RYK's SLNA Show Report, 2/19/2011
RYK
Posts: 35,800 ✭✭✭✭✭
Events were stacking against me attending the SLNA show, but, as things shook out, these same events ultimately provided me the window of time to attend. Namely, work has been ferociously busy with many late, after hours, and (gasp) weekend procedures, such that my wife, expecting me to be available for a day of driving children from place-to-place, threw up her hands, and told me to take my son to his 10 AM basketball game, watch as long as I can, go to the hospital, and make sure I was back in time for dinner. Yessir!
My last case ended about 2:10, and I was in my car driving to the airport Hilton by 2:30 and walking in the door before 3:00. My expectations were extremely low. I do not recall ever attending this show so late on a Saturday. Much to my surprise, the bourse was alive with activity when I entered. In fact, I noticed quite a few young families with children who were buying both coins and notes, which was like a breath of fresh air. Sure, some of the players had packed it in for the show, but most tables were still attended, open for business, and doing just that.
My first stop was, as always, the table of James Garcia (ex-forum member JadeRareCoins), and we chatted about this and that numismatic, catching up from the last time we spoke, probably at the October show. I then started my systematic (okay, random
) tour of the bourse and quickly ran into forum member jmski52, consummating a huge purchase at Tom Reynolds table, which I expect he will share with you later. I looked at Tom's goodies, but unfortunately he did not have my 1849 half cent, and jmski52 and I continued on together.
I had two missions for the show: first and foremost, dirty gold coins (duh) and second, my Barber dime album. As elusive as dirty original gold coins (DOGs) are, I am learning that there are some Barber dime dates that are equally so. I figured that I would easily find the ones I needed to complete my album, and while I did add a handful, not all were available.
Of course, we all now that the main reason one should attend a coin show (other than avoiding chores at home) is to find DOGs. I landed at the table of Dalton Gold and Silver Exchange. I have looked at Grant's coins several times over the years but never found anything that interested me. This time, he had a huge supply of southern gold, mostly PCGS-graded, and many nice examples. There were three! 39-O quarter eagles (PCGS 40 OGH, 50, and 55) and a near complete date run of New Orleans QEs. There was no question that I would be leaving with a coin from his table.
The first one that caught my eye was an 1852-D quarter eagle in PCGS OYH (Old Yellow Holder) VF-35. The coin had a pleasing look with an ample amount of dirt, nice surfaces, and XF quality by today's standards. Fo those who are Dahlonega uninitiated, the 52-D QE has a mintage of 4078 and an estimated surviving population of 75-85, making it the fifth rarest of the Dahlonega quarter eagles. Evaluating originality in the bourse can be treacherous due to the lighting, but now that I am home I am confident that I acquired a nice, original coin.
The second coin that caught my eye was an 1899-O $10 PCGS OGH MS-60. I did not need to pick the coin up to know that it was also coming home but when I did and saw the splash of copper red on the lower part of the reverse, it sealed the deal. It was a pleasure dealing with Grant, and I hope he comes back to St. Louis for this show next year--he said that he had been on the waiting list for many years.
That was it for purchases. I spent some time talking to forum members njcoincrank and bidask at their respective tables. Bill had a lovely assortment of mostly PCGS, mostly CAC type coins including an impressive run of high grade MS and proof Barber dimes. Bidask had coins from every country. In fact, when he pulled an Ethiopian coin from his case and asked me if I had any idea how rare it was, I replied that I thought money of any kind was rare in Ethiopia! His most impressive coin, for me, was the 1862 $10 PCGS/CAC AU-53; it was a knockout and a rare one, at that.
I circled back to James' table, chewed the fat for a little longer, and trekked home just in time to unload the dishwasher and type this report.
My last case ended about 2:10, and I was in my car driving to the airport Hilton by 2:30 and walking in the door before 3:00. My expectations were extremely low. I do not recall ever attending this show so late on a Saturday. Much to my surprise, the bourse was alive with activity when I entered. In fact, I noticed quite a few young families with children who were buying both coins and notes, which was like a breath of fresh air. Sure, some of the players had packed it in for the show, but most tables were still attended, open for business, and doing just that.
My first stop was, as always, the table of James Garcia (ex-forum member JadeRareCoins), and we chatted about this and that numismatic, catching up from the last time we spoke, probably at the October show. I then started my systematic (okay, random
) tour of the bourse and quickly ran into forum member jmski52, consummating a huge purchase at Tom Reynolds table, which I expect he will share with you later. I looked at Tom's goodies, but unfortunately he did not have my 1849 half cent, and jmski52 and I continued on together.I had two missions for the show: first and foremost, dirty gold coins (duh) and second, my Barber dime album. As elusive as dirty original gold coins (DOGs) are, I am learning that there are some Barber dime dates that are equally so. I figured that I would easily find the ones I needed to complete my album, and while I did add a handful, not all were available.
Of course, we all now that the main reason one should attend a coin show (other than avoiding chores at home) is to find DOGs. I landed at the table of Dalton Gold and Silver Exchange. I have looked at Grant's coins several times over the years but never found anything that interested me. This time, he had a huge supply of southern gold, mostly PCGS-graded, and many nice examples. There were three! 39-O quarter eagles (PCGS 40 OGH, 50, and 55) and a near complete date run of New Orleans QEs. There was no question that I would be leaving with a coin from his table.
The first one that caught my eye was an 1852-D quarter eagle in PCGS OYH (Old Yellow Holder) VF-35. The coin had a pleasing look with an ample amount of dirt, nice surfaces, and XF quality by today's standards. Fo those who are Dahlonega uninitiated, the 52-D QE has a mintage of 4078 and an estimated surviving population of 75-85, making it the fifth rarest of the Dahlonega quarter eagles. Evaluating originality in the bourse can be treacherous due to the lighting, but now that I am home I am confident that I acquired a nice, original coin.
The second coin that caught my eye was an 1899-O $10 PCGS OGH MS-60. I did not need to pick the coin up to know that it was also coming home but when I did and saw the splash of copper red on the lower part of the reverse, it sealed the deal. It was a pleasure dealing with Grant, and I hope he comes back to St. Louis for this show next year--he said that he had been on the waiting list for many years.
That was it for purchases. I spent some time talking to forum members njcoincrank and bidask at their respective tables. Bill had a lovely assortment of mostly PCGS, mostly CAC type coins including an impressive run of high grade MS and proof Barber dimes. Bidask had coins from every country. In fact, when he pulled an Ethiopian coin from his case and asked me if I had any idea how rare it was, I replied that I thought money of any kind was rare in Ethiopia! His most impressive coin, for me, was the 1862 $10 PCGS/CAC AU-53; it was a knockout and a rare one, at that.
I circled back to James' table, chewed the fat for a little longer, and trekked home just in time to unload the dishwasher and type this report.
0
Comments
How come you did not buy the 1862 $10?
njcoincrank is definately one of the good guys, in my book... and I have yet to see him be cranky, though I am fully sure he is capable when needed.
also, it was very nice of you to empty the dishwasher... now go give the li'l woman a kiss followed by a neck rub and then you will be truly golden
Thanks for the report.
<< <i>Pictures?
Thanks for the report. >>
Why would you want to see pix of RYK emptying a dish washer?
<< <i>njcoincrank is definately one of the good guys, in my book... and I have yet to see him be cranky, though I am fully sure he is capable when needed. >>
One of greatest coin-related compliments I've ever received was when njcoincrank told me "You're not a monkey." So I think he could crank up the crankiness if the situation called for it, at least in kranky's mind.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
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>Couldn't the kids unload the dishwasher? >>
Wei, kids in this day and age are far too busy on Facebook to be unloading dishwashers and stuff.
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 also thought the line about the dishhwasher was a nice touch.
Mike
<< <i>I just bought a new dishwasher and I calculated the cost in terms of how many coins I could have bought.
You are a true coin collector!
I left RYK while he was negotiating his Barber Dimes deal, but I bumped into him minutes later at bidask's table. I've got to say it - if you're into darkside, Dan has some really nice coins along those lines.
The shows in St. Louis seem to improve almost every iteration, especially when some forum members pop up.
I knew it would happen.
<< <i>Couldn't the kids unload the dishwasher? >>
Wei, I hope that we are still friends and on this very forum when you have kids in the tween and preteen years, if only so I can remind you that you asked me that question.
Pictures?
Okay, here you go...
PCGS Registries
Box of 20
SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
<< <i>Maybe we should all join in and post dishwasher pics
<< <i>Nice pics - the cabinets look nice too - Royal Doulton china? >>
Don't tell Longacre, but the dishes are from Pottery Barn.
PS: I'm glad to know there are a few other parents who can't get their kids to do any chores around the house. Misery loves company.
Coin Rarities Online
And that pic of the DW was perfect. Your sense of humor is always a lot of fun on here!
Website-Americana Rare Coin Inc
By the way, my very elderly parents turned their dishwasher into a storage unit for their vast quantity of medications!
The Penny Lady®
The mood was extremely upbeat throughout the show but especially Friday morning...the first day of the show. There was definitely a buzz in the room with a lot of buying/selling. The sure sign of a healthy coin market is when the dealers greet you with "Have you got anything for sale?". It was a good show with a lot of activity and very good attendance.
<< <i>
By the way, my very elderly parents turned their dishwasher into a storage unit for their vast quantity of medications!
When I was young I turned the trash compactor into a play room for my little brother.
If the kids are too busy to help, I'm too poor to give them an allowance.