Home U.S. Coin Forum

Charmy's November 2013 BALTIMORE SHOW REPORT w/lots of Pics!!!

ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
As usual, I left for the show early Wednesday morning for the all-day travel to the opposite coast. I arrived at the John Wayne airport around 5:30am and discovered my boarding pass had “pre-check” printed on it which meant I could go through a much shorter security line, didn’t have to remove any clothing or shoes, and didn’t even have to remove my laptop from my bag as it went through the security scan. From the time my hubby dropped me off at the airport, I was through security and sitting at the Ruby’s Diner 15 minutes later! Now that is the way security used to work!!

So I ordered a Kahlua and coffee but was told I would have to wait a little while. Oh yeah, I had forgotten that in California, no alcohol can be served between 2am and 6am, and it was still only 5:45am! So just coffee it was…

image

Soon it was time to board the plane and wait until 7am when the noise abatement ordinance ends and we could take off.

image

While I was waiting, I was watching as the ground crew was loading the bags and actually saw my bag (the one with the lime green tag) as it was placed on the conveyor belt on its way into the plane. “Yay,” I thought, at least I knew my bag wouldn’t miss my flight!

image

After approximately 3 hours, I arrived in Houston (when I make connections, I always keep in mind the time of year and choose a city that most likely won’t have severe weather issues so as not to delay my connection). I also ran into several other dealers who were on the same flight out of Houston to Baltimore. Another few hours later, and Baltimore came into sight.

image

image

image

image

I checked into my room and found I had a very pretty view of the city towards the convention center.

image

You can see the back side of the convention center

image

I met a couple other dealers for a quick dinner, then went back to my room and quickly passed out!

I woke up the next morning to a gorgeous Baltimore day and took photos of the same view of this beautiful city.

This is a view of the convention center

image

image

I then headed over to the bourse floor. When I made reservations at the Hilton, I was told it was “connected” to the convention center which usually means it’s just a quick hop from the hotel to the convention center. Well, I guess, technically, the hotel is attached to the convention center, but I discovered that the Hilton was actually about 4 blocks away from where the bourse floor was located, so it was more like cross country jog from the hotel to the bourse floor! (I hadn’t stayed at this Hilton before.)

I checked in, got my badge, headed to my table, and began the process of setting up my booth. Soon, some of my usual dealer friends who always have nice copper to show me began stopping by. One of my favorite dealers is Brian Wagner who has some of the most amazing pieces of copper, both for sale and for “show and tell.” He showed me this proof Indian cent which has the deepest cameo portrait I have ever seen on an Indian cent. When Brian first produced it, I thought it was a gold Indian cent. My photo doesn’t do his coin justice but, believe me, it has that complete jaw dropping “WOW” factor.

image

Later, I wandered around the bourse floor and stopped by Todd’s table to say hi (he set up with his dad this time so he had his own table). He showed me this truly amazing piece of extremely rare copper in an also very rare regency holder - a 1792 Birch cent. It’s my understanding that there are only about 12 known. The coin’s owner said he bought it in the early 1990’s when the coin market was at a low, and then submitted it to PCGS to be holdered in their special regency holders.

On my way back to my table, I stopped by Rick Snow’s table. He shares his corner table with another dealer, Mark, who owns a couple coin and jewelry shops and always brings some very interesting coins and beautiful jewelry. He showed me these very cool original 1800’s proof sets he had recently acquired. Thank you to Rick for painstakingly removing the coins from flips and placing them back in the original case, and photographing them for me!

image

image

image

Mark also had the biggest and most beautiful diamond I have ever seen!!! It was 9 carats set in a platinum setting and was worth over $100,000!!! He let me wear it but I could only handle having it in my possession for about an hour before I got nervous that if something happened to it while in my possession, it could cost me my house!

image

Later, another dealer friend – Jim Bush (Shrub68) – stopped by my table to see if I had any Indian cents that might fit in his personal collection, and ended up buying these two beauties.

image

Broadstruck stopped by to say hi and showed me this beautiful silver-toned 1909 Lincoln cent he had on consignment from a customer. I was really surprised that he remembered I have a 1942 silver-toned Lincoln cent that was the last coin I kept from my aunt’s collection. So he thought this 1909 Lincoln cent would fit nicely with that coin, and he was right! It’s now in my personal collection. Here is the silvery 1909 next to a regular red 1909 for comparison.

image

This is photo-shy Jeff (Coppercolor) admiring my new silver-toned 1909.

image

As I mentioned, the show was crowded and pretty busy on Thursday.

image

That’s Jack Beymer in the foreground and my table with the red sign in the background

image

That night we went to one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Baltimore – La Tavola in Little Italy.

image

And this was one of the tastiest Zinfandels I’ve ever had! The wine glass happened to be in front of a candle which made for a really pretty photo op!

image

image

Here are some of the very yummy dishes we had….

image

image

image

image

image

After dinner, a couple of us headed over to the new casino called “Maryland Live! Casino” which is located near the airport. It’s just like a Las Vegas casino, with a nice large poker room. Their no-limit games were full with long waiting lists, so we played 4-8 limit. By the end of the night, I ended up $170 ahead – whahoo!

image

image

Friday morning I woke up to another beautiful day in Baltimore, though the weather forecast said it would be rainy. You couldn’t tell by the bright sunshine from my hotel window!

image

image

When I got to the show, I began organizing the newps I had purchased so far. I ended up finding quite a few nice certified pieces for my inventory.

image

When the show opened to the public on Friday, the bourse filled up rather quickly. It never got as busy and crowded as it was on Thursday, but there still was a nice buzz for a good part of the day.

image

image

image

These two YNs – Weston and Michael – were helping Glenn Holsonbake (PonyExpress) and stopped by to say hi.

image

Later in the day during one of my brief hiatuses from my table, I stopped by to check in with the always busy hardworking folks at NGC and PCGS

image

image

After the show on Friday, we decided to head over to an Irish pub we had been to once before that had live music not far from the convention center area. This is an interesting sculpture in downtown Baltimore that we passed on our way to the pub

image

The James Joyce pub is located not far from the Power Plant District.

image

image

While we waited for our dinner, we started off with – what else – an Irish Car Bomb, followed by a Guinness by itself – this is my favorite beer!

image

image

image

This pub is as Irish as you can get – they even drew a Shamrock in the beer foam!

image

The pub manager photo-bombed our photo!

image

This is Neil (Rick’s FBI friend) who left his glasses in the car so the bar let him borrow this extra pair of glasses they had lying around! LOL!

image

image

The pub soon got very crowded and Neil was enjoying being the “social butterfly” getting to know all the folks around us!

image

image

We all decided to stay in keeping with the Irish theme, and we each ordered different Irish dishes!

This is an excellent Ruben sandwich

image

Bangers and mash - mmmm

image

Their delicious signature Irish stew!

image

A great 2-man band played some of my favorite tunes – including an excellent version of U-2’s “With or Without You”!

image

image

Saturday was typically slow, with low attendance and many dealers packing up early to head home. I had a couple decent sales but for the most part it was a very quiet day. I left the show late in the afternoon to begin my long trek home. Unfortunately, this time I didn’t have the “pre-check” boarding pass so it took quite a bit longer to get through security, including a private bag screening where they took apart my bags so they could “swipe” everything for any illegal foreign residue.

Once through security, I stopped for a tasty relaxing pre-flight margarita at a restaurant near my gate.

image

Once on the plane, I settled into my seat and closed my eyes to relax, when I suddenly heard this familiar voice say something about being seated next to The Penny Lady. I turned around and low and behold, there was Ian Russell of GreatCollections.com sitting next to me! He and his assistant Nina were both on my flight, as were several other dealers.

image

The sun began to set just before take off

image

Bye-bye Baltimore…. til next time….

image

Love being above the clouds!

image

As has been mentioned in other reports, the show was most active on Thursday which is the day I did the most business. Friday was good, and Saturday was slow. Overall, I felt the show was a solid B and agree that it is one of the best shows out there. Whitman does an excellent job putting this show together and I never really hear any complaints. Even the food served in the lobby for lunch is really good, especially their pulled pork sandwich!

That’s it for this show. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend the March Baltimore as my son is getting married that weekend. I asked him if he could please change the date, but… just kidding! I only have two boys and this is my eldest so I am so thrilled and very excited that he is getting married and can’t wait for this special day.

Next up is the Houston Money show in early December and then the Ontario show right after that, then a break for a few weeks before a very busy January/February!
Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®

Comments

  • 123cents123cents Posts: 7,178 ✭✭✭
    Great show report and photos. I loved the birch cent in the Regency Holder with the bag!
    image
  • AuroraBorealisAuroraBorealis Posts: 3,591 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Felt like I was right there... Great report!
    That is one incredible looking DCam of Brian`s!!!!!! As usual with your reports I love the way you narrate all the great pics...

    Thank you Charmy I thoroughly enjoyed it!

    AB image
  • Nice report. I will see you in Houston.
    Morgan Everyman Set
    Member, Society of Silver Dollar Collectors.
    Looking for PCGS AU58+ 1901-P, 1896-O, & 1894-O
  • KyleKyle Posts: 1,821 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great Report, as always.
    Successful BST Transactions With: tonedase, streg2, airplanenut, coindeuce, vibr0nic, natetrook, Shrub68, golden, Lakesammman, drddm, Ilikecolor, CoinJunkie, wondercoin, lablover
  • DentuckDentuck Posts: 3,812 ✭✭✭
    Wonderful coins, as always.

    Charmy, I was busy with various presentations and events throughout the Expo,
    but I did stop by your booth once --- you'd stepped away for a moment!

    Glad you had a good show.

    -- Dennis
  • coinsarefuncoinsarefun Posts: 21,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Awesome pics and like everyone else says........they always make me feel like I was there.

    That is one wicked Birch Cent in the old Regency holder.......WOW !!!



  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 32,123 ✭✭✭✭✭
    On the gambling front, first there were horse tracks.
    Then WV opened slots in that pan handle near DC.
    Then DE decided they'd suck some customers from AC.
    Then MD thought "we're losing revenue" and soon there were Gov't approved casinos.



    For those who've not visited Baltimore, that short and flat building in the foreground to the right of the street is the convention center. And there is the above street walkway shown right to the CC.

    Primo room, Penny Lady!



    Luggage! We sat on a flight to Tokyo and watched what we hoped wasn't all the luggage go on. We didn't see ours at all. We were right to worry, because they didn't load our luggage. image


    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • MFHMFH Posts: 11,720 ✭✭✭✭

    Nice report, I too loved the Birch Cent !!

    Mike Hayes
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !

    New Barber Purchases
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,452 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Wow, the 1864, the 1792, the silver toned 1909...way cool stuff! Great report and great fun!
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • Thanks for the excellent show report, Charmy. I was sorely tempted to dip my lip into that creamy, shamrock-topped Guinness!
    "Clamorous for Coin"
  • mozinmozin Posts: 8,755 ✭✭✭
    Thanks Charmy, for the great report on the Baltimore Show. I love California Zinfandel wine! You made me think of the Baltimore Shows I was able to attend, until I simply got OLD. I do remember one time back in about 1993, I was told from a number of local workers, not to walk more than two blocks from the convention center at night. I never did! The newspapers often told about crime activities two blocks from the convention center. Besides that, the night-time walk around the water at the convention center is truly a sight to be seen, one of the best memories I have from ever attending coin conventions.
    I collect Capped Bust series by variety in PCGS AU/MS grades.
  • GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 16,823 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Savored your report, Charmy!!!

    Thank you
  • WTCGWTCG Posts: 8,940 ✭✭✭
    Good job on the outdoor night shots, and how come I never get invited to all that extracurricular activity?

    With Ian occupying the aisle seat it seemed like the perfect opportunity to develop an over active you know what...
    Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup
    Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
  • Billet7Billet7 Posts: 4,923 ✭✭✭
    That Birtch cent has to be the "holy hand-grenade" of Regency holders.
  • illini420illini420 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Cool! The 1864 DCAM cent and the early proof sets were especially neat to see.

    image
  • etexmikeetexmike Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭
    Always a great show and tell from you Charmy. Enjoy every report and pics that you post.


    Mike
  • AnkurJAnkurJ Posts: 11,366 ✭✭✭✭
    So what was worth more? The Birch Cent or the Diamond? image
    All coins kept in bank vaults.
    PCGS Registries
    Box of 20
    SeaEagleCoins: 11/14/54-4/5/12. Miss you Larry!
  • CMCARTCMCART Posts: 1,409 ✭✭✭
    Great reportimage
    Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865)
    5$ bills are WOW with the numbers - wanted:
    02121809
    04151865
    Wanted - Flipper notes with the numbers 6-9 or 0-6-9 ON 1$ 2$ 5$ 10$ 20$
    Wanted - 10$ Sereis 2013 - fancy Serial Numbers
  • Thanks Charmy for the report. I can't go to most all the large coin shows and you make me feel like I'm right at the show with your great reports and pictures.
  • itsnotjustmeitsnotjustme Posts: 8,777 ✭✭✭
    I like your reports.... Not solely coins, but people, food, travel, hotel, night time activity......
    Give Blood (Red Bags) & Platelets (Yellow Bags)!
  • CoppercolorCoppercolor Posts: 1,475 ✭✭✭
    Good report. I think you captured my "best side" !!

    image
    I'd like my copper well done please!
  • BustCudsBustCuds Posts: 1,096 ✭✭✭

    Great Report image
  • OriginalDanOriginalDan Posts: 3,713 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks Charmy, always nice to read your reports.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great report as always Charmy...thanks for the pictures and commentary.... could have been more wine though..image Cheers, RickO
  • Thanks for the report! I always enjoy looking through them.

    And that Birch Cent… !!!!!!!!!
  • goldengolden Posts: 9,017 ✭✭✭✭✭
    We were not complete until we had your report. Thanks.
  • HighReliefHighRelief Posts: 3,654 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Nice show report, Charmy.
  • PhillyJoePhillyJoe Posts: 2,682 ✭✭✭✭
    I was on a tour group of Annapolis that included a stop in Baltimore late in the day. Due to our bus running late from the get-go, we had early (5:00p) refreshments at the James Joyce. While my group quenched their thirst, I walked over to the convention center. The distance was a lot shorter by bus than walking back. We were only scheduled to be at the James Joyce for 2 hours (that's 5 minutes in Irish time) so with the walk both ways I only had an hour at the convention. So many tables and so little time. I walked by Charmy's table several times ( I do not like to disturb dealers when there are customers at a table), made a quick whirlwind walk of the bourse, was looking for Wayne Herndon's table and after several laps, had to ask since row 1200, 1400, 1500 were all easy to find but 1300 was on the opposite side, 5:30p, time's up, caught Charmy to say hello just as some new customers were sitting down, back to the James Joyce, bus was late, heading to Mick O'Shea's on North Charles, natural gas leak in the area, stuck in traffic, back to James Joyce, one or two more house ambers:"the James Joyce" before heading for the ride home. The "crowd" picture at the bar includes several members of our group. We were leaving as the music duo was just setting up, now around 8:00p, so I missed another opportunity to visit with Charmy.

    So much talk about Baltimore, but the highlight was my tour of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. Our country is in very goods with the caliber of the men and women midshipmen I met Friday morning.

    Joe
    The Philadelphia Mint: making coins since 1792. We make money by making money. Now in our 225th year thanks to no competition. image
  • SeattleSlammerSeattleSlammer Posts: 9,953 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Holy DCAM Indian......@&?$&!!!!!!!!!!
    image
    image
  • Shrub68Shrub68 Posts: 201 ✭✭✭
    Thanks for the report and thanks for the two great cents I bought from you. I'll see you in Houston in December!
  • littlebearlittlebear Posts: 1,431 ✭✭✭✭
    Once again, an excellent report.......


    Larry L.


    image
    Autism Awareness: There is no limit to the good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit.
  • johnny9434johnny9434 Posts: 27,409 ✭✭✭✭✭
    you got pics of alot of nice coins in there charmy, wtg image
  • coinnutcoinnut Posts: 1,432 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great report. I especially like the coin pics and pictures of the bourse area.
  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 32,123 ✭✭✭✭✭
    a lot of the photos were delicious this report.

    that prdcam IHC? that's an "are you serious" coin. and it has survived well from the years. It's almost like someone too special care of it from minting on.

    then there's the proof set. Plus, are you getting the Brch Cent imaged?

    nice set of photos, plus that curious 1909 Lincoln toner.



    and the food from that Italian restaurant had me wishing I were still in the area. I'd go in a heartbeat. Plus, I've a soft spot for reubens. But I'm in another of my multiple attempts at lowering fat intake. I'd make some leeway on certain Italian foods.

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • Bayard1908Bayard1908 Posts: 3,975 ✭✭✭✭
    I like that cased proof set.
  • thisnamztakenthisnamztaken Posts: 4,101 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Very enjoyable report and pix, as always. Thanks.
    I never thought that growing old would happen so fast.
    - Jim
  • MarkMark Posts: 3,520 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have never visited Baltimore and after reading your report, I fell like I have spent a decent amount of fun time there!! image Thanks SO VERY much for the reports.
    Mark


  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,282 ✭✭✭✭✭
    OMG! A Birch cent in a Regency………. thanks for sharing that one!

    "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.
  • EagleEyeEagleEye Posts: 7,676 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Another great show report!

    The 1871 cased proof set was amazing. The coins were in flips outside the set. I took that picture for Charmy after VERY CAREFULLY placing them back in their space and taking the image and then carefully placing them back in their flips all the while trying not to breath on the coins.

    image
    Rick Snow, Eagle Eye Rare Coins, Inc.Check out my new web site:
  • JedPlanchetJedPlanchet Posts: 907 ✭✭✭
    Great show report Charmy as always. And that proof set is absolutely stunning!
    Whatever you are, be a good one. ---- Abraham Lincoln
  • nankrautnankraut Posts: 4,565 ✭✭✭
    Charmy: I have never met you; but your show reports are slam dunk, PR70 home runs! Thanks so much for sharing.image
    I'm the Proud recipient of a genuine "you suck" award dated 1/24/05. I was accepted into the "Circle of Trust" on 3/9/09.
  • ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks once again everyone for all the kind remarks.

    Nick, I definitely look forward to seeing you in Houston, maybe I can get your photo for my show report ;-)

    Dennis/Dentuck, I'm very sorry I missed you. Hopefully, I'll see you at another show soon...

    George, I'd love to share a Guinness with you sometime! image

    Mozin, Baltimore is a beautiful city, but I have heard lots of stories that remind me to be diligent as there are always desperate people in most large cities

    Wei, as long as you buy the first round, you're welcome to join us anytime you like! ;-)

    Jeff/Coppercolor, I definitely did not capture your "best" side in that photo! image

    Ricko, I realized that this report was going to be wine shy, but sometimes you just have to go with the flow! I promise to have more wine at the next show image

    Joe, I'm so sorry we didn't have a chance to connect - and especially that I missed you at the James Joyce!

    Jim/Shrub68, I definitely look forward to sharing some more of that wonderful Canadian Whiskey with you!

    Rick, I am so sorry I forgot to attribute the photo of the 1871 proof set to you! Thank you for taking the tie to carefully place the coins back in the original case and taking such a great photo!
    Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®
  • Greatreport as always
    I look forward to reading them after each show!

    Thanks

    Scott
    Scotts Little Indians
    life's too short gotta live it long!
  • Dave99BDave99B Posts: 8,331 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great report, as usual. Super pics. Man, that silver-toned 1909 cent was a Treat!!!

    Thanks for putting these reports together, Charmy!

    Dave
    Always looking for original, better date VF20-VF35 Barber quarters and halves, and a quality beer.

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file