RYK and GeorgeKellogg FUN Show Reports, 2013 (updated)
RYK
Posts: 35,800 ✭✭✭✭✭
Today started with an early flight, a prompt arrival in Orlando, and a significant hotel snafu which involved me getting "walked" to a sister property 2 miles away (with a complimentary night and free taxi fares) and eventually making it to the convention center at noon or so.
The first person I ran into outside the show was former forum member, Coinguy1 (aka Mark Feld) who was in discussion with forum member, DonWillis (aka Don Willis), and I met Don for the first time. We had a nice conversation, between the three of us, and then I proceeded to do a blockbuster deal with Mark, selling him four type coins which are likely to be big hits with forum members.
I saw numerous familiar faces waiting to get into show, chatted with Doug Winter a bit as I was waiting for the show to start to take the pressure off of Heritage lot viewing. I did go into a packed Heritage lot viewing room to start looking at coins, and, as expected, over time, the crowd inside thinned considerably.
Lot viewing was, as usual, a mixed bag. I started with the 99%er coins, which included the gold sticker consignment and found some that I really, really liked and others that I thought were just okay and not worth making a huge fuss over. I bid strong on the former and passed on the latter.
There are great learning opportunities in lot viewing that do not avail themselves to the arm chair collector, sitting at home in his/her underwear. (BTW, I have always dreamed of using the word, "underwear", in a show report.) One is the opportunity to hold three Stellas or ten HR Saints in your hand at once. (BTW, the PF-58 Stella was the one that rocked.) Another is the ability to compare coins within the same grade (like 3 1903-O $10's in 61 or 2 1904 $20 Libs in 66) and try to determine which is the best. With the 1903-O $10's, it was a toss-up. With the 1904 $20 Libs in 6, one looked like it was barely a 5 and the other a beautiful and solid 6. If you are in the market, buy the latter...unless you want a cheap one for your registry set.
There also is the ability to tilt coins under the light, which reveals a lot about the surface condition and possible contaminants. I know folks here are experts at judging coins from photos, but, trust me, tilting the iPad is not quite as illuminating as tilting the coin in your hand under the lamp.
After going through all of the 19th century gold in the signature sale and slogging through the Internet only session (and finding a few really nice coins in the latter), I went to the big boy area to view the Platinum Night coins with some of my big boy friends, Boiler78 and Lakesammman. We viewed the two upper echelon half dismes, and I could not decide which I liked better. The 1839 proof half was pretty killer. There was a lot of proof gold, and a couple of the proof $20's stood out from the pack.
Finally, it was time to hit the bourse, and I went right to the CRO table where I found...a fully stocked case but no JA. Then to Todd and Charmy's table for photography. Next, If went over to the Gold Rush Gallery and reconnected with my good friend and mentor, forum member, Dahlonega. We have not seen each other for a couple years, and, as usual, he had some fascinating and exciting coins to show me, one of which was the 1876-CC $5 in 6 that is on display at his table. We caught up, and I moved on, promising to consider an outstanding southern gold coin or two from their table and to return again tomorrow when GeorgeKellogg would be in attendance.
A quick tour around the bourse found me at the Legend table, consigning a couple coins to the upcoming L-M auction, to visit njcoincrank's table (which was overflowing with high end gold coins), ogling over a neat CAR gold piece that MrEureka found in his first 20 nanoseconds on the bourse, and not getting the attention of Julian or Pistareen, who were busy with others when I circled by. I finally did make to the CRO table when John was there and gave him a handful if coins that might show up in next week's EB (or not).
At 5 o'clock, there was a Heritage reception for the 1913 Liberty nickel and 6:30 was the meeting of the US Rare Gold Coins Collectors Club meeting. As this is a private event, I will not divulge the collector attendees, but I will reveal that coin industry presence was strong (I sat between Jim Halperin and John Dannreuther at dinner) and that former collector forum member Lloydmincy is now dealer forum member Lloydmincy as he now works full time for Heritage. There were excellent presentations by Doug Winter (on 20th century gold--more of a group discussion that formal lecture) and Ron Guth (on Waldo Newcomer, one of the great and somewhat unsung collectors of the early 20th century).
I returned to the dive that the Westin stuck me in, barred the doors and windows, and have hunkered down for the night. I look forward to additional numismatic escapades tomorrow and will update the thread accordingly.
Disclaimer: I am typing on the iPad and apologize in advance for spelling and syntax errors.
The first person I ran into outside the show was former forum member, Coinguy1 (aka Mark Feld) who was in discussion with forum member, DonWillis (aka Don Willis), and I met Don for the first time. We had a nice conversation, between the three of us, and then I proceeded to do a blockbuster deal with Mark, selling him four type coins which are likely to be big hits with forum members.
I saw numerous familiar faces waiting to get into show, chatted with Doug Winter a bit as I was waiting for the show to start to take the pressure off of Heritage lot viewing. I did go into a packed Heritage lot viewing room to start looking at coins, and, as expected, over time, the crowd inside thinned considerably.
Lot viewing was, as usual, a mixed bag. I started with the 99%er coins, which included the gold sticker consignment and found some that I really, really liked and others that I thought were just okay and not worth making a huge fuss over. I bid strong on the former and passed on the latter.
There are great learning opportunities in lot viewing that do not avail themselves to the arm chair collector, sitting at home in his/her underwear. (BTW, I have always dreamed of using the word, "underwear", in a show report.) One is the opportunity to hold three Stellas or ten HR Saints in your hand at once. (BTW, the PF-58 Stella was the one that rocked.) Another is the ability to compare coins within the same grade (like 3 1903-O $10's in 61 or 2 1904 $20 Libs in 66) and try to determine which is the best. With the 1903-O $10's, it was a toss-up. With the 1904 $20 Libs in 6, one looked like it was barely a 5 and the other a beautiful and solid 6. If you are in the market, buy the latter...unless you want a cheap one for your registry set.
There also is the ability to tilt coins under the light, which reveals a lot about the surface condition and possible contaminants. I know folks here are experts at judging coins from photos, but, trust me, tilting the iPad is not quite as illuminating as tilting the coin in your hand under the lamp.
After going through all of the 19th century gold in the signature sale and slogging through the Internet only session (and finding a few really nice coins in the latter), I went to the big boy area to view the Platinum Night coins with some of my big boy friends, Boiler78 and Lakesammman. We viewed the two upper echelon half dismes, and I could not decide which I liked better. The 1839 proof half was pretty killer. There was a lot of proof gold, and a couple of the proof $20's stood out from the pack.
Finally, it was time to hit the bourse, and I went right to the CRO table where I found...a fully stocked case but no JA. Then to Todd and Charmy's table for photography. Next, If went over to the Gold Rush Gallery and reconnected with my good friend and mentor, forum member, Dahlonega. We have not seen each other for a couple years, and, as usual, he had some fascinating and exciting coins to show me, one of which was the 1876-CC $5 in 6 that is on display at his table. We caught up, and I moved on, promising to consider an outstanding southern gold coin or two from their table and to return again tomorrow when GeorgeKellogg would be in attendance.
A quick tour around the bourse found me at the Legend table, consigning a couple coins to the upcoming L-M auction, to visit njcoincrank's table (which was overflowing with high end gold coins), ogling over a neat CAR gold piece that MrEureka found in his first 20 nanoseconds on the bourse, and not getting the attention of Julian or Pistareen, who were busy with others when I circled by. I finally did make to the CRO table when John was there and gave him a handful if coins that might show up in next week's EB (or not).
At 5 o'clock, there was a Heritage reception for the 1913 Liberty nickel and 6:30 was the meeting of the US Rare Gold Coins Collectors Club meeting. As this is a private event, I will not divulge the collector attendees, but I will reveal that coin industry presence was strong (I sat between Jim Halperin and John Dannreuther at dinner) and that former collector forum member Lloydmincy is now dealer forum member Lloydmincy as he now works full time for Heritage. There were excellent presentations by Doug Winter (on 20th century gold--more of a group discussion that formal lecture) and Ron Guth (on Waldo Newcomer, one of the great and somewhat unsung collectors of the early 20th century).
I returned to the dive that the Westin stuck me in, barred the doors and windows, and have hunkered down for the night. I look forward to additional numismatic escapades tomorrow and will update the thread accordingly.
Disclaimer: I am typing on the iPad and apologize in advance for spelling and syntax errors.
0
Comments
Outside of the hotel issue, sounds like you had a great time and met some wonderful folks within this hobby.
Makes me wish I was there.
peacockcoins
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......
EAC 6024
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>Isn't it great when you can spend part of January looking at coins while not having to worry about the Steelers playing this month? >>
To be honest, I enjoy NFL football more when the Steelers are out of the picture. It is too nerve racking when they play. At any rate, the 49ers will be shortly joining the Steelers (and Ravens, Goldbully) on the sidelines.
<< <i>Great report! Did you see the old holder three cent silver set? >>
I missed it, but people were talking about it. Apparently, the coins were beautiful, and I know the prices were through the roof!
Enjoy your time there.
I too am impressed that you worked the word "underwear" into your report. First time I can recall reading it in any other show postings.
Stay safe.
Mike
<< <i>
<< <i>Isn't it great when you can spend part of January looking at coins while not having to worry about the Steelers playing this month? >>
To be honest, I enjoy NFL football more when the Steelers are out of the picture. It is too nerve racking when they play. At any rate, the 49ers will be shortly joining the Steelers (and Ravens, Goldbully) on the sidelines. >>
We got the team we wanted to play this Saturday so we'll see. Would've thought the same about Goldbully's team but they looked good last weekend. Come by Table 522 and tell my table mates what I've been telling them for the last month about how the Texans are gonna be toast even though they're still in denial about that. We have many nice coins at the table as well.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Lots of fun descriptions and probing details....captured the day's events wonderfully.
The only part of your judgement I question was regarding the 49ers.
GO 9ERS!
I will be at Lot Viewing by 8am to start my "FUN"!
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
<< <i>
<< <i>Isn't it great when you can spend part of January looking at coins while not having to worry about the Steelers playing this month? >>
To be honest, I enjoy NFL football more when the Steelers are out of the picture. It is too nerve racking when they play. At any rate, the 49ers will be shortly joining the Steelers (and Ravens, Goldbully) on the sidelines. >>
Yeah.....this time, RYK is rooting for the SEAHAWKS!
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>
<< <i>
<< <i>Isn't it great when you can spend part of January looking at coins while not having to worry about the Steelers playing this month? >>
To be honest, I enjoy NFL football more when the Steelers are out of the picture. It is too nerve racking when they play. At any rate, the 49ers will be shortly joining the Steelers (and Ravens, Goldbully) on the sidelines. >>
Yeah.....this time, RYK is rooting for the SEAHAWKS!
He better be - after all, Pittsburgh owes them one.
Complete Set of Chopmarked Trade Dollars
Carson City Silver Dollars Complete 1870-1893http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2722"
Sounds exciting, I want to go so bad.
I was disappointed in the quality of many of the seated lots (there are a few exceptions), but did anyone else view the 1893 Barber Dime? OMG, what a coin, I almost entered a bid on it when it was ~2500. which would have been pointless of course, considering it hammered for 4K (4700. w/juice), pretty substantial for a 66* eh?
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
<< <i>He better be - after all, Pittsburgh owes them one.
Biggest hose job in super bowl history.
Coin Rarities Online
Looking forward to Day 2.
<< <i>You ate drank walked and talked among the Coin Gods!
Meh.
Who was auctioning or selling the trimes? Sounds nice...
siliconvalleycoins.com
<< <i>Thanks for the informative show report.
Nope, chez RYK tonight.
Very active bourse today. Full update to follow later.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
I managed to survive the night at the flea bag hotel, had a nice run on the treadmill with the other prisoners, er, guests, and walked to the convention center with my baggage at 8:30. I returned first to lot viewing because, in a tactical error that the experienced coin showers probably never make, I yesterday viewed the lots of greatest interest last, rather than first, and now wanted to view these coins with fresh eyes (or as fresh as possible having slept with one eye open all night).
Forum member Stone sat down next to me, and we had a brief but pleasant exchange on dimes and dirty gold, and then Dimeman (who was looking for the CAC booth and made a wrong turn
I used my early bird badge to beat the non-paying attendees to the floor to complete my selling errands and that I did. While here, I sold or consigned about 1/12 the value of my collection to the following dealers: Mark Feld, CRO, Doug Winter, Legend-Morphy, and Great Collections.
I made only one purchase, a lovely UHR from Ian at Great Collections. While at his table, I was able to view some of the excellent rare gold coins that he will be offering in coming months, including some of those from the raw Charlotte set that he displayed here a couple months ago. I have several active bids at Heritage and may add some more between now and the end of the sale. I am in the lead for the coin that I most want, and if someone outbids me on it, then they are truly nuts (as opposed to me, partially nuts).
I spent time chatting with GeorgeKellogg and , and I met up with FatMan for the first time in a few years. We had the beer that we promised we would have over lunch, rather than later, as I had an afternoon plane to catch. I said hello to DaveatHLRC (formerly CoinRaritieOnline), RichUhrich, DrPete, Charmy (got photo'd, too), fivecents, monsterman, and others. Wei was too busy on the floor to talk NFL, and I could never seem to make it over to Pistareen's table when he was not occupied.
As for the show itself, it was busy. There were times and places that even the wide aisles were annoyingly clogged. People were buying and selling. Three dealer friends showed me some amazing coins that I am not permitted to discuss (so don't PM me), but this is an advantage of having good dealer relationships--sometimes you see the stuff that no else does before it goes away again.
I would say that the bourse was dry for the types if coins that I collect. There was a fabulous Bechtler $5 at the Gold Rush Gallery table, which really tempted me, but I contracted an acute case of cannotpullthetriggeritis and left it. Someone, hopefully a fellow forum member, will be really thrilled to own that coin. A couple other coins were tempting enough to ask for closer inspection but nothing dramatic, and nothing begged to be taken home.
I believe that collectors and dealers alike will report that they had great shows: for buying, for selling, for auctioning, for socializing, and for dining. A lot of folks had similar hotel experiences as I did, having been "walked" from the hotel where they had a confirmed reservation.
Heritage, as always, does a good job marketing their services and servicing collectors. I hope that everyone here appreciates what they do to support our hobby and shows them a little bit of love, in the way of bids and submissions, from time to time. I have no doubt that Lloydmincy will be an excellent addition to their already strong team.
Alas, my report is complete. I will have some updates after the auction, but I do not want to interfere with bidding, especially for those coins that I am trying to win. I have passed the baton to GeorgeKellogg to complete the show report. George, take us home!
5$ bills are WOW with the numbers - wanted:
02121809
04151865
Wanted - Flipper notes with the numbers 6-9 or 0-6-9 ON 1$ 2$ 5$ 10$ 20$
Wanted - 10$ Sereis 2013 - fancy Serial Numbers
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)
C'est la vie.
You have now been officially "Charmynized"
Oh, and another stellar report.
There were many others I hoped to meet today but there just wasn't enough time in the day. Next time.....
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
<< <i>at the Ritz. >>
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
I got to the show a bit before 11:00 and it was bustling! I had a PCGS box of 20 coins that I brought for Todd (BluCC Photos) to shoot, but we decided to wait until tomorrow, due to his high volume of coins awaiting the camera's lens.
I brought a few pieces of paper money for grading, so I got to work on filling out the paperwork. After dropping off the notes (which should be ready for pick-up on Saturday morning), I relaxed a bit and visited with the folks hanging out at the Gold Rush Gallery table.
I got to see the landmark 1876-CC Battle Born Collection half eagle, graded PCGS MS66/CAC, which is considered the finest Carson City [gold] coin of any denomination. The coin had been purchased by GRG at the Philadelphia ANA. The piece was displayed next to a presidential appointment of the first assayer of the Carson City Mint, by President Ulysses S. Grant.
It takes a lot of discipline to stay focused at a vibrant show like FUN. There is so much going on that it is very easy to get distracted from the task at hand.
I got to visit with RYK and FatMan for the first time in several years, which was a very nice treat. I also got to talk briefly with Doug Winter and Bob Harwell. Later at Bob's table, I enjoyed viewing the Dukes Creek Collection of Dahlonega Half Eagles.
Doug didn't mention the status of the new edition of his Dahlonega gold book (which was at the printer, according to his last website update). I need to check with him about that while I'm here.
At last year's FUN show, I bought a beautiful $10 Gold Certificate, certified by PMG as AU58 EPQ. To my way of thinking, it was great value, as it has the charm and eye appeal of a Gem Uncirculated. I tried to find a matching $20 Gold Certificate today, to no avail. There were a number of nice MS63-65s, but finding an AU58 was a tall order.
I kept looking for an opportunity to meet John Agre today at the CRO table, but every time I tried, John was either covered up with clients or away from his table. I have two more days to get the job done and I'm determined to do so!
I want to buy a few 2013 Silver Eagles for my albums while at the show and was told that they will be arriving at Silvertowne on Saturday. For me, this is turning out to be an annual ritual at the FUN Show.
Later on I stopped in at the Whitman booth and bought a copy of two of their new releases. These included John Mercanti's new volume American Silver Eagles and Karen Lee's The Private Sketchbook of George T. Morgan. Both are very attractive books and I look forward to spending time with each.
My wife and son paid a visit to the show around noon. My better half subsequently sold some unwanted gold and silver jewelry. I wonder if I could convince her to contribute to a needy coin collector's fund?
I had been mildly interested in a couple of notes in last evening's Heritage currency auction, but didn't feel comfortable bidding "sight unseen." After discussing the lots with someone who had seen them in person, it was good that I had not bid, as both had "issues."
Well, those are the highlights of today's FUN action, from the perspective of Yours Truly. I look forward to more numismatic adventures tomorrow!
I have four CC's that lay claim to that acclaim ... perhaps a showdown is in order. If forced to pick the finest of my four, this would be the one:
Purchased raw and graded once and only once.