My Vegas show report
ElmerFusterpuck
Posts: 4,796 ✭✭✭✭✭
This trip kind of happened quickly, since my wife happened to spot a $71 roundtrip Vegas airfare. The only catches were that I had to drive from San Antonio to Austin, and the airline (Frontier) nickeled and dimed you for everything unless you only brought on a personal item. Had no problem doing both, plus booked a very cheap stay at Harrah's on the Strip and all was complete. Pretty much all the Strip hotels now have the dreaded 'resort' fee and some even charge for parking. All that is making the Vegas Strip a less friendly place for the average tourist.
On to the coin show. These are the small PCGS Member shows, which means around 20 dealers in a small intimate setting. I did run into a couple of people that were first timers - at first they were bewildered at the smallness until I explained that it actually gives you more time to talk to dealers and other collectors - basically a coin geek mini-convention. It's the polar opposite of FUN or Long Beach, but just as enjoyable to me. I'm not the world's most social butterfly person, but I did get time to chat with Andy and Alynne from Angel Dees, Rick Snow who was there on a buy/sell trip, Mike from Mike's Coin Chest, the fine folks at Mark's Coin shop and several other dealers and collectors that came and went, with a story or two, or an insight or two. I even got to attend the Legend auction, where I got to see some crazy action on some of the toned Morgans. Overall it was a very full two day trip, made fuller when I fell ill one night, but made a quick recovery by the next day.
My takes on what I heard and saw: There is a healthy correction going on some of the what is called higher end, quite a few prices I saw were lower (sometimes as much as 25%) than the prices realized just a few years ago. This auction also had a sizable selection of patterns, some went below the expected price and some went above. The craziest action was (of course) on the toned coins, especially on some of the Northern Lights collection pieces. My take from all that (true for any auction) is that viewing the coin in hand is the best way to judge it. If not that, then hire a trusted eye.
The one thing I also started with this show was posting coin pics and short coin videos on Instagram. Ever since I started posting pictures with hashtags like #coincollecting, #tonedcoins and others I've managed to pick up somewhat of a following. Some people do buy and sell out there, but I'm sticking to just pictures. I found out after this show that one of my followers (and I follow him too) was at the Legend auction! Being on that app does show that there are plenty of younger collectors out there, some collect everyday things and some chase the higher priced stuff, US and world coins alike. It's my opinion that the hobby is not graying and declining, it's evolving. That doesn't mean prices won't fall for some stuff, since the web is opening avenues for world coins too, not just the US collectibles. You might not get a bite on that dull PF-65 Barber half, but a nice Chinese silver coin from 100 years ago - watch out!
Now for the coins picked up at the show, the first one is an upgrade for the VF-20 half I already had, couldn't pass on this nice PCGS VF-35:
Next is one that Ricko should really like! It's a white luster bomb in hand, and the thing that caught my eye is that the luster swirled in the opposite direction on the cheek. That made for a neat effect. Graded PCGS MS-66:
And finally, I found this toner that grabbed me. Not a monster, but that arc on the left gave it lots of personality. Also graded PCGS MS-66 and very lustrous in hand:
10-4,
Erik
My registry sets
Comments
Interesting report - thank you.
Thanks for the report. It's always fun to read of a member attending a coin show!
Wholesome looking coins. Thanks for the show report Elmer!
Thanks for sharing.....I love the look of that seated half!
Well done and thank you! Now that I'll be working back on the west coast I hope to attend more of these boutique shows. They suit me
Mark
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......
Nice report. Love the seated half move.
I post some coins on my instagram on occasion and use #coincollecting, #coincollection, #numismatics and some others.
Nice report! I follow you on Instagram and enjoy your coin photos. I love the coin content on Instagram it's coin porn for me, so many great pictures!
You found a cheap trip, had some fun and picked up some nice coins.
All in all a good adventure.
Nice report and love the 81-S
Awesome. That VF35 is waaay nice for a 35 compared to what I usually see out there......
Nice insight on the market, great report!
@ricko will love that tarnish free 82 S!! So do I.
I remember when Vegas was fun. The mob did a better job at hospitality.
Still, thanks for your report. I would have thought the show would have been much larger. Good info.
@ElmerFusterpuck..that '82S is a beauty.... Cheers, RickO
I enjoyed your report,sounds like a worthwhile trip despite the brief illness. The toned Morgan is a beauty!
Well done report and thanks for taking the time....
Thanks for the repaort Eiik,
I was there as well and would have loved to meet you. I agree that this is a very nice mini venue. I had great conversations with Larry Sheperd, Angel Dees and Legend. And PCGS are great hosts. Submitted about 14 +/- coins and am very happy with the results. Waiting for he the Truviews which I will share.
OINK
Great report. I enjoyed the show as well. Very relaxed and productive. I'll be going to the New Orleans one for sure.
Thanks for the instagram tip. Great idea.
Outstanding report writing and photography!