My Friday at Long Beach

TommyType

Ever go to a coin show completely un-prepared? In a way, it was more fun this way.



I've been on business trips for the last 2 weeks, and HAD to be in the office this morning. But I stormed out of the building at 11:15, and was on my way to Long Beach. A quick trip to the ATM, no plan, a hastily compiled "needs" list, and just a vague idea of what I might be shopping for. Got there at 12:30, ready to go!! (Yeah, right).



- It wasn't overly busy today. Several dealers told me it was more crowded YESTERDAY, which is apparently a reversal of the norm. Worked out well for me since I was rarely bumped, rushed, or hassled.



- Like at more than a few past shows, I decided I was going to finally find that "perfect" MS-63 Type 1 SLQ. It's a glaring hole in my type set.....and it remains a hole. Just can't find "the one" I like. Looked at a couple, but one I had a hard time not calling AU-58, another just looked bland. Someday....



- Mistake: And I know better. Rule #1 at a big show is have a pen an paper handy to write down where you saw something that deserves later examination, because you WILL NOT remember the table number. I didn't remember.



- A new interest of mine has been classic commems. So I was interested to look at those things I had always skipped over in the past. They were everywhere! And some very good looking. I'm interested in the Texas and San Diego right now, and saw several of each I could have talked myself into....But I decided that I wouldn't be buying any today. My impression is that for the grades I am looking for, (MS-64 to 66), they are essentially commodities. And online auctions may be the more economical way to obtain them. Maybe in the future I'll have to seek out items at shows, but for now I was just learning by looking and drinking in the usual look and availability.



- Forget about early circulated certified Walkers. They just aren't AT shows. If you see one at a table, you are pretty much guaranteed it's either 1921P/D/S, or 1938D....and I already have those. That's pretty much it. Wasted effort looking for Walkers.....



- About halfway through the bourse, I stumbled onto a coin that captured my attention: 1864 small motto 2-Cent. For whatever reason, it's a variety that has always interested me. It was a lowly VG-10 (essentially the grade I was looking for), but with absolutely solid surfaces! Not all that common at that grade. The price seemed quite good as well. I took note, (memorizing table number, and a dealer across the aisle I recognized), and promised myself I would come back. And when I did at 3:30, they had packed that case for the day!!! Thankfully, I convinced them to pull it out again....and I bought it. Not sure why I didn't the first time through, except that I was still on a Type 1 SLQ quest. By late in the day, I had officially given up.



- My other purchase for the day was a really nice looking 1845 seated quarter in AU-50. It fills a hole in my type set, and has a really nice golden-brown rim-toning on the obverse, and minimal wear. I'd almost claim it's more like an AU-53 or 55, but that's probably picking-nits.



Ever done this? Since I may have slightly over-paid on the seated quarter, and under-paid on the 2-center, I'm going to fudge in my records. The daily purchase TOTAL will still be the same, but I'm going to transfer about $25 of purchase price from one to the other. Creative accounting.



All in all, a very enjoyable day, after a frantic morning.

Gazes

Sounds like an awesome day !

bolivarshagnasty

Sounds like you had a great time. Thanks for the report. I too have grown interested in classic commems. I'm going to do it a little differently, as I will select my 10 favorites and put them in a Showcase as opposed to the traditional 50 piece registry set. Although I am a toned enthusiast, I want these in as near mint state white condition as I can get them. See last Wednesdays thread for my first four examples. Good luck in your hunt!

DRUNNER

A very nice report . . . . and perhaps typical of the normal show enthusiast. Many times those of us in the real world, with real jobs and real responsibilities, may not have the time or opportunity to prepare as well as we want . . . .

But . . . heading to a show governed by eye appeal and a few specifics for date and Type may be a really fun way to go.

Lots of fun . . . .

Drunner

Justacommeman

Sounds like a ball. I've been in NY the last several LB shows even though I have a home in So Cal. Sucks to miss these.



Thanks for the great report



mark

golden

Thanks for the nice report.

TopographicOceans

Walkerfan

That was a fun read. Thanks for posting.



Sometimes, flying by the seat of your pants is the best way to go.



You just don't know what to expect and it can be productive or lucky.



Be careful that the auditor doesn't see that you've 'cooked your books'.



Glad you had a nice time.

AUandAG

Nice pleasant report.....calm day....very good to find two to take home!



bob

BIGAL2749

As far as modifying the purchase records for the "guilt" you may feel, it doesn't work. I'm sure you'll remember your purchases and don't be surprised that down the road you'll be thankful you "overspent" for it.

coindeuce

" Wasted effort looking for Walkers..... "



I know smoebody who is listing a freshly graded PCGS AU58 1916-S Walker at fleaBay

Walkerguy21D

Nice report, and glad it worked out for you.

Re: early circ walkers - not sure what grade level you are seeking, but most dates have been elusive in VF-AU since I've been seeking
them starting back in the mid-80's, certified or raw. I'm guessing since you have the 1921 trio, you are likely in the VG-Fine range?

Crackout

Excellant report!



I do that 'creative accounting' thing all the time!

ricko

Very good report.... I like the personal perspective, so often lacking in other show reports...

Thanks...Cheers, RickO