Marathon Darkside Rendezvous in the Windy City

1jester

Well, I just got done with a very memorable, mind-numbing show-and-tell with our resident Dark Mouse, aka MacCrimmon. Although such a meeting is sure to fry one's synapses with sensory overload, I highly recommend it for those who have a chance. We spent nearly 36 straight hours (with a few short breaks for luxuries such as food and some shut-eye) going over some of the highest quality stamped disks known to man (and rodent). I can't even go into detail due to the sheer volume of high-quality pieces, but I can say that I've never been privy to such a show this side of the British Museum. In fact, it's safe to say that one could never hope to see more lustrous, toned, perfectly-struck coins if one were to have the money and patience of Eliasberg or Wybrit. We've all seen the outstanding photography of Mac and Darkhorse on some of these pieces, but pictures simply don't and can't do proper justice to these little pieces of numismatic history. Has anyone ever seen a beautifully toned, perfectly struck 1840 proof shilling or finest known, as-struck 1697 tanner with proof-like surfaces and luscious toning? How about an unimaginably perfect 1887 2 pound Vicky piece--perfect luster, perfect strike, flawless surfaces, seductively toned and completely void of imperfections? What about a fiery-red 1773 half penny or 1856 half-penny immersed in the most incredibly shocking iridescent blue-green colors? Well, you get the picture. Actually, only part of the picture--it seems PCGS has a penchant for punishing the poor wee mouse with spitefully low grades of 64-67 when in reality virtually all of them were seriously undergraded.

Happy collecting!!

laurentyvan

Fueled by your description, my imagination is all agog!

Great burst of enthusiasm 1jester-now Mac will have to re-image everything to satisfy visual demand. Great post! Congratulations Mac on some beauties.

1jester

Yes, Laurent, we're waiting!! Also, I didn't realize my description was so enticing; my eyes and mind are wasted and it's hard for me to come up with the proper words to describe the mini coin-fest.

I forgot to mention: Thank you Mac for allowing me the opportunity!!

laurentyvan

How long are you here for? Not windy enough for you behind the "curtain"?

1jester

"Here" for the weekend, but in the greater "here" for Thanksgiving weekend. The curtain calls soon enough.

SYRACUSIAN

Wow, I look forward to such a meeting myself, that is if we both manage to make it to this year's FUN. Of course, I can't ask the man to carry his collection around for me. Excellent post Jester, happy staying in the US. Did he happen to show you any of his Swiss beauties too?

FilamCoins

Sounds like fun!!

I've had similiar mind-blowing, into-the-wee-hours-of-the-morning sessions with you know who and his all-time finest Philippines!!!

Safe travels.

coinkat

Have fun in the Windy City...

cosmicdebris

Someday I will have to darken the church mouse's door.

MacCrimmon

<< <i>In fact, it's safe to say that one could never hope to see more lustrous, toned, perfectly-struck coins if one were to have the money and patience of Eliasberg or Wybrit. >>



Ah, such poetic license. If I had the money of an Eliasberg, I would perpetually be in private locations, unknown; and, I'd have really, really, really nice coins. BTW, the few baubles I have pale to the breadth and quality of Wybrit's vast numbers of fine date-runs.

Jester, after reading that bit about the 1840 PF (?) shilling, the Willy tanner, etal., I think you could get a job as a numismatic cataloger for some fine, established auction house in the U.S. Think about it!!! Coins, all day, every day.

Well, even if your kind words are a bit of a stretch IMHO, the bit about seeing a coin in the flesh vs. the very best digital images (Darkhorses, not mine really) is so very true, and exactly why we can't really proffer a grade assessment of simply an image.


Laurent, I'll do my best to post a few better images now and then.



<< <i>Did he happen to show you any of his Swiss beauties too? >>


Dimitri, yes he saw some very nice Swiss treasures which glisten, and glow-in-the-dark - - - they kinda have a Greek aire to them too.....


Cosmic, call in advance for reservations. .......and, bring Mr. Conder and all his babies.

Lastly, have a nice Thanksgiving reunion and celebration.

cosmicdebris

<< <i>
Cosmic, call in advance for reservations. .......and, bring Mr. Conder and all his babies.
>>



Is 5 minutes advanced notice enough

As for bringing the little darlins with me you'd have to darken my door to see them.