Long Beach mini report

Justacommeman · February 16, 2017 5:39PM

I had a blast Weds during the Early Bird and dealer set up. Slow pace and got to catch up with dealer friends and collectors. Spent a good 45 minutes talking coins with my great friend Gregg Bingham. He has forgotten more about commems then I know. Got to study his NGC holdered Isabella proof. Speciman or proof the coin always jumps out at you. Bill Shamhart joined the chat and I was in my glory. Bill used to intimidate me 10 years ago but I've grown extremely fond of him. I have a kindred spirit with him.

Bill later grabbed me by the arm and led me to his table. He wanted to show my a couple Walkers to consider for my toned set. I'm really down to one coin but always looking to upgrade. But to my SHOCK he actually had the coin I needed and it was on. The lights at LB suck so he let me scope it out under his table and I was smitten. A deal was made and I finally found a 42-s that fit my set. This set is 10 years in the making so I'm pretty giddy. We both felt the coin was under graded so I had John Agre crack it out for me as he is set up literally right across from the PCGS table. I wasn't smart enough to snap a pic or run it over to Todd ( I was hurting from a long INTL flight). I truly believe the 42-s is the toughest coin in the short set ESPECIALLY with color. Toned 42-s's are a bear to find. I've seen 3 in 10 years that I even considered. I'll report back when the grade and true view pop.

Was able to have a leisurely stroll around the bouse and chat up Dave Wnuck, Bonnie Sabel, Todd and Roger, Steven Higgins, Laura Sperber and George Huang. Ran into Wei and said hello to Evan Gale, Mike (Illini420) and Jay Robinson at their tables.

Only one coin but it was tied for number 1 on my want list so the show was a huge hit for me. Not much else grabbed my eye and a lot of awesome coins are not being sold into this down market and most are staying in strong hands. You still have to step up for nice coins. Most of the great coins I saw were in the back of dealers tables and not necessarily on display.

I had a blast

mark

roadrunner · February 16, 2017 5:45PM

Thanks Mark for that report. Nice to know Greg is still out there. He used to come around here fairly often in the older days. His posts were always classic. Good to see your set now that much closer to completion.

cameonut2011 · February 16, 2017 5:45PM

It sounds like it was a lot of fun. I can't wait to see pictures of your 1942-S. Congratulations on finishing your set.

Walkerfan · February 16, 2017 5:48PM

Glad you finally found an eye appealing 1942-S---they are a bear. Does your newp have a satisfying strike? As I'm sure you know; they are real strike rarities. Can't wait to see it and good luck on the submission. Congrats!

coinkat · February 16, 2017 5:55PM

Don't think I have been to the Long Beach Show in 25 years

Justacommeman · February 16, 2017 5:56PM

@Walkerfan said:
Glad you finally found an eye appealing 1942-S---they are a bear. Does your newp have a satisfying strike? As I'm sure you know; they are real strike rarities. Congrats!

Nope sad to say. Typical one handed strike for a 42-s. The 42-s is indeed a strike and color rarity.

mark

Justacommeman · February 16, 2017 5:57PM

@roadrunner said:
Thanks Mark for that report. Nice to know Greg is still out there. He used to come around here fairly often in the older days. His posts were always classic. Good to see your set now that much closer to completion.

With what Monsterman went through it would have killed 99.9% of folks. Gregg is as sharp as he has ever been. The man is like granite

mark

Walkerfan · February 16, 2017 5:59PM

@Justacommeman said:

@Walkerfan said:
Glad you finally found an eye appealing 1942-S---they are a bear. Does your newp have a satisfying strike? As I'm sure you know; they are real strike rarities. Congrats!

Nope sad to say. Typical one handed strike for a 42-s. The 42-s is indeed a strike and color rarity.

mark

Regardless, I'm sure it's beautiful. I don't think that I've ever seen one with anything more than just a little rim toning.

kaz · February 16, 2017 6:02PM

Thanks for the report. can't wait to see pics of the Walker!

Justacommeman · February 16, 2017 6:30PM

BTW this coin was not stickered. The dealer I bought this coin from knows the series and so do I. So there

mark

1630Boston · February 16, 2017 6:43PM

Thanks very much for sharing the experience that some of us could not enjoy

lablover · February 16, 2017 7:12PM

my great friend Gregg Bingham.

Boy, that guy could play some ball!!!!

crazyhounddog · February 16, 2017 7:16PM

What! No pics? Your a tease! Sounds like you had a blast my friend. I gotta get to that coin show one year.
Great read, thanks for sharing.

3keepSECRETif2rDEAD · February 16, 2017 7:44PM

Congrats to you and your set! With your eye, I bet it ends up stickered

OldIndianNutKase · February 16, 2017 8:15PM

Thanks for sharing your success with the 42-S to complete your set. And now you are free to pursue a new chapter in your numismatic dreams? Congratulations.

mustanggt · February 16, 2017 10:06PM

Congrats on your purchase.

mariner67 · February 16, 2017 10:17PM

Great report Mark, thank you.
Happy you scored and completed your series.

CCC2010 · February 16, 2017 10:17PM

Can't wait to see the one you have been waiting for all these years. With your taste this coin must really be something to look at Mark. Looking forward with anticipation.

Justacommeman · February 16, 2017 10:35PM

@CCC2010 said:
Can't wait to see the one you have been waiting for all these years. With your taste this coin must really be something to look at Mark. Looking forward with anticipation.

Thanks! It's pretty but not the most colorful coin in the set by a long shot but an anomaly for date/mint mark for sure.

mark

sparky64 · February 16, 2017 10:55PM

Thanks for the mini report and congrats on your newp.

illini420 · February 17, 2017 12:20AM

Glad you had a great time at the show. I love that PCGS gives out complimentary early bird passes to set registry members. Gives the Wednesdays at Long Beach a much better vibe with many more collectors at the show instead of the usual dealer to dealer wholesaling during set up. I hope this is something that continues at that show.

thisnamztaken · February 17, 2017 12:27AM

Thanks for the interesting report. Kudos on your toned 42-S find.

Boosibri · February 17, 2017 12:37AM

Sounds like a great time and always nice to find something that you have been after for a long time!

northcoin · February 17, 2017 1:49AM

Thanks for sharing the culmination of your decade long quest.

BigMoose · February 17, 2017 4:02AM

Sounds like you had a great time, MJ! Congratulations on the 42S. I know how hard you have been working on that set. I would love to see your Walkers, including the Proofs when you are finished. That Shamhart fellow is quite the trip, isn't he?? He sold me a Large Cent within 10 minutes of my starting to walk the bourse floor at FUN this year and it made my entire show worthwhile.

ricko · February 17, 2017 5:01AM

Great report, thanks.... glad to hear you found the right coin after so long a search. Look forward to the pictures. Cheers, RickO

breakdown · February 17, 2017 5:33AM

MJ
I never did find a 42-S that I liked. Look forward to seeing a photo.

Thanks for the report. Sounds like you met a lot of the good people in the business -makes me want to get to a show soon.

etexmike · February 17, 2017 6:09AM

Congrats on landing your White Whale Mark.

I look forward to seeing this coin and the now completed set.

Mike

Lakesammman · February 17, 2017 6:38AM

Thanks for the report and congrats! Looking forward to seeing pics.

Bill has some great stuff and it's always a pleasure to spend some time at his table.

Desert Moon · February 17, 2017 6:44AM

Great report! I echo that Bill is as knowledgeable a numismatist that I have ever dealt with. Some times in the past, Tom Bush set up at his table and you got a twofer! Thumbs up for the Walker, looking forward to the images!

Best, SH

mannie gray · February 17, 2017 11:43AM

@Justacommeman said:

@CCC2010 said:
Can't wait to see the one you have been waiting for all these years. With your taste this coin must really be something to look at Mark. Looking forward with anticipation.

Thanks! It's pretty but not the most colorful coin in the set by a long shot but an anomaly for date/mint mark for sure.

mark

You are right about color on this date.
The only color I've seen for this issue besides gold/yellow album toning, is what I'd call "autumn leaves" color. Can be attractive but not a "knock-your-socks-off" look.
I don't have a Registry set or claim to have your knowledge of the series, but I started specializing in Walkers in the early 80s, sold my set in 1996 for a price that I thought was crazy at the time but now looks pitifully weak for what I had.
Wish I hadn't.
Oh well, they're just pieces of metal anyway.....

Nic · February 17, 2017 12:35PM

Good for you Mark!

That Shamhart guy needs to break more clays and catch more fish ....

RogerB · February 17, 2017 12:38PM

In my opinion, Bill Shamhart is one of the most underappreciated gems in numismatics. Glad you got some time with him!

golden · February 17, 2017 12:49PM

Thanks for the great report! I know what it is to have one coin make your show. I wish that I was there.

Justacommeman · February 17, 2017 11:51PM

@RogerB said:
In my opinion, Bill Shamhart is one of the most underappreciated gems in numismatics. Glad you got some time with him!

Agreed. FYI- he had one of your awesome books displayed in one of his cases with associated coins. I'll try to remember to snap a pic tomorrow.

mark

1tommy · February 18, 2017 8:14AM

Thanks for Taking the time to post your experience, I hope to make this show someday...........

Enjoy Tom

Catbert · February 18, 2017 8:27AM

Am excited for you! Nothing more numismatically satisfying than landing the final coin. Any thoughts on the next challenge?

Unknown · February 18, 2017 9:23AM

This content has been removed.

mariner67 · February 18, 2017 10:15AM

Great report Mark, thank you.
Happy you scored and completed your series.

Walkerguy21D · February 18, 2017 10:23AM

Nice report, and congrats! Like others, waiting to see a photo of it.

DIMEMAN · February 18, 2017 10:30AM

@Justacommeman said:
I had a blast Weds during the Early Bird and dealer set up. Slow pace and got to catch up with dealer friends and collectors. Spent a good 45 minutes talking coins with my great friend Gregg Bingham. He has forgotten more about commems then I know. Got to study his NGC holdered Isabella proof. Speciman or proof the coin always jumps out at you. Bill Shamhart joined the chat and I was in my glory. Bill used to intimidate me 10 years ago but I've grown extremely fond of him. I have a kindred spirit with him.

Bill later grabbed me by the arm and led me to his table. He wanted to show my a couple Walkers to consider for my toned set. I'm really down to one coin but always looking to upgrade. But to my SHOCK he actually had the coin I needed and it was on. The lights at LB suck so he let me scope it out under his table and I was smitten. A deal was made and I finally found a 42-s that fit my set. This set is 10 years in the making so I'm pretty giddy. We both felt the coin was under graded so I had John Agre crack it out for me as he is set up literally right across from the PCGS table. I wasn't smart enough to snap a pic or run it over to Todd ( I was hurting from a long INTL flight). I truly believe the 42-s is the toughest coin in the short set ESPECIALLY with color. Toned 42-s's are a bear to find. I've seen 3 in 10 years that I even considered. I'll report back when the grade and true view pop.

Was able to have a leisurely stroll around the bouse and chat up Dave Wnuck, Bonnie Sabel, Todd and Roger, Steven Higgins, Laura Sperber and George Huang. Ran into Wei and said hello to Evan Gale, Mike (Illini420) and Jay Robinson at their tables.

Only one coin but it was tied for number 1 on my want list so the show was a huge hit for me. Not much else grabbed my eye and a lot of awesome coins are not being sold into this down market and most are staying in strong hands. You still have to step up for nice coins. Most of the great coins I saw were in the back of dealers tables and not necessarily on display.

I had a blast

mark

Thanks for the report Mark. Looking forward to seeing a pic of the 42-S. I have never met Gregg Bingham in person, but we have PM'ed each other about football. Me being a Cowboy fan and him playing for the Oilers. He even sent me a Dallas Cowboy patch he had. He said tackling Earl Campbell in practice all those years took a toll on him.

bigmarty58 · February 18, 2017 1:28PM

Great mini report, thanks.

EastonCollection · February 18, 2017 4:15PM

Great report and sorry I couldn't make the show. Always great getting that last one to complete the set. Hope to see this one soon- please report back to us.

caddyshack · February 18, 2017 5:45PM

Great seeing you! congrats on the Walker too.

Long Beach mini report

Comments

Leave a Comment