I got to see the landmark 1876-CC Battle Born Collection half eagle, graded PCGS MS66/CAC, which is considered the finest Carson City coin of any denomination.
I believe that GK meant to say "the finest Carson City gold coin of any denomination".
<< <i>I got to see the landmark 1876-CC Battle Born Collection half eagle, graded PCGS MS66/CAC, which is considered the finest Carson City coin of any denomination.
I believe that GK meant to say "the finest Carson City gold coin of any denomination". >>
ahhhh. ok. That makes more sense as I'm sure there's some high grade lower denomination coins.
<< <i>That was a great report (as usual), RYK, which I enjoyed reading while relaxing in my hotel room (in my underwear, no less). >>
That is a mental image I didn't need burnt into my mind GeorgeKellogg. The show had a great buzz to it and a lot of the dealers seemed happy with the business they had done. I enjoyed chatting with Wei, RYK, George Kellogg and Fatman. Also had a great visit with Gold Rush Gallery. Al and David are a true class act.
<< <i>That was a great report (as usual), RYK, which I enjoyed reading while relaxing in my hotel room (in my underwear, no less). >>
That is a mental image I didn't need burnt into my mind GeorgeKellogg. The show had a great buzz to it and a lot of the dealers seemed happy with the business they had done. I enjoyed chatting with Wei, RYK, George Kellogg and Fatman. Also had a great visit with Gold Rush Gallery. Al and David are a true class act. >>
I'm sorry for the untoward mental image. I threw that in to be in concert with RYK's underwear comment in the OP.
<< <i>I got to see the landmark 1876-CC Battle Born Collection half eagle, graded PCGS MS66/CAC, which is considered the finest Carson City coin of any denomination.
I believe that GK meant to say "the finest Carson City gold coin of any denomination". >>
You are correct, RYK. It's unlike me leave "gold" out of a sentence!
I arrived Friday morning at the show and checked in with Todd at BluCC Photos. He was ready for my box of coins, so I went back to the Gold Rush Gallery table, retrieved the box, and dropped it off with Todd. He said to check back in the afternoon.
I found an opportunity to meet John Agre at CRO; as I approached his table, the person with whom he was talking walked away, just as I arrived. It was great timing for me, although from John's perspective, he may have preferred a breather before my arrival. Anyway, it was great to meet John, but I made it a point not to overstay my welcome, knowing how busy the CRO table can be.
I finally made it around the bourse floor, but never found a PMG AU58 EPQ $20 Gold Certificate to match the pretty sawbuck that I bought at last year's FUN Show. I also had my eye peeled for a CC Trade Dollar in an OGH, as well as original Dahlonega gold, but wasn't able to find what I needed. Oh well, if it were too easy, the thrill of discovery wouldn't be so rewarding!
Today I got to visit with Forum members Charmy and FiveCents, both experiences being quite enjoyable!
I saw a cool item that a dealer friend found at the show: a postal cover with the return address being no less than the U. S. Branch Mint at Charlotte, N.C. As I am primarily a southern gold specialist, I soon determined that the item was not for sale, but was for display purposes only, a situation that I fully understood.
Lunch at these affairs for me are generally utilitarian, which I bring with me, due to my sensitivity to gluten. I quickly wolfed down today's offering, which I won't describe, due to its excessive banality.
I got call from the PMG grading room on my cell phone, wanting more information on the Loegler Currency Collection. One of the notes that I submitted for certification was a rare Scottsboro Type 2 $5 National Bank Note, which I purchased in the 2004 Heritage FUN Currency Auction. The Note from was from the Frank Kennedy Collection of Alabama Nationals, and earlier from the Gerald Loegler Collection. After checking with a dealer friend and a bit of Googling, I confirmed that the Loegler Collection was auctioned in 2003 by Lyn Knight, which I promptly relayed to the grading room.
I checked with Jenna Van Valen at Doug Winter's table, about the status of the new edition of the Dahlonega Mint book. It has been at the printer for about six weeks, but the Christmas slowdown got in the way. Reviewing the proofs will be the next step, before the presses are started.
I noticed that the 2013 ASEs had arrived a day earlier than advertised, so I hurried over to Silvertowne and bought a few for my ASE albums. I have found that ASEs are sometimes a good way to buy silver bullion. When the premium for ASEs is too high, I can often do better with BU rolls.
I purchased three 1955 BU Franklin half dollars from a dealer friend, for a small premium over the spot silver price. I thought that it was a pretty good deal, as these were the "Bugs Bunny" variety.
I checked back with Todd in the afternoon and he had completed my shoot, so I retrieved my box from him. I had promised CRO that I would bring by one of my most prized Dahlonega pieces for show and tell (which was one of the coins being photographed by BluCC), which I dutifully proceeded to do. I also took the piece by Doug Winter's table, as he hadn't seen it since 2004 (the year that I bought the coin from Gold Rush Gallery).
The PMG grading room had told me that my notes would be ready in 2-3 hours, so I checked back at the PMG table as the expected time drew near. They were a bit late coming back to the bourse, which necessitated my return to the PMG table several times.
Finally the notes were back and the grading was generally as expected. I did find one thing a bit surprising, namely the assigning of a net grade to one of the notes, a choice uncirculated star note that had courtesy autographs by the U.S. Treasurer and Secretary of the Treasury. PMG now describes courtesy autographs (rather unappealingly) as "ink annotations."
I am considering one of the Yosemite America the Beautiful five-ounce silver coins, in the original mint packaging, located at a nearby dealer's table, to commemorate my sister's long hike through the park this past summer.
All too soon, the long day on the bourse was at an end. It's amazing how short a day can seem when one is fully engaged in numismatics!
My favorite part: "Lunch at these affairs for me are generally utilitarian, which I bring with me, due to my sensitivity to gluten. I quickly wolfed down today's offering, which I won't describe, due to its excessive banality."
Today I made a point to revisit those tables that are my perennial favorites. At a show this large and crowded, it is very easy to overlook a potential item of interest. Additionally, any table visit is only a snapshot in time. Unless one returns, a dealer's new purchases (made since the last walk-through) will be missed.
I bought a nicely toned Stone Mountain half dollar (in shades of russet, red, and gold), graded MS64 by PCGS, from Rare Coins of New Hampshire. Most uncirculated Stone Mountain halves that one encounters are white or nearly so. This one was the exception and the attractive toning, which was primarily peripheral, very nicely highlighted the coin's major design elements. Equally as important, the piece was very reasonably priced, causing me to "pull the trigger" with great dispatch.
I also paid a return visit to the table of Hallmark Rare Coins, until just recently known by the somewhat tongue-in-check moniker "Smart Assets." Previously, I had purchased everything from silver bullion, choice bust and seated half dollars, and a nice Dahlonega quarter eagle from this firm. Today, I decided to make a silver bullion buy, this time in the form of a choice BU roll of 1955-S Roosevelt dimes and a sparkling BU roll of 1960 Washington quarters, all for just a touch over the spot silver price.
Later on, I got a wonderful surprise from Al Adams, owner of Gold Rush Gallery. He commissioned the engraving of a brick located on the walkway outside the main entrance to the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse in Dahlonega, GA, with my name and that of my late father. The old courthouse, located in the center of the town square, now serves as the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Being a Dahlonega gold collector, this was very special to me.
Al sold the nicely toned $5 Carolina Bechtler gold piece, in an Old Green Holder, graded XF45 (to which RYK referred previously in this report). The new owner is an appreciative collector (as opposed to an appreciative dealer). Alas, it was not me!
Pack-up day is always a mixed bag, as one is torn between trying to be proactive and get a head-start in the packing process and (conversely) wanting to find that last coin or make that last sale. We did an adequate job of balancing the two opposing desires and managed to get packed up efficiently, give due consideration to our security detail, and even eked out a few last numismatic achievements.
I am happy with the way the show went for me. I accomplished about 90% of my goals and had a lot of fun in the process!
I thought the 2013 FUN Show was enthusiastically attended, particularly in light of this (still) somewhat fragile economy. I sensed that buyers were quality conscious, but also ready to spend if the value was solid.
Although bullion items continued to be in demand, quality numismatic items clearly were in play as well. The FUN Show is also a great venue for socializing and collectors and dealers took full advantage of this warm, sunny respite from the winter weather in other parts of the country.
<Later on, I got a wonderful surprise from Al Adams, owner of Gold Rush Gallery. He commissioned the engraving of a brick located on the walkway outside the main entrance to the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse in Dahlonega, GA, with my name and that of my late father. The old courthouse, located in the center of the town square, now serves as the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Being a Dahlonega gold collector, this was very special to me>
GK, that is SO WONDERFUL. It made my day (I'm in China) and I don't even know you.....................MJ
Walker Proof Digital Album 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......
GK and RYK both, thanks a lot for all the detailed FUN show reporting. It really gives one a super-enjoyable "you are there" feeling for those of us unable to attend. And GK many congratulations on your memorial Lumpkin County brick!
I don't think I have ever read such a warmly embraced and pleasantly hijacked thread lol. All of it taken together it makes for a truly great show report for us. Thank you both
<< <i><Later on, I got a wonderful surprise from Al Adams, owner of Gold Rush Gallery. He commissioned the engraving of a brick located on the walkway outside the main entrance to the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse in Dahlonega, GA, with my name and that of my late father. The old courthouse, located in the center of the town square, now serves as the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Being a Dahlonega gold collector, this was very special to me>
GK, that is SO WONDERFUL. It made my day (I'm in China) and I don't even know you.....................MJ >>
Me too except I'm not in China
In the land of the blind the one-eyed man is king.
I spent more time at the Gold Rush table BS'ing than any other table. Al and Dave are the best! Maybe I'm jaded about THE 76-CC $5 (first seen 25 years ago at Eliasberg), but the Grant appointment document was, at least to me, one of the cooler items at the show.
76-CC 20c's, while obviously prestigious, are less revered than this $5, which is sui generis. Sorry TDN, but if you ever start to collect gold you will retain your justifable pride in your marvelous silver and find a much broader respect and appreciation for the rarity of CC gold. Deeply knowledgeable collectors across a quite broad base are often stunned by the chance to view a wholesome MS61 (which sometimes doesn't exist).
Al and Dave didn't correct me when I made an easily correctable mistake about a coin from the marvelous Gold Rush Collection that Heritage sold several years ago (Brasher Doubloon also included). When I realized I'd gotten it wrong (something about my ego and the proof 1838 $10 from Cardinal Spellman the late Dave Akers had owned before Jay Miller later bought it) and went back to talk about it (Pittman's 1833 proof $5, previously from Farouk and bought in a large lot (!!!!!. Close but no cigar. I called it an 1831. Then they corrected me in a most gracious manner, never intimating how shredded my memory has become. This piece is one of the coolest coins ever. The Pogues now own it. PR67CAM and you could grade it anything you like. I probably got this grade wrong too But this piece defies superlatives. You owe it to yourself to look it up in the HA archives.
I saw too many Forum members to name. I note not MrEureka's presence (he's soon to join the million-mile frequent flyer club, or so it seems), but the absence of Aki (sigh).
Something for everyone, and the buzz, which accelerated after setup, indicated much more public participation than last year. A good sign for the future
edited to add: I just checked the HA archives and the photos for the 1833 $5 suck.
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." - Geo. Orwell
Went back to buy the Bechtler at GRG that RYK mentioned and was 5 minutes late - really nice coin.
Glad that GK chimed in - nice combined report.
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
Was happy for the buyer of the Bechtler - he was a specialist and had some other really crusty Bechtlers to share - it was a real treat to see them.
Not many original territorials surviving these days......
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
Comments
I believe that GK meant to say "the finest Carson City gold coin of any denomination".
<< <i>I got to see the landmark 1876-CC Battle Born Collection half eagle, graded PCGS MS66/CAC, which is considered the finest Carson City coin of any denomination.
I believe that GK meant to say "the finest Carson City gold coin of any denomination". >>
ahhhh. ok. That makes more sense as I'm sure there's some high grade lower denomination coins.
<< <i>That was a great report (as usual), RYK, which I enjoyed reading while relaxing in my hotel room (in my underwear, no less). >>
That is a mental image I didn't need burnt into my mind GeorgeKellogg.
The show had a great buzz to it and a lot of the dealers seemed happy with the business they had done.
I enjoyed chatting with Wei, RYK, George Kellogg and Fatman.
Also had a great visit with Gold Rush Gallery. Al and David are a true class act.
<< <i>
<< <i>That was a great report (as usual), RYK, which I enjoyed reading while relaxing in my hotel room (in my underwear, no less). >>
That is a mental image I didn't need burnt into my mind GeorgeKellogg.
The show had a great buzz to it and a lot of the dealers seemed happy with the business they had done.
I enjoyed chatting with Wei, RYK, George Kellogg and Fatman.
Also had a great visit with Gold Rush Gallery. Al and David are a true class act. >>
I'm sorry for the untoward mental image. I threw that in to be in concert with RYK's underwear comment in the OP.
<< <i>I got to see the landmark 1876-CC Battle Born Collection half eagle, graded PCGS MS66/CAC, which is considered the finest Carson City coin of any denomination.
I believe that GK meant to say "the finest Carson City gold coin of any denomination". >>
You are correct, RYK. It's unlike me leave "gold" out of a sentence!
I arrived Friday morning at the show and checked in with Todd at BluCC Photos. He was ready for my box of coins, so I went back to the Gold Rush Gallery table, retrieved the box, and dropped it off with Todd. He said to check back in the afternoon.
I found an opportunity to meet John Agre at CRO; as I approached his table, the person with whom he was talking walked away, just as I arrived. It was great timing for me, although from John's perspective, he may have preferred a breather before my arrival. Anyway, it was great to meet John, but I made it a point not to overstay my welcome, knowing how busy the CRO table can be.
I finally made it around the bourse floor, but never found a PMG AU58 EPQ $20 Gold Certificate to match the pretty sawbuck that I bought at last year's FUN Show. I also had my eye peeled for a CC Trade Dollar in an OGH, as well as original Dahlonega gold, but wasn't able to find what I needed. Oh well, if it were too easy, the thrill of discovery wouldn't be so rewarding!
Today I got to visit with Forum members Charmy and FiveCents, both experiences being quite enjoyable!
I saw a cool item that a dealer friend found at the show: a postal cover with the return address being no less than the U. S. Branch Mint at Charlotte, N.C. As I am primarily a southern gold specialist, I soon determined that the item was not for sale, but was for display purposes only, a situation that I fully understood.
Lunch at these affairs for me are generally utilitarian, which I bring with me, due to my sensitivity to gluten. I quickly wolfed down today's offering, which I won't describe, due to its excessive banality.
I got call from the PMG grading room on my cell phone, wanting more information on the Loegler Currency Collection. One of the notes that I submitted for certification was a rare Scottsboro Type 2 $5 National Bank Note, which I purchased in the 2004 Heritage FUN Currency Auction. The Note from was from the Frank Kennedy Collection of Alabama Nationals, and earlier from the Gerald Loegler Collection. After checking with a dealer friend and a bit of Googling, I confirmed that the Loegler Collection was auctioned in 2003 by Lyn Knight, which I promptly relayed to the grading room.
I checked with Jenna Van Valen at Doug Winter's table, about the status of the new edition of the Dahlonega Mint book. It has been at the printer for about six weeks, but the Christmas slowdown got in the way. Reviewing the proofs will be the next step, before the presses are started.
I noticed that the 2013 ASEs had arrived a day earlier than advertised, so I hurried over to Silvertowne and bought a few for my ASE albums. I have found that ASEs are sometimes a good way to buy silver bullion. When the premium for ASEs is too high, I can often do better with BU rolls.
I purchased three 1955 BU Franklin half dollars from a dealer friend, for a small premium over the spot silver price. I thought that it was a pretty good deal, as these were the "Bugs Bunny" variety.
I checked back with Todd in the afternoon and he had completed my shoot, so I retrieved my box from him. I had promised CRO that I would bring by one of my most prized Dahlonega pieces for show and tell (which was one of the coins being photographed by BluCC), which I dutifully proceeded to do. I also took the piece by Doug Winter's table, as he hadn't seen it since 2004 (the year that I bought the coin from Gold Rush Gallery).
The PMG grading room had told me that my notes would be ready in 2-3 hours, so I checked back at the PMG table as the expected time drew near. They were a bit late coming back to the bourse, which necessitated my return to the PMG table several times.
Finally the notes were back and the grading was generally as expected. I did find one thing a bit surprising, namely the assigning of a net grade to one of the notes, a choice uncirculated star note that had courtesy autographs by the U.S. Treasurer and Secretary of the Treasury. PMG now describes courtesy autographs (rather unappealingly) as "ink annotations."
I am considering one of the Yosemite America the Beautiful five-ounce silver coins, in the original mint packaging, located at a nearby dealer's table, to commemorate my sister's long hike through the park this past summer.
All too soon, the long day on the bourse was at an end. It's amazing how short a day can seem when one is fully engaged in numismatics!
My favorite part: "Lunch at these affairs for me are generally utilitarian, which I bring with me, due to my sensitivity to gluten. I quickly wolfed down today's offering, which I won't describe, due to its excessive banality."
Saturday marked my last day at the 2013 FUN Show.
Today I made a point to revisit those tables that are my perennial favorites. At a show this large and crowded, it is very easy to overlook a potential item of interest. Additionally, any table visit is only a snapshot in time. Unless one returns, a dealer's new purchases (made since the last walk-through) will be missed.
I bought a nicely toned Stone Mountain half dollar (in shades of russet, red, and gold), graded MS64 by PCGS, from Rare Coins of New Hampshire. Most uncirculated Stone Mountain halves that one encounters are white or nearly so. This one was the exception and the attractive toning, which was primarily peripheral, very nicely highlighted the coin's major design elements. Equally as important, the piece was very reasonably priced, causing me to "pull the trigger" with great dispatch.
I also paid a return visit to the table of Hallmark Rare Coins, until just recently known by the somewhat tongue-in-check moniker "Smart Assets." Previously, I had purchased everything from silver bullion, choice bust and seated half dollars, and a nice Dahlonega quarter eagle from this firm. Today, I decided to make a silver bullion buy, this time in the form of a choice BU roll of 1955-S Roosevelt dimes and a sparkling BU roll of 1960 Washington quarters, all for just a touch over the spot silver price.
Later on, I got a wonderful surprise from Al Adams, owner of Gold Rush Gallery. He commissioned the engraving of a brick located on the walkway outside the main entrance to the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse in Dahlonega, GA, with my name and that of my late father. The old courthouse, located in the center of the town square, now serves as the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Being a Dahlonega gold collector, this was very special to me.
Al sold the nicely toned $5 Carolina Bechtler gold piece, in an Old Green Holder, graded XF45 (to which RYK referred previously in this report). The new owner is an appreciative collector (as opposed to an appreciative dealer). Alas, it was not me!
Pack-up day is always a mixed bag, as one is torn between trying to be proactive and get a head-start in the packing process and (conversely) wanting to find that last coin or make that last sale. We did an adequate job of balancing the two opposing desires and managed to get packed up efficiently, give due consideration to our security detail, and even eked out a few last numismatic achievements.
I am happy with the way the show went for me. I accomplished about 90% of my goals and had a lot of fun in the process!
I thought the 2013 FUN Show was enthusiastically attended, particularly in light of this (still) somewhat fragile economy. I sensed that buyers were quality conscious, but also ready to spend if the value was solid.
Although bullion items continued to be in demand, quality numismatic items clearly were in play as well. The FUN Show is also a great venue for socializing and collectors and dealers took full advantage of this warm, sunny respite from the winter weather in other parts of the country.
GK, that is SO WONDERFUL. It made my day (I'm in China) and I don't even know you.....................MJ
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......
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Best Regards,
George
<< <i><Later on, I got a wonderful surprise from Al Adams, owner of Gold Rush Gallery. He commissioned the engraving of a brick located on the walkway outside the main entrance to the Old Lumpkin County Courthouse in Dahlonega, GA, with my name and that of my late father. The old courthouse, located in the center of the town square, now serves as the Dahlonega Gold Museum. Being a Dahlonega gold collector, this was very special to me>
GK, that is SO WONDERFUL. It made my day (I'm in China) and I don't even know you.....................MJ >>
Me too except I'm not in China
76-CC 20c's, while obviously prestigious, are less revered than this $5, which is sui generis. Sorry TDN, but if you ever start to collect gold you will retain your justifable pride in your marvelous silver and find a much broader respect and appreciation for the rarity of CC gold. Deeply knowledgeable collectors across a quite broad base are often stunned by the chance to view a wholesome MS61 (which sometimes doesn't exist).
Al and Dave didn't correct me when I made an easily correctable mistake about a coin from the marvelous Gold Rush Collection that Heritage sold several years ago (Brasher Doubloon also included). When I realized I'd gotten it wrong (something about my ego and the proof 1838 $10 from Cardinal Spellman the late Dave Akers had owned before Jay Miller later bought it) and went back to talk about it (Pittman's 1833 proof $5, previously from Farouk and bought in a large lot (!!!!!. Close but no cigar. I called it an 1831. Then they corrected me in a most gracious manner, never intimating how shredded my memory has become. This piece is one of the coolest coins ever. The Pogues now own it. PR67CAM and you could grade it anything you like. I probably got this grade wrong too
I saw too many Forum members to name. I note not MrEureka's presence (he's soon to join the million-mile frequent flyer club, or so it seems), but the absence of Aki (sigh).
Something for everyone, and the buzz, which accelerated after setup, indicated much more public participation than last year. A good sign for the future
edited to add: I just checked the HA archives and the photos for the 1833 $5 suck.
The Penny Lady®
AB
Glad that GK chimed in - nice combined report.
Here's the link to my post on the forum with some other pics of the D-Mint gold coins in the safe......http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=26&threadid=699445&highlight_key=y&keyword1=dahlonega">HERE
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
<< <i>Great report RYK... Was nice to meet you...Hopefully next time around we`ll have a chance to chat more...
AB
AB, I enjoyed meeting you, too, and I am sorry I did not get to see your coins or visit longer. Next time...
Went back to buy the Bechtler at GRG that RYK mentioned and was 5 minutes late - really nice coin.
I am sorry that one of us did not buy that coin. It was really nice and special.
Not many original territorials surviving these days......