If you are not sick of these yet-- another Baltimore show report...
Longacre
Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
My alarm clock rang at 4 AM on Friday. There are only two things that I will get up at 4 AM to do-- play golf (to be sure to get the first tee time of the day), and go to a coin show. (OK, I lied. There are actually 3 things, but since this is a family friendly board, I won't mention the third thing 
)
The flight to Baltimore was uneventful. I did not get mugged, robbed, or raped. The light rail ride was a little hairy when some suspicious looking characters got on the train at a certain stop. I just hugged my QDB "Coins and Collectors" book tightly, closed my eyes, and wished the tough guys would get off the train soon. They did, and I arrived safely. At one stop, some old guy, probably in his 60's, got on and he was bending this poor lady's ear about his coin collection and how he has a really nice collection of "pennies". This poor lady was trying to be polite, but you could tell that she had absolutely no interest in what the old geezer was talking about. I was thankful for the old coot, because if the tough guys had any brains, they would have rolled him, rather than the guy squeezing the QDB book in the corner.
There was a rather long line to get into the show. I arrived right at 10 AM. As I entered the auditorium, I could not believe how huge the show was. As soon as you walked in, front and center, was Julian Leidman's table. Usually, the dealers are given rickety plastic chairs to sit on. Not Julian. He had this brown, high back leather chair that he was perched in, in order to survey the numismatic horizon. His large display, right in the front, along with that crazy magnifying glass attached to his glasses, truly makes him look the part of the patriarch of the bourse that he is. I stopped by his table later in the day, and he showed me some nice gold. He is truly a gentleman and is definitely a people person.
Next it was time to make an overall pass of the tables on the floor, starting at the 100's. The first table that I stopped at was Coin Rarities LLC. I met Colonial Coin Union and Dave W. CCU seemed a little different from your average dealer. Beside being clean cut and well groomed, he seemed really down to earth and quite a studious man. He showed me a New Haven piece (that really was not minted in New Haven (see the previous discussion in another thread), and we talked about a few other things. Dave W. was busy, but we exchanged a few pleasantries and it was nice to meet him.
Next I remembered that I needed to return a book to Charles Davis that I bought on Ebay. The book was defective and he cheerfuly exchanged emails with me and asked that I return it to him for a replacement. Charles looks a little like the professor in the Back to the Future movies, and he was really nice. He took several minutes to talk to me about how books are made and bound together. It was really interesting.
I wanted to make sure that I had a chance to speak to Doug Winter, so I walked by his table a few times. Each time he was either on the phone (presumably buying and selling multimillion dollar rarities), or he had other clients at his table. I finally caught him during a free moment. I've met Doug before, and I buy almost all of my coins from him. Whenever I meet him, I don't feel as though I have a conversation with him. Rahter, it is more like a numismatic huddle. He is very easy going and he freely showed me several coins in his case. Of course he is an authority, and I always walk away with the feeling that I learned something. I showed him a quarter eagle that I bought from another dealer last year. I was so proud of myself when he said that the coin was really nice and if I could put together a set of quarter eagle that looked like this one, then I would be doing OK. He had some nice New Orleans quarter eagles for sale, and there was one that I was considering. Although it was really nice, I decided to pass at that point and see what the other 1000 dealers had.
Next it was on to the Gold Rush table where I met Al Adams. We had a really nice conversation. As I was leaving, he called me back and said that I shoud meet another of RYK's disciples who happened to come by. He introduced Barry to me. Barry was very pleasant, and somewhat younger than I imagined. He showed me a nice bust dime that he bought. We chatted briefly, and it was almost 12:30, the appointed time to meet others on these boards at the PCGS table.
I met a few others at the PCGS table, although I was not able to go to lunch with them. As I introduced myself, somone from the PCGS table overheard me and said, "which one of you is Longacre?". He introduced himself, but I do not remember his name. I guess PCGS people monitor the boards, too. Chabot510 came by and said hi. He is a nice young dealer and I viewed his inventory earlier. He seems to be a dealer with a lot of promise, and seems very honest. Among the other people I met was Tootawl. He is a rather tall fellow, and very friendly. I told him I could not come to lunch becuase I had already made plans to meet DaveG for lunch. Tootawl gave me a little ribbing by saying if I was meeting a girl for lunch, he would understand my blowing off the group. However, he could not understand how I would diss them for lunch with a guy. Obviously, Tootawl has never met DaveG, who is a rather handsome man.
Lunch with DaveG consisted of a turkey sandwich and some pasta salad with way too much oil. Dave brought several of his gold coins for me to look at, and I brought a quarter eagle to show him. It was a very pleasant lunch, and I am always impressed with the depth of Dave's knowledge. He is a very well read collector.
After lunch, I hit the bourse again. Now I wanted to get to the ANR table. As I approached, I almost did a double take. I almost forgot that there was a chance that my numismatic idol, QDB, was going to be at the show. In my entire life there are only two people who I clearly remember seeing for the first time due to their impact on me. The first was the hot redhead in my first class on the first day of law school (who, much to her chagrin, would become the future Mrs. Longacre), and the second was QDB at last Friday's show. I approached the table slowly, out of respect to the numismatic god. I made like I was looking at the coins in the case, as I slowly inched closer to the master. Everytime I tried to get close enough to say a word, some other groupie would come by and take up some of his time. At one point I was going to say hello, but QDB was typing something on his computer. I am sure it was some numismatic nugget of information for all of us mortal collectors. Just then, some dweeb came up to QDB and started talking to him. I guess QDB was in the middle of a significant thought, because he snapped his finger up, as if to say "wait a minute", and then finished typing the sentence. I literally almost started shaking in fear because I did not want to get the "wait a minute finger" when I finally got up the courage to speak. I figured this dweeb had something profound to say because he did not seem to care that he was interupting the master. He said something like, "do you remember me? I met you 20 years ago at an airport as I was putting your baggage on the conveyor belt. I shook your hand." Now, I think QDB was a little miffed, because there was a very awkward silence, and then he said that he didn't remember (who would?), but it was nice to meet him. I waited a little longer, and then I struck. I had a plan, rather than just interrupting him. I bookmarked a page in QDB's Coins and Collectors book, and I had a question all prepared to ask him about a certain item in the book. I rehearsed my question in my mind. Then, almost hyperventilating, I said a very weak "hello." To my amazement, QDB looked right up at me. I was almost as if he sensed that his biggest disciple was standing before him. I asked my question, and QDB very pleasantly answered it. Then I told him that I read his entire Commemorative Encyclopedia. He seemed somewhat pleased, and I asked if he is ever going to update it. He said he is considering it. I was so nervous at that point that I really garbled the words "commemorative encyclopedia", but QDB seemed to understand what I said. Then I thanked him, and I was ready to walk away. To my utter shock and amazement, QDB actually extended his hand and said it was nice to meet me! Imagine that!!
The rest of the show I traveled along the bourse. Overall, the show seemed strong, but there seemed to be a lack of material that I collect (mainly N.O. quarter eagles). I don't know where they all are, and the ones that are on the floor are dipped out garbage. I met several other dealers the rest of the day, like Andy Lustig (who is a very nice guy). I also met Cameron Keifer, who gave me a sample slab with a new nickel in it. I don't know if this has been reported yet, but Cam has a new girlfriend! He was also nice enough to give me grading opinion on a peace dollar that I bought. He seems like a nice young man.
I finally left the show at 5 PM, and other than almost missing the transfer on the light rail train, made it back to the airport. Dinner consisted of a Thai chicken burrito from California Tortilla at the airport (which tasted nothing like the Thai chicken that I ate in Bangkok). After dinner, my cell phone rang, and it was RYK. I gave him a personal update on the show over the phone. The rest of the trip back home was uneventful, and I arrived back at home at approximately 10:30 PM. It was quite a day.
)The flight to Baltimore was uneventful. I did not get mugged, robbed, or raped. The light rail ride was a little hairy when some suspicious looking characters got on the train at a certain stop. I just hugged my QDB "Coins and Collectors" book tightly, closed my eyes, and wished the tough guys would get off the train soon. They did, and I arrived safely. At one stop, some old guy, probably in his 60's, got on and he was bending this poor lady's ear about his coin collection and how he has a really nice collection of "pennies". This poor lady was trying to be polite, but you could tell that she had absolutely no interest in what the old geezer was talking about. I was thankful for the old coot, because if the tough guys had any brains, they would have rolled him, rather than the guy squeezing the QDB book in the corner.
There was a rather long line to get into the show. I arrived right at 10 AM. As I entered the auditorium, I could not believe how huge the show was. As soon as you walked in, front and center, was Julian Leidman's table. Usually, the dealers are given rickety plastic chairs to sit on. Not Julian. He had this brown, high back leather chair that he was perched in, in order to survey the numismatic horizon. His large display, right in the front, along with that crazy magnifying glass attached to his glasses, truly makes him look the part of the patriarch of the bourse that he is. I stopped by his table later in the day, and he showed me some nice gold. He is truly a gentleman and is definitely a people person.
Next it was time to make an overall pass of the tables on the floor, starting at the 100's. The first table that I stopped at was Coin Rarities LLC. I met Colonial Coin Union and Dave W. CCU seemed a little different from your average dealer. Beside being clean cut and well groomed, he seemed really down to earth and quite a studious man. He showed me a New Haven piece (that really was not minted in New Haven (see the previous discussion in another thread), and we talked about a few other things. Dave W. was busy, but we exchanged a few pleasantries and it was nice to meet him.
Next I remembered that I needed to return a book to Charles Davis that I bought on Ebay. The book was defective and he cheerfuly exchanged emails with me and asked that I return it to him for a replacement. Charles looks a little like the professor in the Back to the Future movies, and he was really nice. He took several minutes to talk to me about how books are made and bound together. It was really interesting.
I wanted to make sure that I had a chance to speak to Doug Winter, so I walked by his table a few times. Each time he was either on the phone (presumably buying and selling multimillion dollar rarities), or he had other clients at his table. I finally caught him during a free moment. I've met Doug before, and I buy almost all of my coins from him. Whenever I meet him, I don't feel as though I have a conversation with him. Rahter, it is more like a numismatic huddle. He is very easy going and he freely showed me several coins in his case. Of course he is an authority, and I always walk away with the feeling that I learned something. I showed him a quarter eagle that I bought from another dealer last year. I was so proud of myself when he said that the coin was really nice and if I could put together a set of quarter eagle that looked like this one, then I would be doing OK. He had some nice New Orleans quarter eagles for sale, and there was one that I was considering. Although it was really nice, I decided to pass at that point and see what the other 1000 dealers had.
Next it was on to the Gold Rush table where I met Al Adams. We had a really nice conversation. As I was leaving, he called me back and said that I shoud meet another of RYK's disciples who happened to come by. He introduced Barry to me. Barry was very pleasant, and somewhat younger than I imagined. He showed me a nice bust dime that he bought. We chatted briefly, and it was almost 12:30, the appointed time to meet others on these boards at the PCGS table.
I met a few others at the PCGS table, although I was not able to go to lunch with them. As I introduced myself, somone from the PCGS table overheard me and said, "which one of you is Longacre?". He introduced himself, but I do not remember his name. I guess PCGS people monitor the boards, too. Chabot510 came by and said hi. He is a nice young dealer and I viewed his inventory earlier. He seems to be a dealer with a lot of promise, and seems very honest. Among the other people I met was Tootawl. He is a rather tall fellow, and very friendly. I told him I could not come to lunch becuase I had already made plans to meet DaveG for lunch. Tootawl gave me a little ribbing by saying if I was meeting a girl for lunch, he would understand my blowing off the group. However, he could not understand how I would diss them for lunch with a guy. Obviously, Tootawl has never met DaveG, who is a rather handsome man.
Lunch with DaveG consisted of a turkey sandwich and some pasta salad with way too much oil. Dave brought several of his gold coins for me to look at, and I brought a quarter eagle to show him. It was a very pleasant lunch, and I am always impressed with the depth of Dave's knowledge. He is a very well read collector.
After lunch, I hit the bourse again. Now I wanted to get to the ANR table. As I approached, I almost did a double take. I almost forgot that there was a chance that my numismatic idol, QDB, was going to be at the show. In my entire life there are only two people who I clearly remember seeing for the first time due to their impact on me. The first was the hot redhead in my first class on the first day of law school (who, much to her chagrin, would become the future Mrs. Longacre), and the second was QDB at last Friday's show. I approached the table slowly, out of respect to the numismatic god. I made like I was looking at the coins in the case, as I slowly inched closer to the master. Everytime I tried to get close enough to say a word, some other groupie would come by and take up some of his time. At one point I was going to say hello, but QDB was typing something on his computer. I am sure it was some numismatic nugget of information for all of us mortal collectors. Just then, some dweeb came up to QDB and started talking to him. I guess QDB was in the middle of a significant thought, because he snapped his finger up, as if to say "wait a minute", and then finished typing the sentence. I literally almost started shaking in fear because I did not want to get the "wait a minute finger" when I finally got up the courage to speak. I figured this dweeb had something profound to say because he did not seem to care that he was interupting the master. He said something like, "do you remember me? I met you 20 years ago at an airport as I was putting your baggage on the conveyor belt. I shook your hand." Now, I think QDB was a little miffed, because there was a very awkward silence, and then he said that he didn't remember (who would?), but it was nice to meet him. I waited a little longer, and then I struck. I had a plan, rather than just interrupting him. I bookmarked a page in QDB's Coins and Collectors book, and I had a question all prepared to ask him about a certain item in the book. I rehearsed my question in my mind. Then, almost hyperventilating, I said a very weak "hello." To my amazement, QDB looked right up at me. I was almost as if he sensed that his biggest disciple was standing before him. I asked my question, and QDB very pleasantly answered it. Then I told him that I read his entire Commemorative Encyclopedia. He seemed somewhat pleased, and I asked if he is ever going to update it. He said he is considering it. I was so nervous at that point that I really garbled the words "commemorative encyclopedia", but QDB seemed to understand what I said. Then I thanked him, and I was ready to walk away. To my utter shock and amazement, QDB actually extended his hand and said it was nice to meet me! Imagine that!!
The rest of the show I traveled along the bourse. Overall, the show seemed strong, but there seemed to be a lack of material that I collect (mainly N.O. quarter eagles). I don't know where they all are, and the ones that are on the floor are dipped out garbage. I met several other dealers the rest of the day, like Andy Lustig (who is a very nice guy). I also met Cameron Keifer, who gave me a sample slab with a new nickel in it. I don't know if this has been reported yet, but Cam has a new girlfriend! He was also nice enough to give me grading opinion on a peace dollar that I bought. He seems like a nice young man.
I finally left the show at 5 PM, and other than almost missing the transfer on the light rail train, made it back to the airport. Dinner consisted of a Thai chicken burrito from California Tortilla at the airport (which tasted nothing like the Thai chicken that I ate in Bangkok). After dinner, my cell phone rang, and it was RYK. I gave him a personal update on the show over the phone. The rest of the trip back home was uneventful, and I arrived back at home at approximately 10:30 PM. It was quite a day.
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
0
Comments
Sounds like fun.
<< <i>I just hugged my QDB "Coins and Collectors" book tightly, closed my eyes, and wished the tough guys would get off the train soon. >>
What a loser!
Nice report... good thing I'll be in Baltimore NEXT weekend
Remember that skit on SNL with Sting and that guy in the elevator? That's what you don't do
Uh, and one that Mrs. Longacre would probably be better off not reading.
Jerry
i like how you add humor to your well thought out descriptions
of events.
i enjoyed reading it. thanks.
QDB is a humble dude.
The QDB part made this the most entertaining report I've ever read on these forums!!
<< <i>I literally almost started shaking in fear because I did not want to get the "wait a minute finger" when I finally got up the courage to speak. >>
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
You twit!
You forgot to ask him when it would be possible for him to autograph your (his) book!
I remember meeting QDB for the first time when I was 12 ot 13 years old in 1965 or 1966. I do not recall where but it was somewhere in New York or Connecticut or Massachussetts.
He was my idol as well having read his weekly report faithfully in Coin World since 1961. I used to run to the mail box every Friday afternoon hoping to get a jump on reading his column. But he was not yet the patriarch of the coin hobby. he was still the BOY WONDER of numismatics.
I remember my having the same sweaty hands and stuttering speech when meeting him since I never realized he was the age of a "big shot College aged fellow" (he was probably in his mid to late twenties).
I thought he was still a "teenager" before I met him!
So Longacre, I understand exactly what you felt.
As an aside, it might make you feel better to know that I am the only numismatist to ever to have stumped him, Hall, Halperin, etc. in the Collectors Universe Stump the experts about 5 years ago!
who QDB is.
i will assume he is a gentleman who has collected all his life
and has written many books about the subject.
is there something more i should know about the character?
If you can survive Philadelphia, D.C. or New York City, then Baltimore isn't such a big deal in terms of safety issues.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
who QDB is.
fc,
Longacre is going to have chest pain when he reads the quote above.
Q. David Bowers, Numismatic Director for American Numismatic Rarities, is perhaps the best-known and most noteworthy numismatist of the last 50 years. Beginning in 1953, Dave’s contributions to numismatics have continued uninterrupted and unabated to the present day. His work with rare coins is so voluminous and so extraordinary that he was named by CoinAge magazine as one of the “Numismatists of the Century.” Dave’s dedication to the hobby and his lifelong interest in rare coins, along with his pursuit of scholarly knowledge, have made him one of the most honored and revered numismatists of all time.
Dave is the only person to have served as president of both the Professional Numismatists Guild (1977-1979) and the American Numismatic Association (1983-1985). From the PNG, he received their highest honor, the Founders Award, and from the ANA, Dave has received its two most distinguished awards – Numismatist of the Year and the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award. He has lectured at Harvard University and appeared on The Today Show as well as on programs on CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, the Discovery Channel and the History Channel.
Dave is the most prolific numismatic author of our generation, having produced more than 40 works, mostly written in the field of rare coins, including the ANA Centennial History, History of United States Coinage (for the Johns Hopkins University), Adventures with Rare Coins, the two-volume Silver Dollars and Trade Dollars of the United States, and A California Gold Rush History. More of Dave’s books have won “Book of the Year” honors from the Numismatic Literary Guild than have those of any other author. From the Professional Numismatists Guild, he has received the coveted Friedberg Award a record seven times!
During his illustrious career, he has catalogued and sold at public auction many of the finest and most valuable and important collections ever assembled. They include the Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. Collection, the only complete United States coin collection ever brought together, the Harry W. Bass Jr. Collection, the Ambassador and Mrs. R. Henry Norweb Collection, the John Work Garrett Collection sold by order of The Johns Hopkins University, as well as several thousand other significant properties.
to understand the godlike status after reading that short bio.
argh... i want that book now.
a cali gold rush link
Nice meeting you too, Mike. When I first saw you, you reminded me of my younger brother who happens to be a tax attorney, too. Must be the job that makes your hair fall out
Too bad you and DaveG didn't join us for lunch. It would have been nice to meet him. I always read his Parsippany reports and even think about going to one, one of these days, but it's just a little too far for a local show for me.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
<< <i>The first table that I stopped at was Coin Rarities LLC. I met Colonial Coin Union and Dave W. CCU seemed a little different from your average dealer. Beside being clean cut and well groomed, he seemed really down to earth and quite a studious man. >>
Er, thanks. I guess.
as if !
(I bow before the Master!)
Frankly, I've met QDB a couple of times and I still haven't actually asked for his autograph!
Oh, and those "tough guys" on the train? They were most likely going to the American Physical Society meeting that was in the other end of the convention center. I never knew that Physicists looked so much like Hell's Angels!
All that talk about Cameron's girlfriend and you didn't mention Chabot's girlfriend?
Check out the Southern Gold Society
(I bow before the Master!)
DaveG,
Have no fear. You are still the Master.
Longacre's report, which included elements of comedy, suspense, danger, and romance, when combined with all of the pre-show angst and uncertainty, should win him a CU Forum Oscar™. Nonetheless, you are still our Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
I hope I get to meet CCU in Atlanta.
<< <i>All that talk about Cameron's girlfriend and you didn't mention Chabot's girlfriend?
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
It was great to meet you too! Terrific show report. I laughed, I cried, I clutched my chest in fear.
You definately get my vote for, "Show Report of the Year". I hear Steven Speilberg has just optioned the rights to it.
A couple of those comments made me smile. John A. (a.k.a. Colonial Coin Union) and I were lusting over Julian Leidman's chair at the start of the show. It was there before dealer setup even began. We were trying to figure out how it got there. Does he buy a new one for every show, then throw it away at show's end? Is there a "Chair Fairy" involved? Perhaps we'll never know, but he is a guy who truly deserves a throne. A real Prince of a guy.
Re your comments about Dave Bowers. I've gotten to know him fairly well over the years, and I'm still a tongue-tied groupie. That guy cranks out books like nobody's business. And -- they keep getting better, with more careful & original scholarship with each successive book.
And yes, John A. IS a clean cut guy NOW. But you should have seen him the day before the show opened -- nose ring; beard & hair down to his belt; tattoo on his forehead that read, "Born to Buy Colonials". But he cleans up well.
Rgds,
Dave W.
PS: Next trip, try to split a cab to and from the airport. It isn't worth getting bopped on the head and being relieved of your coins. That isn't likely, but it is possible. Think of the $25 cab ride as cheap insurance.
<< <i>
<< <i>All that talk about Cameron's girlfriend and you didn't mention Chabot's girlfriend?
Which one of you said that??? I think she made more sales than I did! Suprisingly, there were only a couple of dirtbags hanging around our table for quite awhile oggling.
Nice show report! It was nice to have met you as well.
My report will go up tommorow!