First Day at the Nationa UPDATED!

PSARich

Just got back a little while ago from the first day at the National. Once again they sold out of VIP passes but this year I bought mine in advance. Very crowded for the first day (4:00-8:00pm). A very big show as usual with just about anything you might want to see. The PSA booth was very crowded also. Had to wait 15 minutes just to submit a card for a re-holder. They were busy at the other grading company booths also. I picked up about a dozen 1953-54 Topps cards in NM condition. As is the norm, it is very difficult to find 1950s cards in any higher condition that ex-mint to near mint. I don't usually buy graded cards at the National due to high prices but I did pick up a nicely centered 1961 PSA 9 Topps Elston Howard for $145. The dealer had $175 on it and I have been looking for a centered '61 Howard in PSA 9. I was surprised when I offered $145 and he sad yes. I didn't get through more than 50% of the show because I spent some time at a couple tables but it was very busy and I saw a lot of money exchange hands. Quite a few dealers told me they had already bought and sold a lot of their inventory during the dealer time prior to the opening of the show to the public. Anyway, looks like a great show and I anticipate it is going to be very crowded in the coming days.

Bosox1976

Love it, Rich! Thanks for the update.

MarsAttacks

Went to the show today and had an amazing time. Met some great people and picked up some really cool items.

I have an extra VIP pass available which is good for admission to the next 4 days of the show (and you get in 30 minutes early too), complete with all VIP autograph tickets (no cards tho). Am in Rosemont now. Send me a PM if you're interested and we can meet up tonight or tomorrow morning.

leadoff4

Thanks for the update. Can't wait for some more updates and scans to follow!

Foo3112

Rich, great update. Kepp us informed with day 2 please.

Also, pictures - and lots of them please

PSARich

Day 2 is now history for me. This morning for the first few hours was very busy but seemed to settle down in the PM. Most dealers have told me they are having a good show. I have seen many thousands of dollars change hands just at tables where I have been looking. One of my favorite dealers, Jack from Jack's Sports Cards in Ohio, purchased two boxes of cards within a 10 minute span for $2000 and $1500 rspectively. He let me take a look at them first and I bought a nice 1959 Mays along with some other nicer 1957s and 1959s. Also bought a couple more PSA cards from a dealer. A 1963 PSA 9 McCarver and a 1959 PSA 7.5 Doby for $150 altogether. Once again, I made an offer and it was accepted. The Doby looks undergraded as it is the nicest 7.5 I have ever seen..so I will resubmit it and maybe it will get an 8. On the down side, I dropped a card off a PSA just for reholdering when the show started yesterday and it is still not done. PSA's Crosetta, a great lady if any of you know her, said that their 2 hour service takes precident and they are swamped with 2-hour submissions. The card companies and blowout areas are crazy busy with all their promotions and at times you cannot get near them. I would say the autograph pavillion has not been overly busy, at least not when I have been in the area. On a final note, the traffic was nuts around the Convention Center today. It seems a new discount mall opened nearby causing traffic backups everywhere.

Tomorrow is the annual PSA Set Registry Luncheon which is always a great time plus always great food and drink.