LAW Collection of Barber Dimes will NOT come out to play. My customer has better things to do than worry about if his set is #1 (which if he registered everything it would be). He doesn't even follow that stuff anymore. You must respect that HE IS A VERY PRIVATE PERSON.

I am also uncomfortable with these showdowns (even though many collectors appreantly love them) for many reasons. Not all collectors collect to show off or for the glory or being #1. If owning something quietly brings them personal happiness, so be it. I have respect for that.

Laura Sperber
lsperber1@hotmail.com

IrishMike

Laura, all I can say is amen. Not to rain on anyones parade, I think the IHC showdown was terrific. But I see a little bit of juniorhighish bravado rearing its heads. One last comment, have some of you guys never seen a woman before, yeeesh.

dpoole

If you can't rear the head of junior high bravado at our age in coin collecting, where CAN you?

And anyhow, what's so especially "mature" about amassing a group of little pieces of metal, and then hiding them from everybody?

Just asking...

IrishMike

dpoole, that would be the card collectors.

RELLA

Stewart,

2009 FUN show sounds like a great time to display Lincoln cents. With a bit of luck I'll have a complete MS set (Wheats and Memorials with varieties) by then and would love to participate also. My set probably won't even make it back to the top ten by that time, but so far I don't have any coins in there that I'm ashamed of.

RELLA

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

Laura - I am sorry that the Law collection does not want to come

Out and play.Perhaps one day Mr. Law will come out of

of the closet ?

Irish Mike - Junior High School bravado ? What do you do for fun ?

Did you make it to the "Showdown"

Stewart

Legend

Stewart,

No Mr. Law will stay private. He's been a collector for at least 35 years and doesn't care for the hype or competition. All he cares about in his life is owning the best possible-whether coins or whatever.

Maybe one day I'll build a set in something we can finally knock heads on. Unfortunately, many of my customers don't care to ever register their sets.

Laura Sperber
lsperber1@hotmail.com

IrishMike

Stewart, unfortunately I did not, I am and was overwhelmed right now at work. I plan on attending FUN, hopefully to purchase a few IHC's and FE's, as I have been collecting them since 1956 and am the proud owner of a third generation set. From Paul's photos, it is obvious you have an eye for quality.

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

Unfortunately,many of my customers don't care to register their sets

Laura,

We have assembled as many registry sets as anyone

Is this not an oxy-moron?This is what you said.....think about it

Perhaps if Trade Dollar Nut persuaded you to come out and play some of your present and potential customers can see some of the coins you sold................and I've seen you buy some incredible coins.

Stewart

scher

I am with Laura on this one..Mr. Blay there are plenty of "oldtimers" with super sets out there..gotta respect these guys. I have personally learned alot from em and am still amazed at the coins i have been shown that have no interest what so ever in "coming out of the closet".. to each his own..
Bruce Scher

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

Mr Scher

Do you not register some of your sets ? You are indeed a set registry participant.You are also a client of Legend.Are you saying that you have no interest in taking your coins out of the closet ?
Would you consider participating in a "Showdown"

I also know many old timers who have NO slabs and have no reason to register their sets.......and their collections are worth tens of millions of dollars

I am trying to bring Laura out of the closet so the collections will follow..........and your not helping me

Stewart

Keyrock

All things being equal, shouldn't the sets be viewable too?

Rich