Where the 'Showdown' really succeeded

shylock

PCGS's Indian Cent Showdown, and whatever they wind up calling it in the future, may have had the outward appearance of a "contest" that makes many of us uncomfortable, myself included. I came away from it with a much different impression.

When sets sit side-by-side, comparison is inevitable. But the Showdown really succeeded on two levels that had nothing to do with competition: 1) collectors were able to enjoy an incredible number of great coins, many they may never see again. 2) it brought specialists of this series together for a day or two, many who never would have met otherwise. #1 was expected. #2 was more of a surprise, and the shared knowledge, interesting stories and sharp wits will be my longest lasting impression.

I happened to read a thread in rec.collection.coins that totally missed the mark about this whole thing. A recap of Long Beach made a side note of the PCGS display, making light of it as a 'gimmick'. Usually when marketing works we call it a concept and when it falls flat on its face we call it a gimmick. But call it whatever you like -- the traffic at the table, the newly listed IH registry sets, and the resulting publicity worked brilliantly for PCGS. For the rest of us, it was a unique opportunity to enjoy a few Monets of the copper world in good company.

DIMEMAN

I totally agree with you Paul. I didn't get to see the "showdown" myself, but it wasn't because I thought it was a bad idea. It was just to far from me. I hope to make it to a LB or FUN show someday, but right now I just make the midwest shows. Silver Dollar is next week, can't wait.

There will always be some who badmouth the intentions of events like this, but what I've seen and read on the forums it was a sight to behold.

I like any event where you get to see coins that otherwise wouldn't be possible.

I, for one, appreciate all the work done by everyone envolved and hope to see others in the future.

Jon

IrishMike

Paul, you are right on the mark. The showdown didn't make me uncomfortable in the least. The coins are what they are and it was a great benefit to collectors who were able to see them and thanks to your efforts we at least got to see the pictures if we couldn't attend.

If these showdowns are handled with class, dignity and humbleness it would further collecting even further.

Lakesammman

Couldn't agree more - I expressed reservations in this forum about the registry before the showdown. I am now a enthusiastic supporter, not only because of the great time we had there but because of the excitement it caused in new/old collectors alike. It is a boon for collectors in particular and for the hobby in general. I collect only IHC's and FE cents but can't wait for the next showdown, no matter what the denomination is!

As Shylock said, it was a great time to see coins, stand there in awe, meet people and make contacts. The only thing that could have been better was if the coins had reasonable pricetags on them....

I hope everyone can get to the next one, wherever it is.

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS

People have been exhibiting their coins at the ANA competitively since I've been attending ANA shows.Yet at the PCGS "Showdown" there were NO prizes or ribbons nor plaques.And the best thing was that anyone that wanted to see any of the coins could hold any coin in their hands.Isn't it amazing why there is all this paranoia about exhibiting their collections alongside other collections of the same type.At the ANA exhibits it is usually impossible to meet the exhibitor.Not so at the PCGS "showdown".

Stewart

merz2

Paul
I wasn't there but feel as the rest of you do.It was a great success.Anytime something brings together so many of the finest coins in a series,that anyone can examine is great for the hobby.