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A (tardy) PAN Show Report
kranky
Posts: 8,709 ✭✭✭
A little late, but hey.
PAN is the state show of the PA Association of Numismatists held twice a year in Pittsburgh. For the first time, the club instituted an online auction (ably managed by CoinZip) and the items were on display at the show. Probably about 100 tables and I counted at least 5 new dealers. The vast majority who set up are there every show and come from as far as Missouri.
ANACS was onsite and they seemed to be pretty busy all three days. Security is taken seriously with armed security onsite 24/7 both at the door and walking the floor, as well as video surveillance (with signs posted to that effect). They also had a photo of a known coin show scammer at the dealer check-in and reminded everyone to take a look and speak up if they spot the person.
PAN works hard to provide educational content and there were 5 sessions including one by Kevin Flynn on VAMs. In memory of the late John Burns they set up a "reading room" with a few dozen reference books that the public can look at while at the show. And for the YNs, they provide a "fill your Whitman" room with gallons of wheat cents on tables as well as an auction only open to YNs who are given PAN Auction money to use. Thanks to the dealers and collectors who donate the material for these programs. I'm borrowing this photo from CoinZip that shows how popular the Kids Zone is.
Working with PTVETTER allows the opportunity to hear some industry gossip. My favorite was the dealer who related an auction story. He and another dealer were interested in the same item. The other dealer said he'd take $1,000 to not bid on that particular lot, and they agreed. The item came up for bidding and the dealer who took the $1,000 proceeded to run him up anyway. I was left wondering how you get retribution for that!
One attendee was wearing a polo shirt from his employer. The company name and his department was embroidered on the chest but not very well, as some connecting threads between letters made HUMAN RESOURCES appear to read HITMAN RESOURCES. That got a double-take from me wondering what that company's line of business was before I realized I was reading it wrong.
Col. Steve Ellsworth was awarded the PAN Dealer of the Year award at the banquet. Congrats to Steve who always brings a good joke to share during setup.
Ran across some third-tier slabs I hadn't seen before. There was a maybe-made MS63 Morgan in a MS66 NCG (Numismatic Coin Grading) slab, and another slab from an outfit called GCGS.
There were some very desirable coins for sale. Such as an 1861 CSA half dollar restrike, an 1893-S branch mint proof quarter in a custom Capitol holder, a 1990 no-S proof set, and some 18th century US gold and copper at Jim McGuigan's table. His stuff is fantastic. The exhibits included a complete set of 2 cent pieces including both the open 3 and closed 3 1873 examples. I liked how many of the exhibits had acrylic magnifiers over the coins to make them easier to see in the cases. One puzzler was an exhibit titled "PA National Currency" that of the 30-odd pieces, had two examples from other states. I also liked the exhibit of Barr notes that included every district and every district's star notes (of the ones that had stars).
Enjoyed seeing board members CoinZip, shortgapbob, Papabear, jfoot13 and vam44. Also perennial board lurker Bob.
Want to mention that jfoot13 always tries to do something for the YNs. Attendance was strong at the start but fell off somewhat on Saturday, probably due to the great weather. Flat PM prices did not help build any buzz, and two dealers who typically would take a check told me it was "cash only" for bullion gold.
And one "that's a first" was the announcement over the PA system that a coin book had been found in the men's room and could be claimed at the registration desk.
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.
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Nice write up, Kranky.
Lots of YN's look great... I always get a bit nervous when all I see is a sea of white hair
in conventions and coin shows. They all look like nice kids - or - YN's.
Was very interested in hearing about the BMP 1893-S Quarter.... Would love to see it !!
Thanks again for the report. Well done !!
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Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !
New Barber Purchases
Drunner
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Super report Kranky
Really GLAD to see all of the kids (YNs) involved. That is so important for the future of our hobby.
Kudos to you guys for making all of this happen!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
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.
Was very interested in hearing about the BMP 1893-S Quarter.... Would love to see it !!
Mike, that was at Larry Briggs' table.
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.
DPOTD-3
'Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery'
CU #3245 B.N.A. #428
Don