1st Long Beach, a beginner’s show report.
Aspie_Rocco
Posts: 3,271 ✭✭✭✭✭
It was around 8am Thursday morning when I left for the Show as the rain poured down on the usually dry Ventura County roads. 
As I drove through the little valley at the base of the Getty it began to hail! 
I made super great time considering the amount of rain, traffic, accidents, and ground covered, arriving just after 10am. Parking was a breeze Thursday, I got a spot right next to the exit on the ground level. Mostly a half full lot all day in that structure 
On the street I met a random fellow coin enthusiast, like we instinctively knew each was a collector headed to the show, and we navigated our way to the entrance happily chatting along the way. 
First entrance to the show I gave my phone over with confirmation number and bar code, and they gave me a name tag and necklace lanyard. I assume this was sort of like a handle, for when someone dives in front of you at any random table, you can grab their lanyard and relocate their position like a leash. 
I felt suddenly prestigious with my name out there, I laughed at the thought, flipped over the “Heritage” logo and scratched “Aspie- Rocco” on the back, and placed that facing out, to identify myself to anyone that might want to say hello or avoid me. I could not help but have a HUGE cheesy smile like the “cat that ate the canary” as I walked through the entrance to the main show floor area.
The PCGS area was massive and busy so I slowly walked past in awe. The first person to speak to me was from the ANA and he gave me this cool token. 
My first coin of the Show! A freebie!
A few tables down a friendly gentlemen introduced himself, it was @illini420
We talked for a few, I was so excited it was a bit of a blur, but I noticed his cool assortment of Dan Carr pieces and puzzle Coins, along with some other nice US material.
I had intended to take photos with folks but it felt awkward to ask so I did not. I cointinued down the first two aisles closest to the PCGS area until around noon. I tried to stay on a circuit to view each table and booth, passing the currency and other miscellaneous tables. The abundance of Morgans was a shocker! It was like a sea of blast white all over the place. It may wear off but I feel bored with them after seeing soooooo many. No disrespect to Morgan fans. The proof Morgans were all nice though, some breath taking.
I did see some epic coins, again no pics, but I fell in love with the most humorous item at the show, did not buy it though. 
Along the way I cherry picked some Franklin Bugs Bunny Varieties and a relatively unknown re engraved 1952 Jefferson Variety I had not been able to buy until Thursday. The only other example has been on eBay grossly overpriced for a long while. 
At some point I found @FredWeinberg and awkwardly introduced myself. He is one of a few folks I met that I consider a coin celebrity, so I tried to play it cool and not be a dork saying things like OMG you are you! Wow!
It was really cool to talk with him for a few minutes about errors and parking lot damage, and I showed off my newly found 1962 Fs901pr68dcam Franklin to him.
On my way back towards the entrance I believe I saw the handsome Richard Nachbar? His photo is on or in a few coin books I have, I could not recall his name but I recognized him, I think it was him...
I also met @blu62vette another awesome forum member and person. He had a cool selection of different items and imaged my newly won $5 gold. I am looking forward to seeing quality photos of it since mine are done in fluorescent.
Then I went outside and took a break, unloading the coins and juice bottles from my carry bag. It was a nice break to hide out in the car for a few minutes 
When I got back in I had a $5 grey hot dog 🌭 ew, it was normal colored on the inside, and the was a LOT of mustard around the concession area. The jokes about mustard stains are REAL!!! Lol it was even on the tables in the eating area. The mustard stains haha.
I roamed around some more and found myself in awe of a pr64+cam Flying Eagle cent!!!!
I saw a bunch of Eagle Eye Rare Coins stickers in the case and thought, hey I recognize that sticker. It is like a different sort of CAC style deal, I believe, for cents. It was an incredibly compelling assortment of cents that called to me. It was the first point in the show when I wished my bag was full of money instead of a hoodie and some slabs.
I wandered back towards the concession area randomly around 130pm and saw the only truly familiar face, Kurt V, of Kurt’s coins, and KCV nickel sets. I have met with and traded with Kurt a few times. A GREAT guy, very friendly and enthusiastic about all nickels. In his company was Bernie T, a shield nickel collector and unpublished author of rare die marriages & varieties in the shield series. The Three of us had lunch together, Bernie and I shared a pretzel bun roast beef sandwich which was surprisingly tasty. We talked for a while and Bernie went to find Brian W, a noted Numismatist collector of several series, flying eagles previously and more Liberty and Buffalo nickels currently, if I have my facts straight. It was some great conversations about surface conditions and nickel varieties.
The rest of the show is a bit of a blur still after lunch. I met the Penny Lady, bought some cents for my chocolate dansco and she got a picture of me, hopefully I do not look too goofy, you might find me in her Show report.
Photo of me by Charmay 
I have been looking for a few months now, to find both of the nicely spread ddr of 1943 D, and got one at the show 
I scooped up some cool copper rounds also, and a group from Patrick Mint 
The rest was really a blur after about 7 hours of walking. I do recall being invited to Kurt’s home for dinner with Bernie, Brian W, and two other fellows. I felt so honored and special to have been included. We had steaks and potatoes, and I met the other guests. Rich or Rick, was introduced to me and another gentleman named Matt, a collector of all cent coins. Rick/Rich turned out to be a very knowledgeable Numismatist with focus on the flying eagles and Indian cents.
I really hope I was pleasant company for them, and not annoying/obnoxious. It was so cool to be around so many folks so passionate about Coins. I tried to mind my socials skills.
I am Not sure how many people recognize that Aspie is a shorter version of Aspergers, or High functioning autism. I am an Aspie, and using that as part of my name is my subtle way of spreading autism awareness.
It can be a mixed blessing, I struggle with many things most folks find simple or natural, like socializing for example, but I do well noticing minor details like variety Coins have and solo activities.
Back at the dinner table, Kurt broke out several binders and red boxes of rare Pcgs nickels and it was Variety-a-palooza after dinner and over dessert. Kurt made a nice trade with me for a top pop stand alone ddr I had, and I gave him the P/P 1942 recently acquired from a forum member.
In trade I got the ever elusive 1941 s/s in PCGS plastic, a 1939 S R40 MS66FS, and a lower grade of my top pop ddr. And he arranged a free hotel stay for me. Super awesome guy!!!!
It turned out the Rick/Rich was none other than the Famous Rick Snow! Yet another coin celebrity in my world. A very personable and friendly guy. We all talked until about 9pm and then went back to our respective hotels. 
The upgrades to my set lower my score but increased my set rating. I am pleased with the transaction. I would rather have two or three decent varieties than one high grade variety and I think Kurt is pleased also.
Friday:
I arrived back at the show at 10am and felt like an old pro zipping along the street to return to my prime spot from Thursday. The lot was full so I ended up parking a few blocks away in a place owned by DDR. The irony, or coincidence?
I went right in and was third in line to meet @BrettPCGS and the lead Grader. It was unique to see the way they expertly viewed and assessed Coins, and I enjoyed a brief conversation. I did not want to take up too much of people’s time at the show, as I know folks are busy and I can go on and on, as evidenced by this long report
I roamed around some more and covered the remaining aisles of coin tables, picked up a few more varieties and visited the Eagle Eye Rare Coins table and talked with Rick for a while and admired his inventory. Amazing cent offerings. I got to hold the cam flying eagle!!! And a few patterns! What an honor! To read about such things is one deal, to hold such historic Coins is a unique experience.
I had lunch with Bernie and Brian again, and we talked more Coins, and I think I will be buying my first shield nickel from Bernie. I am excited.
I later saw Kurt again and we talked some more and I saw his two 1990 S ddo Nickels, I really want one of them!
I decided to leave around 3pm I was overwhelmed and exhausted, drunk on the viewing of so many awesome coins like the proof seated Liberty sets up at auction soon, the Brasher, the Mr Perfect Morgan Proof set(stunning) the flying eagles and many capped and draped bust halves I longed for. Before leaving I visited @illini420 again and bought a really cool California Quarter puzzle for the wife. She likes puzzles, dislikes Coins lol. 
Great show, thanks for reading,
Best wishes
Rocco
Comments
Rocco this was a fantastic show report. Thanks for posting.
Always great to meet a fellow forum member in person. Sounds like you had a great time at the show and looks like you got some cool purchases too!
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
Glad you had a good time and found some coins for your collection.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
Well written report and your enthusiasm for coins leaps from your words.
May you always have such a strong fire.
Good job @Aspie_Rocco !
Thank you for your excellent report and candor, very enlightening!
Thanks for the great report. Hope you beat the Friday afternoon LA traffic.
Someone is having fun with his Coins!!!
Great report and you did a lot for your first big show I'd say.
Thanks for posting.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
Some other notes;
I liked when dealers had a price on the slab or the 2x2. It makes a great impression on me at least, that they took the time to do so, while also letting me know if I could afford it.
Seeing it all go down, I have a bit of new respect for dealers. Definitely not a job I would enjoy, on the retail end like that.
It Sounded like the tables were very expensive, I hope everyone made enough to cover fees.
I saw only one 1938 Proof Nickel at the show, so I bought it. It was another FS401. Not sure what the grade will be.
*** oh! I met @HeatherBoyd too
She was very pleasant and polite. We spoke briefly as I intercepted her on her way out of the main floor.
I think I saw @specialist behind the Legend tables! I wanted to introduce myself but did not. I think she was the one with
“firey Irish flippant curls”?
While I disagree with her on some points, I really have a tremendous respect for her position against coin doctors and admire her enthusiasm regarding her knowledge/opinions. I should have said hello.
I saw the foreign dealer Kenneth Wolf, from the Thousand Oaks show a while back, and finally found a silver Sen coin at the show
I also saw the gentleman I bought my LED loupe from at the TO show, Curtis Kerbow, and got my 1943 D minor DDR nickel from him and a 1941 S Nickel.
Over all the show had a lot of interesting beautiful coins and people. Not as much material in my areas of focus and budget as I would have liked to see, but boat loads of things I would buy if I were a more wealthy individual.
I sit at home now on Saturday morning, half wishing I was still at the show.
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
I, too am an Aspie. Although I highly doubt that anybody who knows me thru coins knows that about me.
I'm so jealous you got to meet Ron Howard. He's a grading god from what I've heard.
I love your 1941 S/S MS65 Jefferson Nickel.
Thanks for taking the time to write and show your show report @Aspie_Rocco, awesome!
Your excitement and enthusiasm literally jumps out of your show report - thanks for sharing!
I definitely have to 2nd the outstanding show report!
Impressive report. Thanks for writing it!
I really enjoyed reading your report, made me feel like I was there! Thanks!
Great read--thank you!
Awesome! Just awesome! One suggestion. Next time pack a few PBJ sandwiches (and a couple breath mints -for the peanut breath). Convention food is so awful!
Great report!
Although I didn’t see any mention of the dead animal smell that I kept getting wiffs of throughout the convention hall. Anyone ever figure out what that horrible smell was?
Otherwise great show though.
Rocco, nice report and photos, you're a pro at this! Thanks
Many successful BST transactions with dozens of board members, references on request.
Nice to read a fun report like this, without even a hint of bitterness.
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets
Wow great report!!! Sounds like you had an awesome time!!!
Great report. We probably passed in the aisles.
I thought the show was busy.
I met with the top three error coin dealers in the world.
I bought 2 super nice coins from 2 forum member dealers.
Picked up eight coins previously purchased.
Submitted to PCGS and NGC.
Drive up was a cakewalk (1 hr 45 mins), drive down was a nightmare (4 plus hours in the raining parking lot called the 15.
I really like the coins I bought and picked up
I am glad you had a good 1st coin show experience.
Thank you
What a super report! You captured the thrill of attending a good show. Someday you’ve got to attend a winter FUN show for an even bigger experience. Not just the massive bourse, but also the club presentations, heritage lot viewing, and witnessing the big money auctions. I must admit, when there and flush with some money to acquire impressive coins, it is a wonderful natural high!
Thank you for the care and time spent sharing your experience.
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
If you decide to try FUN Rocco, I can offer you accomodations at my place! Its a 2 hr drive from my place to the orlando convention center but we can eat PBJs all the way there! I can go to the show with a bigwig that knows all the players!
Great report. Wish that I could have been there.
Sounds like a great time!
Collector, occasional seller
Very professional, and interesting report.
Really interesting and well constructed show report. Thank you for the great pictures and details. Cheers, RickO
Forgot to say : your perception of the Morgan status quo is spot on! They are ridiculously popular and thus everywhere...
Great report man! Hope to meet you someday at a show. FUN (Winter) or Central States!
Thank you Rocco.
It was great seeing the show thru your eyes.
My War Nickels https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/nickels/jefferson-nickels-specialty-sets/jefferson-nickels-fs-basic-war-set-circulation-strikes-1942-1945/publishedset/94452
That report was thorough! It was great getting to talk to you for a bit, and I'm glad you enjoyed the show and found some good material while you were there...
What is now proved was once only imagined. - William Blake
Great report, Rocco! Awesome to see you get out to a big show. I plan to get out myself and go to CSNS in April and hopefully ANA in August. Just about 100 miles away, so that I can handle.
Jeff
Great report, interesting read.
Awesome just awesome, Long Beach is always Fun, great write up too
Steve
Very nice report, I felt like I was there. Nothing like a nice show to get your coin blood pumping.
Nice report!
Great Report. That dinner was awesome! Great nickels too.
This is the awesome guy with the best display at the show! I am really falling for the old small cents after seeing your inventory. Truly amazing coins and patterns.
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
GREAT report Aspie........the Long Beach Show has been on my priority list for many years as my grandfather had a meat market just a few blocks from the LB Convention Center. I spent a number of summers helping him in his market in the mornings and then spending the afternoon on the beach. I will never forget a young woman (but much older than I at the time) I saw on the beach and later found that she worked at a coin shop on Pacific Avenue in LB. But for me Long Beach was about 60 years ago. Definitely time to return.
OINK
I think Rocco set a new records for "likes".
The pardon is for tyrants. They like to declare pardons on holidays, such as the birthday of the dictator, or Christ, or the Revolution. Dictators should be encouraged to keep it up. And we should be encouraged to remember that the promiscuous dispensation of clemency is not a sign of political liberality. It is instead one of those valuable, identifying marks of tyranny.
Charles Krauthammer
It was great to put a face to the name @Aspie_Rocco thank you for stopping me as I power walked to and fro!
Heather Boyd
PCGS Senior Director of Marketing
Great report, thank you for posting.
it's crackers to slip a rozzer the dropsy in snide
Great pictures and report Rocco. It made me feel like I was there. Thanks.
Thank you @Aspie_Rocco for one of the best show reports I've seen. I was there on Thursday, also. Must have passed you in the aisles a few times. If I had known, I would have said hello. Maybe next time.