Baltimore report
ad4400
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As a proud father of a toddler, I have missed the last several shows. Today I finally made it, and I had a full agenda.
First stop was to a seller that had a sexy looking 14-S buff on their web site to upgrade my current PCGS63. While they were willing to come down in price, and I felt I was getting a fair offer on my 63 for trade, I decided I liked what I have more than the one in the higher grade holder, making it at least the third time I had considered upgrading that piece, but in the end keeping what I had.
Next stop was Ble62vette (Todd) to image some pieces I had owned for a while. I talked to Todd about trying to capture the detail on my 1899 V Nickel, which has absolutely sick definition on the corn ear and on the reverse in general. Hope to share that soon. Two others will be better images for registry sets where I currently have the sellers' subpar images. I have high hopes for those two as well.
Made a submission to PCGS to take advantage of the TruView quarterly special. While waiting in line, had an interesting conversation with an apparent non-collector. He had some family heirlooms: a small gold piece and two 18th century silver dollars, and was seeking opinions in value. It was more or less after we had spent a half hour waiting and were next in line that I and one other collector were able to convey that the people taking submissions wouldn't give the opinion on value he was seeking. Apparently these coins with the family since 1926. He had the original box, some handwritten note and other info. Conveying what it was that PCGS actually did, and where he could get the advice he was seeking, made that 1/2 hour go by quickly. Not sure if he got the info he wanted, whether he submitted, or how the story ended.
As I walked the floor I sought advice on the pieces I posted
In this thread. Some of the copper pieces had what I feared was corrosion. The advice I got ranged from it was fine, to it was fixable, to it was a lost cause. Opinions on grade/value ranged from pocket change to shot-at-67. As a child I received six sets from the mint of the 1982 large/small date copper/zinc pennies, and they've sat in their original packaging since then. All the copper pennies in the pink envelopes and all the zinc cents in the white envelopes (12 coins total) took on pretty awesome color. I dropped off three to Great Collections for grading and consignment - their fee structure is such as there is relatively little downside.
I saw a some really nice coins, but nothing in my price range. While it's awesome to walk away from a show with that warm glow knowing you did well with pieces you'll enjoy for years to come, I've also felt (and hopefully learn to avoid) buying something in a rush, since you almost expect to have a major score at a major show, only to have buyers remorse shortly thereafter. My newPs consisted three Jefferson nickels for my raw toned set, with a total outlay of $28.50, and those are enough to give me that warm glow
First stop was to a seller that had a sexy looking 14-S buff on their web site to upgrade my current PCGS63. While they were willing to come down in price, and I felt I was getting a fair offer on my 63 for trade, I decided I liked what I have more than the one in the higher grade holder, making it at least the third time I had considered upgrading that piece, but in the end keeping what I had.
Next stop was Ble62vette (Todd) to image some pieces I had owned for a while. I talked to Todd about trying to capture the detail on my 1899 V Nickel, which has absolutely sick definition on the corn ear and on the reverse in general. Hope to share that soon. Two others will be better images for registry sets where I currently have the sellers' subpar images. I have high hopes for those two as well.
Made a submission to PCGS to take advantage of the TruView quarterly special. While waiting in line, had an interesting conversation with an apparent non-collector. He had some family heirlooms: a small gold piece and two 18th century silver dollars, and was seeking opinions in value. It was more or less after we had spent a half hour waiting and were next in line that I and one other collector were able to convey that the people taking submissions wouldn't give the opinion on value he was seeking. Apparently these coins with the family since 1926. He had the original box, some handwritten note and other info. Conveying what it was that PCGS actually did, and where he could get the advice he was seeking, made that 1/2 hour go by quickly. Not sure if he got the info he wanted, whether he submitted, or how the story ended.
As I walked the floor I sought advice on the pieces I posted
In this thread. Some of the copper pieces had what I feared was corrosion. The advice I got ranged from it was fine, to it was fixable, to it was a lost cause. Opinions on grade/value ranged from pocket change to shot-at-67. As a child I received six sets from the mint of the 1982 large/small date copper/zinc pennies, and they've sat in their original packaging since then. All the copper pennies in the pink envelopes and all the zinc cents in the white envelopes (12 coins total) took on pretty awesome color. I dropped off three to Great Collections for grading and consignment - their fee structure is such as there is relatively little downside.
I saw a some really nice coins, but nothing in my price range. While it's awesome to walk away from a show with that warm glow knowing you did well with pieces you'll enjoy for years to come, I've also felt (and hopefully learn to avoid) buying something in a rush, since you almost expect to have a major score at a major show, only to have buyers remorse shortly thereafter. My newPs consisted three Jefferson nickels for my raw toned set, with a total outlay of $28.50, and those are enough to give me that warm glow
Liberty Nickel Digital Album
Buffalo Nickel Digital Album
Toned Buffalo Date SetDigital Album
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/mysetregistry/album/411385 7070 Registry<
Buffalo Nickel Digital Album
Toned Buffalo Date SetDigital Album
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/mysetregistry/album/411385 7070 Registry<
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Comments
What did you think of the crowd and overall what was being offered?
Hopefully you'll be back at FUN next year!
I thought the crowd was average. I did not see much for me but what I did ask to be priced carried a heavy premium. I was aghast it what a gold bean could bring (or at least what can be asked for). A 36-d buff in 65 had A price tag north of $400. For all of the talk of the demise of NGC there was plenty of it on the floor.
Buffalo Nickel Digital Album
Toned Buffalo Date SetDigital Album
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/mysetregistry/album/411385 7070 Registry<
Nice report, glad it went well.
Not really looking for much these days but if I were, it might be a toner.
<< <i>I suggested JJ tea party and David Lawrence to the non-collector as those for the first national and well respected dealers that came to mindthat I thought might handle that kind of material.
I thought the crowd was average. I did not see much for me but what I did ask to be priced carried a heavy premium. I was aghast it what a gold bean could bring (or at least what can be asked for). A 36-d buff in 65 had A price tag north of $400. For all of the talk of the demise of NGC there was plenty of it on the floor. >>
Nice choices for the non-collector. I thought the crowd was a bit light. I was mainly looking for dark side coins and was disappointed in the offerings. Went to one table and was asked what do you think it's worth. I gave a fair, but somewhat on the lower side offer. The dealer said we are a little off on the price. So I asked what his lowest price would be. Ended up almost twice what it recently went for in a couple of recent auctions. I kinda chuckled, said good luck and was on my way. Talked to one other who was also very high, but at least he explained that he bought it high and does not want to lose money. A few more tables and I walked away empty handed. At least I was able to submit a few coins to PCGS and NGC.
<< <i>He had some family heirlooms: a small gold piece and two 18th century silver dollars >>
Man, I would have paid him just to at least look at what they were!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Latin American Collection
<< <i>Thanks to the OP and everyone for taking the time to write these show report comments. I really enjoy reading them and find them very interesting. Sounds like there wasn't a lot of fresh material and prices were HIGH---I am NOT surprised. Big shows are still very worthwhile and quite exciting, though!! >>
The show itself was in a new location - halls F & G. It was nicely laid out. Even though I came back empty handed - it is always nice to see some old friends. I just have to find a cheaper parking garage. $28 is a bit steep.