In my industry, to be somewhat PC, our major industry association moved our largest conference to Boston...in the middle of winter. In the past 5 years it was in Vegas 3 times and Orlando twice. So far, the three largest sponsors have dropped out, and they're offering half-price registration to people who will still go.
If your going to pick one site on west coast and one on the east coast, then make it Anahiem, CA and Baltimore, MD
Look-- Anahiem convention center is across the street from Disneyland and is very safe , hotels are plentiful and within safe walking distance and plenty of places to eat. Its at at a confluence of freeways and everyone in Southern California and the country knows where its at and has taken their kids there. They are not afraid to come there and may even bring the family! I live in Socal and this was my first trip to downtown LA in 8 years! Downtown LA is a place many of us avoid. I heard that LA convention center was $40k to $60K cheaper to the ANA than Anahiem according to the dealer rumors I heard. So I guess it was a money thing, but alot of east coast dealers did not come to LA., so I guess that money was lost.
To say that FUN or any other show is better than the ANA is not valid.
This year's ANA show in LA suffered from a few things:
1. The economy- We don't need to go into this. I believe that Laura's comments are not accurate. California is in a bad way and that reflects on the local populace.
2. Possible safety concerns-parts of LA are, I am sure, dangerous. The area around the convention center was very pleasant with lots of good restaurants (Palm, Morton's, etc). I agree that the hotels should have been more accessible and if the coin show had been here next year instead of this year, you have a JW Marriott and a Ritz Carlton about to open next door, it would have been better.
3. Lack of numismatic population. At least 2/3 of the serious numismatists live in the east, so eastern shows, by definition, are going to be better. Fewer people are traveling due to the poorer economy.
The ANA has so much more than any other show:
1. Largest show of the year!!! The most bourse dealers, the most attending dealers, the most foreign mints, the US mint, the BEP are just a few!
2. Constant seminars and forums run for the education of both the general and numismatic public. Most specialty clubs have their annual meetings.
3. Major auctions, both during and before the show.
4. Virtually all serious numismatists attend.
This year's convention was largely disappointing due to the overall economy and California's economy. The ANA must schedule these events years in advance. There is just no way to predict!
PNG member, numismatic dealer since 1965. Operates a retail store, also has exhibited at over 1000 shows. I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
California economy is one fo the main reasons attendance was down? ROTFL!!!!!!!
This is L.A.!!!!!!!!!!!
We budget by flying to south america instead of europe.
buy diesel instead of gucci (clothing brands)
buy ribeye instead sirloin
There's plenty of $$$$$$$$ still here. There is no excuse for such poor attendance!! As a show promoter it is there job to bring in the public!
Your power is in your dollar. I will not renew my membership or attend another A.N.A. show
Singapore & Hong Kong March/April Hong kong/Long Beach JUNE Table #838 MACAU emgworldwide@gmail.com Cell: 512.808.3197 EMERGING MARKET GROUP PCGS, NGC, CCE & NCS, CGC, PSA, Auth. Dealer
<< <i>To say that FUN or any other show is better than the ANA is not valid.
This year's ANA show in LA suffered from a few things:
1. The economy- We don't need to go into this. I believe that Laura's comments are not accurate. California is in a bad way and that reflects on the local populace.
2. Possible safety concerns-parts of LA are, I am sure, dangerous. The area around the convention center was very pleasant with lots of good restaurants (Palm, Morton's, etc). I agree that the hotels should have been more accessible and if the coin show had been here next year instead of this year, you have a JW Marriott and a Ritz Carlton about to open next door, it would have been better.
3. Lack of numismatic population. At least 2/3 of the serious numismatists live in the east, so eastern shows, by definition, are going to be better. Fewer people are traveling due to the poorer economy.
The ANA has so much more than any other show:
1. Largest show of the year!!! The most bourse dealers, the most attending dealers, the most foreign mints, the US mint, the BEP are just a few!
2. Constant seminars and forums run for the education of both the general and numismatic public. Most specialty clubs have their annual meetings.
3. Major auctions, both during and before the show.
4. Virtually all serious numismatists attend.
This year's convention was largely disappointing due to the overall economy and California's economy. The ANA must schedule these events years in advance. There is just no way to predict! >>
I like you Julian because what you just said, in my opinion, is a real "tell it like it is" ..............without hyping your own bottom line!
I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.
I almost feel guilty that I enjoyed the show as much as I did. Spent all day Tuesday , Wednesday and Thursday there mostly buying coins and selling a couple. Enjoyed the exhibits and a coin club meeting. Great buying opportunity for the same reason that some sellers weren't to happy, small crowds and easy access to dealers.
While I am not a fan of LA, the facility was excellent (except for the expensive food but I hear that comment about all shows), stayed at the Holiday Inn which was an easy, safe block and a half walk to the Convention Center. Plenty of resturants close by. Yes the taxi is expenisve but where aren't they.
Having said that I would vote for Las Vegas any day.
Laura and RYK, I don't see what the problem is with downtown LA. I drove 2 hours to get there today. There was typical big city traffic to deal with but it wasn't bad around the convention center. The streets were full of 12 yr old girls, by themselves or in groups, often delivered by limousines, apparently attending a Jonas Bros. concert next door at staples center...I didn't feel threatened at all by the girls.
I guess I should have opened this thread up before I went as one of the reasons I drove up there was to see Bruce's Trade Dollars....there were cloths over the (empty) trays and no sign saying "see you at Long Beach" or anything else. There was a nice smaller dealer there, Greg Pasman, politely apologizing for Legend having left early. He has some very nice coins and I picked one up from him (I'll post it later). I assumed that Legend would be back Sunday until I got home and opened this thread.
Jerry, I too was very disappointed that I didn't get to see the trade dollar set today as well Looked forward to that for a few weeks and while I figured Legend wouldn't be there Sunday, didn't imagine they'd blow off Saturday as well!!! Then to top it off, at legend's empty table I saw one of the cases that apparenty was showing off a 1909 VDB in Proof 68!!!! Would have love to have seen that one too. Still had a great time and I'm likely to go back Sunday to check out the other exhibits and world mint stuff that I didn't have a chance to check out today... will probably do a full show report early next week as there's so much to tell about my first ever ANA show
<< <i>Illini, are you a tall wirey guy in an illini shirt today? I saw a guy in a blue and orange shirt while I was in line at the USMint this afternoon. >>
Nah, not me, I was the 29-year old punk who didn't even realize there was a line at the U.S. Mint and just walked up to the counter and bought my stuff
And Bear, maybe there will be a Legend table at the show Sunday w/ no coins, but that doesn't really count. No big deal though, I'll still have fun at the show, and will definitely spend another few minutes checking out 4 of the 5 1913 Liberty Nickels that exist
<< <i>This year's convention was largely disappointing due to the overall economy and California's economy. The ANA must schedule these events years in advance. There is just no way to predict! >>
What he said...... TD
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
<< <i> No one will know 10-20 years down the road when I sell whether I paid $220 for a coin bought at a show or $160 for the exact same quality coin bought from an eBay seller. (A real example from just this week by the way.) So if you can't match the pricing, be prepared to become more irrelevant in the marketplace.
And it's the exact same quality stuff, just significantly more expensive when buying in person rather than via the internet. >>
I respectfully disagree with your opinion that it is the exact same quality stuff. There is an old saying "Don't buy shrimp out of the trunk of a car." There is a reason for that saying. TD
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
<< <i>I respectfully disagree with your opinion that it is the exact same quality stuff. There is an old saying "Don't buy shrimp out of the trunk of a car." There is a reason for that saying. >>
You're free to disagree, all I can report are my own experiences -- which are those of the "budget" collector who is for the most part not spending more than a few hundred dollars per coin. Well-heeled types may have a different experience.
As far as buying shrimp from the trunk of a car, well, I've never done that, but I have bought crawfish and crabs that way, I guess you didn't grow up in Louisiana or near the Chesapeake Bay.
Me at the Springfield coin show: 60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i>And face it, I could buy stuff off eBay for at least a third back of what the dealers on the floor were asking.
If the dealers can't compete with that type of pricing, they aren't going to make many sales.
And really, most of what was out there was average to dreck. Sure, there was some nice material, I can't afford it but at least it's there for those who can. But for the average collector, the pickins were slim. >>
And I am sure your collection will reflect that some day when you go and sell it. >>
Wow! Nice dealer-slam on a collector without seeing the coins being discussed!
<< <i>I like you Julian because what you just said, in my opinion, is a real "tell it like it is" ..............without hyping your own bottom line! >>
Agree. I appreciate Julian's realistic appraisal without the emotion and hype of other dealers reports.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
I think Anaheim is a much better venue than downtown L.A.
People who travel will go to where the action is. In southern Cal, while it is crowded, there are only 20 million people within a two hour drive. I'd bet that within a couple of hours of Baltimore, there are a 100 million people so the 'local' crowd can be a lot bigger.
And since that other thread got zapped, remember...the L.A. County tax is 9.75% and 'they' are really enforcing it. I speak from first hand experience on this recently
<< <i>I respectfully disagree with your opinion that it is the exact same quality stuff. There is an old saying "Don't buy shrimp out of the trunk of a car." There is a reason for that saying. >>
You're free to disagree, all I can report are my own experiences -- which are those of the "budget" collector who is for the most part not spending more than a few hundred dollars per coin. Well-heeled types may have a different experience.
As far as buying shrimp from the trunk of a car, well, I've never done that, but I have bought crawfish and crabs that way, I guess you didn't grow up in Louisiana or near the Chesapeake Bay. >>
I grew up in Dee-troit, where they used to sell carp out of the trunks of cars.
But that was before they had e-bay to sell it on........
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
I also grew up in Dee-troit and the while I have never seen carp sold out of a trunk I've seen some pretty, pretty amazing things. Same for Brooklyn, Manhattan, St. Louis, Los Angles and Seattle where I've also lived and worked. All cities have warts and all cities have their charms.Even Detroit. Frankly, the blame game of the ANA LA selection and the DT hotel saga is overblown imo. There are LOT's of good hotel and transportation choices that could be had in the greater LA area. People LOVE hatin on LA, because well it's LA....An easy target...... MJ
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>I like you Julian because what you just said, in my opinion, is a real "tell it like it is" ..............without hyping your own bottom line! >>
Agree. I appreciate Julian's realistic appraisal without the emotion and hype of other dealers reports. >>
And he has some great coins. That is an amazing toned Columbus Commem. --Jerry
<< <i>I grew up in Dee-troit, where they used to sell carp out of the trunks of cars. >>
I'm sorry you grew up eating carp.
Personally, I prefer sushi. I hope everyone visiting LA this week had a chance to eat at Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. Best sushi in LA, and that's saying a lot. You know it's good when you're the only gaikokujin in the place!
Sushi Gen makes Nobu look like carp.
Me at the Springfield coin show: 60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i>I grew up in Dee-troit, where they used to sell carp out of the trunks of cars. >>
I'm sorry you grew up eating carp.
Personally, I prefer sushi. I hope everyone visiting LA this week had a chance to eat at Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. Best sushi in LA, and that's saying a lot. You know it's good when you're the only gaikokujin in the place!
Sushi Gen makes Nobu look like carp. >>
Carp are bottomfeeders with flesh bearing a strong odor akin to mud and really should never be eaten as sushi. They really do taste terrible regardless of how they're cooked.
Nobu is reasonably good (and shockingly expensive) but I wouldn't say they're the best in L.A.
Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>I grew up in Dee-troit, where they used to sell carp out of the trunks of cars. >>
I'm sorry you grew up eating carp.
Personally, I prefer sushi. I hope everyone visiting LA this week had a chance to eat at Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. Best sushi in LA, and that's saying a lot. You know it's good when you're the only gaikokujin in the place!
Sushi Gen makes Nobu look like carp. >>
Hey, we knew better than to eat anything bought out of the trunk of a car........or on e-bay..........
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
<< <i>Hey, we knew better than to eat anything bought out of the trunk of a car........or on e-bay......... >>
I've never eaten anything bought off eBay, but the crawdads and crabs we bought off the side of the road (yes, sometimes actually in car trunks) boiled up mighty fine.
If you as an "award-winning whale" feel you must pile on the poor, underfunded collector of widgets, by all means continue to do so. Your smugness doesn't bother me.
I may never win an award for my collection or my numismatic knowledge, but I think I know what I'm doing.
You're welcome to come by my pad anytime and rip on my collection in person. I'll even break open a bottle of wine for ya, Cap'n!
Me at the Springfield coin show: 60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
I have bought several hundred items for my various collections, including coins, off of eBay over the years, with a personal highest bid of $4,000 for one Honduras silver 25 centavos (that I did not win), and cannot stand to think of the ways they they have idiotically destroyed this venue. It was good once. I no longer feel that way. TD
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
<< <i>I have bought several hundred items for my various collections, including coins, off of eBay over the years, with a personal highest bid of $4,000 for one Honduras silver 25 centavos (that I did not win), and cannot stand to think of the ways they they have idiotically destroyed this venue. It was good once. I no longer feel that way. >>
Well, even the most poorly run store can sometimes have quality merchandise on the shelves, I suppose.
Me at the Springfield coin show: 60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i>To say that FUN or any other show is better than the ANA is not valid.
This year's ANA show in LA suffered from a few things:
1. The economy- We don't need to go into this. I believe that Laura's comments are not accurate. California is in a bad way and that reflects on the local populace.
2. Possible safety concerns-parts of LA are, I am sure, dangerous. The area around the convention center was very pleasant with lots of good restaurants (Palm, Morton's, etc). I agree that the hotels should have been more accessible and if the coin show had been here next year instead of this year, you have a JW Marriott and a Ritz Carlton about to open next door, it would have been better.
3. Lack of numismatic population. At least 2/3 of the serious numismatists live in the east, so eastern shows, by definition, are going to be better. Fewer people are traveling due to the poorer economy.
The ANA has so much more than any other show:
1. Largest show of the year!!! The most bourse dealers, the most attending dealers, the most foreign mints, the US mint, the BEP are just a few!
2. Constant seminars and forums run for the education of both the general and numismatic public. Most specialty clubs have their annual meetings.
3. Major auctions, both during and before the show.
4. Virtually all serious numismatists attend.
This year's convention was largely disappointing due to the overall economy and California's economy. The ANA must schedule these events years in advance. There is just no way to predict! >>
....and 5) plenty of great coins being offered for sale
I manage money. I earn money. I save money . I give away money. I collect money. I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
They say that nostalgia isn't what it used to be anymore.......
Numismatist. 54 year member ANA. Former ANA Senior Authenticator. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and ANA Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Also won the PNG's Robert Friedberg Award for "The Enigmatic Lincoln Cents of 1922," Available now from Whitman or Amazon.
<< <i>I also grew up in Dee-troit and the while I have never seen carp sold out of a trunk I've seen some pretty, pretty amazing things. Same for Brooklyn, Manhattan, St. Louis, Los Angles and Seattle where I've also lived and worked. All cities have warts and all cities have their charms.Even Detroit. Frankly, the blame game of the ANA LA selection and the DT hotel saga is overblown imo. There are LOT's of good hotel and transportation choices that could be had in the greater LA area. People LOVE hatin on LA, because well it's LA....An easy target...... MJ >>
You must have never been to the foot of Alter Road, or along Jefferson, or better yet, visited Belle Isle on a weekend
<< <i>I also grew up in Dee-troit and the while I have never seen carp sold out of a trunk I've seen some pretty, pretty amazing things. Same for Brooklyn, Manhattan, St. Louis, Los Angles and Seattle where I've also lived and worked. All cities have warts and all cities have their charms.Even Detroit. Frankly, the blame game of the ANA LA selection and the DT hotel saga is overblown imo. There are LOT's of good hotel and transportation choices that could be had in the greater LA area. People LOVE hatin on LA, because well it's LA....An easy target...... MJ >>
You must have never been to the foot of Alter Road, or along Jefferson, or better yet, visited Belle Isle on a weekend >>
People relish hatin' on L.A. because L.A. is an easy target, much the same way New York City was, especially in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's and prior to 9/11/2001. NYC magically became everybody's favorite city on 9/12/01 so that opened up L.A. to the proverbial tidal wave of haters, most who have never actually been to L.A. themselves and who form opinions based on what they hear and what they want to believe.
Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Wei I was just up the street from you. It never crossed my mind to take the subway....would have been much better. I drove the Vine to Wilshire to Vermont to Pico route, probably the worst part of the city to go thru, especially the Vermont stretch from Wilshire to Pico.....
You must have never been to the foot of Alter Road, or along Jefferson, or better yet, visited Belle Isle on a weekend >>
People relish hatin' on L.A. because L.A. is an easy target, much the same way New York City was, especially in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's and prior to 9/11/2001. NYC magically became everybody's favorite city on 9/12/01 so that opened up L.A. to the proverbial tidal wave of haters, most who have never actually been to L.A. themselves and who form opinions based on what they hear and what they want to believe. >>
Alter, Jefferson and Belle Isle are all in Detroit.... I was bashing Detroit actually
<< <i>Wei I was just up the street from you. It never crossed my mind to take the subway....would have been much better. I drove the Vine to Wilshire to Vermont to Pico route, probably the worst part of the city to go thru, especially the Vermont stretch from Wilshire to Pico..... >>
I chose to stay at the hotel that I did after reviewing my previous experience with L.A. geography and a little research. It just shows that some personal research can ultimately pay and that nobody is obligated to stay at the host hotel or where others tell you to stay. I also knew from experience that the Metrorail Red Line is one of the safest and cleanest methods of public transportation in L.A. and that there was a station only about two hundred feet from the porte cochere of my hotel. I commuted round trip from the Hollywood-Highland to Pico stations five days in a row (on two days I didn't head back until very late at night) and I never experienced one remotely dangerous or questionable situation.
When taking public transportation to or from a coin show while carrying coins you don't need to act overly paranoid or let others know you are carrying valuables. Just blend in with the crowd and the other passengers will think of you as any other inconspicuous Joe who's probably just heading home from work carrying some personal effects.
Driving from Hollywood to downtown is a contender for the title of worst possible short distance commute in the basin. When I was in the area during the pre-ANA show in Beverly Hills I conducted a few test runs of that commute and concluded that driving that route was a real pain and should be avoided if possible.
Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Just for the record, I'm getting rather tired of people who keep emphasizing the so-called "roughness" of the convention area. As established by other posts, there was a Jonas Brothers concert at the adjacent Staples Center on Friday night. Apparently the area isn't bad enough to keep unescorted prepuescent girls away even during the evening hours, so why are coin people so terrified of the area even during broad daylight? Numismatic people should grow some and toughen up a bit.
There are other parts of L.A. that are much more dangerous than the downtown area. Go for a self-guided tour of Compton, Watts or Skid Row and the convention center area won't feel so bad.
Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Well said Wei. Downtown L.A. near Staples and the Convention Center is actually a pretty nice area. If folks really think that is a bad area of town I wonder what they would think of the truly bad areas of town! I know that downtown area has improved significantly in the last decade or two, so perhaps folks just haven't been downtown in awhile and are only recalling their past experiences? Oh well, I didn't worry about carrying around my coins down there. But if I had to get off the 101 for to stop for gas or something between Hollywood and Downtown I would have been a little concerned!
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Comments
<< <i>our major industry association moved our largest conference to Boston...in the middle of winter. >>
They must be smoking the stuff that I used to smoke...
I lived in Boston, it was a winter where I had to dig my car out of the ice every day for a couple of months that made me decide to move to Cali.
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i>Sour grapes?
If your going to pick one site on west coast and one on the east coast, then make it Anahiem, CA and Baltimore, MD
Look-- Anahiem convention center is across the street from Disneyland and is very safe , hotels are plentiful and within safe walking distance and plenty of places to eat. Its at at a confluence of freeways and everyone in Southern California and the country knows where its at and has taken their kids there. They are not afraid to come there and may even bring the family! I live in Socal and this was my first trip to downtown LA in 8 years! Downtown LA is a place many of us avoid. I heard that LA convention center was $40k to $60K cheaper to the ANA than Anahiem according to the dealer rumors I heard. So I guess it was a money thing, but alot of east coast dealers did not come to LA., so I guess that money was lost.
Krueger
This year's ANA show in LA suffered from a few things:
1. The economy- We don't need to go into this. I believe that Laura's comments are not accurate. California is in a bad way and that reflects on the local populace.
2. Possible safety concerns-parts of LA are, I am sure, dangerous. The area around the convention center was very pleasant with lots of good restaurants (Palm, Morton's, etc). I agree that the hotels should have been more accessible and if the coin show had been here next year instead of this year, you have a JW Marriott and a Ritz Carlton about to open next door, it would have been better.
3. Lack of numismatic population. At least 2/3 of the serious numismatists live in the east, so eastern shows, by definition, are going to be better. Fewer people are traveling due to the poorer economy.
The ANA has so much more than any other show:
1. Largest show of the year!!! The most bourse dealers, the most attending dealers, the most foreign mints, the US mint, the BEP are just a few!
2. Constant seminars and forums run for the education of both the general and numismatic public. Most specialty clubs have their annual meetings.
3. Major auctions, both during and before the show.
4. Virtually all serious numismatists attend.
This year's convention was largely disappointing due to the overall economy and California's economy. The ANA must schedule these events years in advance. There is just no way to predict!
I firmly believe in numismatics as the world's greatest hobby, but recognize that this is a luxury and without collectors, we can all spend/melt our collections/inventories.
eBaystore
Is the ANA required to have their annual convention at a different location every year?
Keep in mind that the annual convention was not originally making money, it was to every few years be near where you lived/worked.
Perhaps this might have to partially change, at least for the summer show?
This is L.A.!!!!!!!!!!!
We budget by flying to south america instead of europe.
buy diesel instead of gucci (clothing brands)
buy ribeye instead sirloin
There's plenty of $$$$$$$$ still here. There is no excuse for such poor attendance!! As a show promoter it is there job to bring in the public!
Your power is in your dollar. I will not renew my membership or attend another A.N.A. show
Hong kong/Long Beach JUNE Table #838
MACAU
emgworldwide@gmail.com
Cell: 512.808.3197
EMERGING MARKET GROUP
PCGS, NGC, CCE & NCS, CGC, PSA, Auth. Dealer
<< <i>To say that FUN or any other show is better than the ANA is not valid.
This year's ANA show in LA suffered from a few things:
1. The economy- We don't need to go into this. I believe that Laura's comments are not accurate. California is in a bad way and that reflects on the local populace.
2. Possible safety concerns-parts of LA are, I am sure, dangerous. The area around the convention center was very pleasant with lots of good restaurants (Palm, Morton's, etc). I agree that the hotels should have been more accessible and if the coin show had been here next year instead of this year, you have a JW Marriott and a Ritz Carlton about to open next door, it would have been better.
3. Lack of numismatic population. At least 2/3 of the serious numismatists live in the east, so eastern shows, by definition, are going to be better. Fewer people are traveling due to the poorer economy.
The ANA has so much more than any other show:
1. Largest show of the year!!! The most bourse dealers, the most attending dealers, the most foreign mints, the US mint, the BEP are just a few!
2. Constant seminars and forums run for the education of both the general and numismatic public. Most specialty clubs have their annual meetings.
3. Major auctions, both during and before the show.
4. Virtually all serious numismatists attend.
This year's convention was largely disappointing due to the overall economy and California's economy. The ANA must schedule these events years in advance. There is just no way to predict! >>
I like you Julian because what you just said, in my opinion, is a real "tell it like it is" ..............without hyping your own bottom line!
The name is LEE!
While I am not a fan of LA, the facility was excellent (except for the expensive food but I hear that comment about all shows), stayed at the Holiday Inn which was an easy, safe block and a half walk to the Convention Center. Plenty of resturants close by. Yes the taxi is expenisve but where aren't they.
Having said that I would vote for Las Vegas any day.
I don't see what the problem is with downtown LA. I drove 2 hours to get there today. There was typical big city traffic to deal with but it wasn't bad around the convention center. The streets were full of 12 yr old girls, by themselves or in groups, often delivered by limousines, apparently attending a Jonas Bros. concert next door at staples center...I didn't feel threatened at all by the girls.
I guess I should have opened this thread up before I went as one of the reasons I drove up there was to see Bruce's Trade Dollars....there were cloths over the (empty) trays and no sign saying "see you at Long Beach" or anything else. There was a nice smaller dealer there, Greg Pasman, politely apologizing for Legend having left early. He has some very nice coins and I picked one up from him (I'll post it later). I assumed that Legend would be back Sunday until I got home and opened this thread.
--Jerry
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 700
Just Laura wont be there.
Camelot
<< <i>Illini, are you a tall wirey guy in an illini shirt today? I saw a guy in a blue and orange shirt while I was in line at the USMint this afternoon. >>
Nah, not me, I was the 29-year old punk who didn't even realize there was a line at the U.S. Mint and just walked up to the counter and bought my stuff
And Bear, maybe there will be a Legend table at the show Sunday w/ no coins, but that doesn't really count. No big deal though, I'll still have fun at the show, and will definitely spend another few minutes checking out 4 of the 5 1913 Liberty Nickels that exist
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 700
<< <i>This year's convention was largely disappointing due to the overall economy and California's economy. The ANA must schedule these events years in advance. There is just no way to predict! >>
What he said......
TD
<< <i>
<< <i>
No one will know 10-20 years down the road when I sell whether I paid $220 for a coin bought at a show or $160 for the exact same quality coin bought from an eBay seller. (A real example from just this week by the way.) So if you can't match the pricing, be prepared to become more irrelevant in the marketplace.
And it's the exact same quality stuff, just significantly more expensive when buying in person rather than via the internet. >>
I respectfully disagree with your opinion that it is the exact same quality stuff.
There is an old saying "Don't buy shrimp out of the trunk of a car." There is a reason for that saying.
TD
<< <i>I respectfully disagree with your opinion that it is the exact same quality stuff.
There is an old saying "Don't buy shrimp out of the trunk of a car." There is a reason for that saying. >>
You're free to disagree, all I can report are my own experiences -- which are those of the "budget" collector who is for the most part not spending more than a few hundred dollars per coin. Well-heeled types may have a different experience.
As far as buying shrimp from the trunk of a car, well, I've never done that, but I have bought crawfish and crabs that way, I guess you didn't grow up in Louisiana or near the Chesapeake Bay.
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i> ...or from dozens of disinterested kids getting free trips to Colorado without their parents to hang out with old men coin collectors... >>
Eeewww. Spectre of Breen, anyone?
Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1
"As we all know, the internet is where it is at.
The coin world does not need shows anymore. "
Nuts
<< <i>
<< <i> ...or from dozens of disinterested kids getting free trips to Colorado without their parents to hang out with old men coin collectors... >>
Eeewww. Spectre of Breen, anyone? >>
I wasn't going to say anything.... but yeah.... EWWWW!
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i>
<< <i>And face it, I could buy stuff off eBay for at least a third back of what the dealers on the floor were asking.
If the dealers can't compete with that type of pricing, they aren't going to make many sales.
And really, most of what was out there was average to dreck. Sure, there was some nice material, I can't afford it but at least it's there for those who can. But for the average collector, the pickins were slim. >>
And I am sure your collection will reflect that some day when you go and sell it.
Wow! Nice dealer-slam on a collector without seeing the coins being discussed!
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
<< <i>Wow! Nice dealer-slam on a collector without seeing the coins being discussed!
Don't think it didn't go unnoticed. My shiny metal ass awaits a kiss.
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i>I like you Julian because what you just said, in my opinion, is a real "tell it like it is" ..............without hyping your own bottom line! >>
Agree. I appreciate Julian's realistic appraisal without the emotion and hype of other dealers reports.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
People who travel will go to where the action is. In southern Cal, while it is crowded, there are only 20 million people within a two hour drive. I'd bet that within a couple of hours of Baltimore, there are a 100 million people so the 'local' crowd can be a lot bigger.
And since that other thread got zapped, remember...the L.A. County tax is 9.75% and 'they' are really enforcing it. I speak from first hand experience on this recently
<< <i>
<< <i>I respectfully disagree with your opinion that it is the exact same quality stuff.
There is an old saying "Don't buy shrimp out of the trunk of a car." There is a reason for that saying. >>
You're free to disagree, all I can report are my own experiences -- which are those of the "budget" collector who is for the most part not spending more than a few hundred dollars per coin. Well-heeled types may have a different experience.
As far as buying shrimp from the trunk of a car, well, I've never done that, but I have bought crawfish and crabs that way, I guess you didn't grow up in Louisiana or near the Chesapeake Bay. >>
I grew up in Dee-troit, where they used to sell carp out of the trunks of cars.
But that was before they had e-bay to sell it on........
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>I think Anaheim is a much better venue than downtown L.A. >>
I can say without question that the show in 1995 in Anaheim far exceeded this one...not even close.
However, the reason for this was NOT because of the venue but the economy. Julian, as usual, was spot on.
jom
<< <i>
<< <i>I like you Julian because what you just said, in my opinion, is a real "tell it like it is" ..............without hyping your own bottom line! >>
Agree. I appreciate Julian's realistic appraisal without the emotion and hype of other dealers reports. >>
And he has some great coins. That is an amazing toned Columbus Commem. --Jerry
<< <i>I grew up in Dee-troit, where they used to sell carp out of the trunks of cars. >>
I'm sorry you grew up eating carp.
Personally, I prefer sushi. I hope everyone visiting LA this week had a chance to eat at Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. Best sushi in LA, and that's saying a lot. You know it's good when you're the only gaikokujin in the place!
Sushi Gen makes Nobu look like carp.
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
<< <i>
<< <i>I grew up in Dee-troit, where they used to sell carp out of the trunks of cars. >>
I'm sorry you grew up eating carp.
Personally, I prefer sushi. I hope everyone visiting LA this week had a chance to eat at Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. Best sushi in LA, and that's saying a lot. You know it's good when you're the only gaikokujin in the place!
Sushi Gen makes Nobu look like carp. >>
Carp are bottomfeeders with flesh bearing a strong odor akin to mud and really should never be eaten as sushi. They really do taste terrible regardless of how they're cooked.
Nobu is reasonably good (and shockingly expensive) but I wouldn't say they're the best in L.A.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>Laura Legend:
"As we all know, the internet is where it is at.
The coin world does not need shows anymore. "
Nuts >>
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
<< <i>
<< <i>I grew up in Dee-troit, where they used to sell carp out of the trunks of cars. >>
I'm sorry you grew up eating carp.
Personally, I prefer sushi. I hope everyone visiting LA this week had a chance to eat at Sushi Gen in Little Tokyo. Best sushi in LA, and that's saying a lot. You know it's good when you're the only gaikokujin in the place!
Sushi Gen makes Nobu look like carp. >>
Hey, we knew better than to eat anything bought out of the trunk of a car........or on e-bay..........
<< <i>Hey, we knew better than to eat anything bought out of the trunk of a car........or on e-bay......... >>
I've never eaten anything bought off eBay, but the crawdads and crabs we bought off the side of the road (yes, sometimes actually in car trunks) boiled up mighty fine.
If you as an "award-winning whale" feel you must pile on the poor, underfunded collector of widgets, by all means continue to do so. Your smugness doesn't bother me.
I may never win an award for my collection or my numismatic knowledge, but I think I know what I'm doing.
You're welcome to come by my pad anytime and rip on my collection in person. I'll even break open a bottle of wine for ya, Cap'n!
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
TD
<< <i>I have bought several hundred items for my various collections, including coins, off of eBay over the years, with a personal highest bid of $4,000 for one Honduras silver 25 centavos (that I did not win), and cannot stand to think of the ways they they have idiotically destroyed this venue. It was good once. I no longer feel that way. >>
Well, even the most poorly run store can sometimes have quality merchandise on the shelves, I suppose.
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
it used to be...........
Including me!
Camelot
<< <i>To say that FUN or any other show is better than the ANA is not valid.
This year's ANA show in LA suffered from a few things:
1. The economy- We don't need to go into this. I believe that Laura's comments are not accurate. California is in a bad way and that reflects on the local populace.
2. Possible safety concerns-parts of LA are, I am sure, dangerous. The area around the convention center was very pleasant with lots of good restaurants (Palm, Morton's, etc). I agree that the hotels should have been more accessible and if the coin show had been here next year instead of this year, you have a JW Marriott and a Ritz Carlton about to open next door, it would have been better.
3. Lack of numismatic population. At least 2/3 of the serious numismatists live in the east, so eastern shows, by definition, are going to be better. Fewer people are traveling due to the poorer economy.
The ANA has so much more than any other show:
1. Largest show of the year!!! The most bourse dealers, the most attending dealers, the most foreign mints, the US mint, the BEP are just a few!
2. Constant seminars and forums run for the education of both the general and numismatic public. Most specialty clubs have their annual meetings.
3. Major auctions, both during and before the show.
4. Virtually all serious numismatists attend.
This year's convention was largely disappointing due to the overall economy and California's economy. The ANA must schedule these events years in advance. There is just no way to predict! >>
....and 5) plenty of great coins being offered for sale
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
<< <i>Nothing is what
it used to be...........
Including me!
They say that nostalgia isn't what it used to be anymore.......
<< <i>I also grew up in Dee-troit and the while I have never seen carp sold out of a trunk I've seen some pretty, pretty amazing things. Same for Brooklyn, Manhattan, St. Louis, Los Angles and Seattle where I've also lived and worked. All cities have warts and all cities have their charms.Even Detroit. Frankly, the blame game of the ANA LA selection and the DT hotel saga is overblown imo. There are LOT's of good hotel and transportation choices that could be had in the greater LA area. People LOVE hatin on LA, because well it's LA....An easy target...... MJ >>
You must have never been to the foot of Alter Road, or along Jefferson, or better yet, visited Belle Isle on a weekend
<< <i>
<< <i>I also grew up in Dee-troit and the while I have never seen carp sold out of a trunk I've seen some pretty, pretty amazing things. Same for Brooklyn, Manhattan, St. Louis, Los Angles and Seattle where I've also lived and worked. All cities have warts and all cities have their charms.Even Detroit. Frankly, the blame game of the ANA LA selection and the DT hotel saga is overblown imo. There are LOT's of good hotel and transportation choices that could be had in the greater LA area. People LOVE hatin on LA, because well it's LA....An easy target...... MJ >>
You must have never been to the foot of Alter Road, or along Jefferson, or better yet, visited Belle Isle on a weekend
People relish hatin' on L.A. because L.A. is an easy target, much the same way New York City was, especially in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's and prior to 9/11/2001. NYC magically became everybody's favorite city on 9/12/01 so that opened up L.A. to the proverbial tidal wave of haters, most who have never actually been to L.A. themselves and who form opinions based on what they hear and what they want to believe.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
I was just up the street from you. It never crossed my mind to take the subway....would have been much better. I drove the Vine to Wilshire to Vermont to Pico route, probably the worst part of the city to go thru, especially the Vermont stretch from Wilshire to Pico.....
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>
You must have never been to the foot of Alter Road, or along Jefferson, or better yet, visited Belle Isle on a weekend
People relish hatin' on L.A. because L.A. is an easy target, much the same way New York City was, especially in the 70's, 80's, 90's and early 2000's and prior to 9/11/2001. NYC magically became everybody's favorite city on 9/12/01 so that opened up L.A. to the proverbial tidal wave of haters, most who have never actually been to L.A. themselves and who form opinions based on what they hear and what they want to believe. >>
Alter, Jefferson and Belle Isle are all in Detroit.... I was bashing Detroit actually
<< <i>Wei
I was just up the street from you. It never crossed my mind to take the subway....would have been much better. I drove the Vine to Wilshire to Vermont to Pico route, probably the worst part of the city to go thru, especially the Vermont stretch from Wilshire to Pico..... >>
I chose to stay at the hotel that I did after reviewing my previous experience with L.A. geography and a little research. It just shows that some personal research can ultimately pay and that nobody is obligated to stay at the host hotel or where others tell you to stay. I also knew from experience that the Metrorail Red Line is one of the safest and cleanest methods of public transportation in L.A. and that there was a station only about two hundred feet from the porte cochere of my hotel. I commuted round trip from the Hollywood-Highland to Pico stations five days in a row (on two days I didn't head back until very late at night) and I never experienced one remotely dangerous or questionable situation.
When taking public transportation to or from a coin show while carrying coins you don't need to act overly paranoid or let others know you are carrying valuables. Just blend in with the crowd and the other passengers will think of you as any other inconspicuous Joe who's probably just heading home from work carrying some personal effects.
Driving from Hollywood to downtown is a contender for the title of worst possible short distance commute in the basin. When I was in the area during the pre-ANA show in Beverly Hills I conducted a few test runs of that commute and concluded that driving that route was a real pain and should be avoided if possible.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
There are other parts of L.A. that are much more dangerous than the downtown area. Go for a self-guided tour of Compton, Watts or Skid Row and the convention center area won't feel so bad.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 700
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
The mean respond with...."How was we".....
Camelot
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......