RYK's EAC Convention Report: April 27, 2007 (updated, April 28)
RYK
Posts: 35,800 ✭✭✭✭✭
I returned this afternoon and spent a few more hours at the EAC convention, entirely on the bourse. The bourse was held in the same large ballroom that houses the local 120 table shows, so this 50 table event seemed rather empty in comparison. That said, the activity on the bourse seemed lively with many coins trading hands. One observation I would add is that I saw a total of two collectors who picked out half cents from a case to look at them (compared to dozens of large cent collectors). If there is an area in early copper that is underappreciated, it has to be half cents.
For me, the highlight of any coin show is meeting with other collectors and forum friends. I met Hoot early on, and he gave me some great perspective and information and nearly goaded me into buying a terrific Chain cent from Doug Bird. It was a problem-free coin on a really nice planchet. I did some of the calculations in my head--then immediately remembered the big hole that used to be my backyard--and realized that Mrs. RYK could not be denied at the expense of a 214 year old piece of base metal!
I also met 1798CentCollector (Dave), who was set up to sell coins, Regulated who showed me one of the coolest, most storied gold coins I have seen in quite some time, CoinRaritiesOnline (Dave Wnuk) who showed me some very interesting pieces of all metals, James Garcia (EarlyUS--former Jade partner) who had the wildest MPL I have ever seen (and I almost bought a Lincoln!
), and Pistareen, who is clearly wise beyond his years. I heard that BillJones was running around the floor, but did not get to see him.
I also met up with a collector whom I know from several previous shows. Last I saw him, he was at the Atlanta pre-ANA buying a piece from the Duke's Creek sale. We both looked at each other and simultaneously said, "What are you doing here? You don't collect copper!" He, of course, was right, and I was dead wrong. I forgot that he own a SP-65 Chain cent and an MS-68 Red Wreath cent, as well as the finest known 1793 Liberty Cap cent (ex-Garrett?). (I know he reads these boards, so I apologize if I am off with the numbers) Heck, maybe I am off enough that it will convince him to sign up and post!
I ended the afternoon at 1798CentCollector's table and, on the sage advice of Pistareen ("If you don't know what you are doing, just spend a lot of money on things that you like and go home and learn about them."), I purchased two coins: one, of course was a 1798 large cent S-165 R4 and the other was an 1837 N4 R2 tied for #10 on the Condition Census and ex-James Stack. Don't bother asking for photographs because I am afraid to take the coins out of the envelopes!
For me, the highlight of any coin show is meeting with other collectors and forum friends. I met Hoot early on, and he gave me some great perspective and information and nearly goaded me into buying a terrific Chain cent from Doug Bird. It was a problem-free coin on a really nice planchet. I did some of the calculations in my head--then immediately remembered the big hole that used to be my backyard--and realized that Mrs. RYK could not be denied at the expense of a 214 year old piece of base metal!
I also met 1798CentCollector (Dave), who was set up to sell coins, Regulated who showed me one of the coolest, most storied gold coins I have seen in quite some time, CoinRaritiesOnline (Dave Wnuk) who showed me some very interesting pieces of all metals, James Garcia (EarlyUS--former Jade partner) who had the wildest MPL I have ever seen (and I almost bought a Lincoln!
), and Pistareen, who is clearly wise beyond his years. I heard that BillJones was running around the floor, but did not get to see him.I also met up with a collector whom I know from several previous shows. Last I saw him, he was at the Atlanta pre-ANA buying a piece from the Duke's Creek sale. We both looked at each other and simultaneously said, "What are you doing here? You don't collect copper!" He, of course, was right, and I was dead wrong. I forgot that he own a SP-65 Chain cent and an MS-68 Red Wreath cent, as well as the finest known 1793 Liberty Cap cent (ex-Garrett?). (I know he reads these boards, so I apologize if I am off with the numbers) Heck, maybe I am off enough that it will convince him to sign up and post!
I ended the afternoon at 1798CentCollector's table and, on the sage advice of Pistareen ("If you don't know what you are doing, just spend a lot of money on things that you like and go home and learn about them."), I purchased two coins: one, of course was a 1798 large cent S-165 R4 and the other was an 1837 N4 R2 tied for #10 on the Condition Census and ex-James Stack. Don't bother asking for photographs because I am afraid to take the coins out of the envelopes!
0
Comments
<< <i>One observation I would add is that I saw a total of two collectors who picked out half cents from a case to look at them (compared to dozens of large cent collectors). If there is an area in early copper that is underappreciated, it has to be half cents. >>
I take it you've never been to the regional EAC meetings held in Baltimore. Back when I attended those, it often seemed like half cent central. (And half of them seemed to be named Ed.)
Certainly, on average, there are less half cent collectors than large cent collectors. Then again, there are also a good deal less half cents than there are large cents. Grabbing some numbers (hopefully pulling them out of my memory rather than elsewhere) I think there are about 100-200 half cent variety collectors (plus many more by date or by type), and 100,000-150,000 half cents in total.
Ed. S.
(EJS)
<< <i>If you don't know what you are doing, just spend a lot of money on things that you like and go home and learn about them >>
As scary as the advice is... I love it.
Buy what you like... from people you can trust to make their cut and treat you well.
<< <i>Don't bother asking for photographs because I am afraid to take the coins out of the envelopes!
I'm disappointed. We were hoping that after EAC you'd be grabbing a hammer and freeing all of your other coins. Not worrying about envelopes.
Ed. S.
(EJS)
<< <i>
<< <i>Don't bother asking for photographs because I am afraid to take the coins out of the envelopes!
I'm disappointed. We were hoping that after EAC you'd be grabbing a hammer and freeing all of your other coins. Not worrying about envelopes. >>
No way, dude. I was told that I could harm the MS coin by breathing on it, and that I should put the coin in the liner in such a way, then in the cotton pouch, then in the envelope and fold everything a certain way. I am afraid I might screw it all up if I take them out.
How 'bout some pics.
Capped Bust Half Series
Capped Bust Half Dime Series
Also, thanks for the personal show report via my cell phone this afternoon!
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)
<< <i>Great report. Did you buy a copper brush for your MS cent? You must brush early and often.
Also, thanks for the personal show report via my cell phone this afternoon! >>
Dave told me not to brush the MS coin. The 1798 in VG came with a 30 year/30,000 mile warranty which includes service during the warranty period. Rod Burress has a table and was selling supplies, including but not limited to, copper brushes, and I strongly considered dropping $8 or so and buying you one as a gift.
Have Mark shoot some loverly images of your nekkid copper, and you won't have to worry about lookin'.
Oh yeah, you should at least do an 1816 to 1839 Matron date run in CC#10 or better.
I had to miss EAC this time, darnit
My OmniCoin Collection
My BankNoteBank Collection
Tom, formerly in Albuquerque, NM.
<< <i>the sage advice of Pistareen ("If you don't know what you are doing, just spend a lot of money on things that you like and go home and learn about them.") >>
I find that this strategy works just as well for all significant purchases in life, not just coins.
I was just by DB's case and the chain is gone -- I hope you were the one to get it.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
<< <i>To RYK
I was just by DB's case and the chain is gone -- I hope you were the one to get it. >>
I did buy the Chain cent.
I returned today, with my son, to check out the Chain cent and let him see some cool coins. We were both very pleased with how receptive the dealers were toward him. One even gave him a VF details 1838 1c from his case ("Boys of '94"). EAC members are top notch.
Yes, and after much deliberating and negotiating with Hoot (not DB), I purchased the Chain cent. I have always wanted one, and this one was just right.
1798CentCollector was beaming about his new purchase (I will let him post about it).
Pistareen showed Jack and I some very impressive colonials from the upcoming Stack's sale. John is clearly a top-notch guy. Bright, enthusiastic, and personable. If every dealer were like him, there would be no need for dealer flame threads.
Jack and I both had a great time at the show today.
Thanks for the report..and congrats on the chain cent!
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)
<< <i>Picture please
I'll get to that as soon as possible.
;-)
I did purchase a coin that I anticipated would never become available. The opportunity was a fluke. It is a 1798 S-183, an R5 coin ( graded by Noyes as a 45 net 40 Average Plus coin) and the second highest graded S-183 in the Condition Census. I was actually shaking from writing the check and not the joy of the purchase. That will come when the jitters die down. I'll post a picture with additional information, including a show wrap up from my perspective when I get home and settled. BTW several of the the Reiver Electrotypes went for very strong money (relative to what many EACers woyuld have expected) in the auction.