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San Antonio Coin Show Report 17 November
Barndog
Posts: 20,515 ✭✭✭✭✭
when I woke up this morning, one of the first things I did was read the Friday report on the coinraritiesonline web page. Reading that report got me excited for the possibilities at the 50-dealer (?) show near my home. The Alamo Coin Club held a show at the Live Oak Civic Center today and I was there for the 9:30 opening. I visited every table more than once in the 90 minutes I was at the show. Primarily, I was looking for capped bust half dimes, raw or slabbed, to add to my collection. A secondary goal was to see if I might find some AU-MS certified coins for my type set. There was one quality half dime on the floor -- an 1834 LM-3 (common die marriage) that has been dipped, but is still lustrous, and graded AU-58 (raw). The coin has been in the same dealer's case for about three years, touted as the "3 over inverted 3" Redbook variety (which it is). My set piece is a much more original PCGS AU-58 that cost me lots less than the price of this coin (asking $380). The rest of the very few bust half dimes on the floor were unimpressive. I found none that were certified. I found zippo insofar as certified type coins are concerned either. I looked at a PCGS AU-55 Trade Dollar, but passed due to negative eye appeal. I passed on an inexpensive PCGS MS-62 Texas Commem (it was a very blah-looking white coin). I left the show empty handed, which is no fun. I did see richardshipp and got to meet his parents, so that was the highlight of the show for me. I sure do look forward to FUN 2008!
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Empty handed, BUMMER !
- Marcus Tullius Cicero, 106-43 BC
Have fun at FUN
First show I've ever been to where I couldn't find anything to buy
Steve
more and more.
<< <i>More money to spend at FUN! >>
Or in my case, the Money Show of the Southwest in two weeks
Steve
I loved the show... I found 6 RPMs and a DDO.
Steve
In memory of the USAF Security Forces lost: A1C Elizabeth N. Jacobson, 9/28/05; SSgt Brian McElroy, 1/22/06; TSgt Jason Norton, 1/22/06; A1C Lee Chavis, 10/14/06; SSgt John Self, 5/14/07; A1C Jason Nathan, 6/23/07; SSgt Travis Griffin, 4/3/08; 1Lt Joseph Helton, 9/8/09; SrA Nicholas J. Alden, 3/3/2011. God Bless them and all those who have lost loved ones in this war. I will never forget their loss.
One dealer had the latest Rare Coin magazine on his table with the 4 proof presidentials on the cover, but no presidentials, except for raw madisons he was selling for $1.25 each. A little old lady asked to buy some for her grandkids and he said sure, $1.25 each maam. I asked her if she had the Jefferson dollar, and when she said no, I pulled out what I had and sold her $6 for $6. I told her very nicely, infront of the guy, that I was glad to see her taking an interest in the new coins, and that she should be able to buy these directly from the bank for face value. The dealer had told me earlier, before she had shown up that people were fools to get coins graded, and no way he was looking at presidential dollars as they were just junk. I found that attitude quite frequently at the show.
I also overheard one very loud show person that they were considering raising the admission fee to $2, because at $1, all the non serious riffraff lookyloos were clogging up the place, and dealers need serious buyers. He was positive that a $2 admission would accomplish that goal, and keep the trash out. I felt sorry for the people walking around, knowing that we were all riffraff for looking at the coins and not buying at each table.
One dealer told me that a guy came in with a PCGS First Strike Pr70DCAM Washington dollar, the dealer told him it was worth $4, and all this grading was for the birds. He said the guy left all pissed off--no wonder.
I was not impressed by the quality of dealers at the show-there were a few nice guys, there were a few nice coins, but man, you really had to look for them.
We cruised around and as my parents aren't "into coins"; I'd suggested that they leave their money in their pockets. I wasn't really in a position to add anything of note but thought I'd see what I could find and I also wanted to pick up a little silver. Lots and lots of raw coins to be found; most of the slabbed stuff looked familiar. One guy still has the same 1853 half (Anacs) that I've eyed for quite a while but I just can't pull the trigger on.
I didn't see anything of note in the early commems.
I finally decided to just get some silver and go; so I started seeking the best price on a roll of silver eagles... wow... pricing was all over the place 15.75 ea to 17.00 ea by the roll. Anyway I ended up not buying any ASE's and instead just bought one Sunshine mint 10 oz bar from a guy I know because I like him.
I did have one moment of adrenaline rush... I looked up ahead of me and to my fright saw my Dad; he had pulled cash out of his wallet and was handing it to a dealer, so I rush over and ask him what he's doing. He said here and hands me a coin. He says this is for you and that way you will never forget what year I was born... He hands me a pretty nice 1936 Washington Quarter in a small flip. The coin is marked XF and looks to be an easy XF with that nice original look to it. He wouldn't tell me what he paid for it but the flip was marked $8.
Anyway it was a good time but nothing to add to the sets I am building. I'll always keep my Dads quarter though.