A (painful) Day at Long Beach
TommyType
Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭✭✭
First…the pain was personal, and not an assessment of the show.
I have bad knees, and for the last week, a bad back. Believe it is muscular, and not structural…so I have THAT going for me.
Anyway, my day started with getting the windshield replaced on my Tacoma at 8:30am. No big deal…only took 45 minutes. But the chairs in the waiting room were NOT to the liking of my back.
So, I sat at home for another hour with a heating pad, and strongly considered just skipping the show. Travesty!
I got to the point where I thought I could manage it, and headed out to Long Beach, anyway. I endeavored to pretend I was tough. 
Traffic wasn’t too bad, and I got there at about 11:15am.
Thought the attendance looked much more “normal”. Better than the June show, which was pretty dead. Fewer empty tables this time, and activity seemed to be pretty good.
The walk from the parking garage to the burse seemed to settle my back even better than the heating pad, so I was ready to go! I had few plans, few targets, little preparation, and little money….so I was it playing by ear.
First stop was to an online dealer I frequent. They have had an 1809, VF-30 Bustie on the site that I had my eye on….but it was too expensive, by my assessment, and not something I wanted to stretch on without SEEING it. Sure enough, it was in their case…but didn’t look all that impressive at a distance, and they were busy at the moment. So I moved on with a mental note to circle back.
So, I am now in aisle 1000, and not near the aisle 400 where I usually start. What the heck…I just go backwards this time! 
Being close to the US Mint area, I stopped by to look at the “high relief silver medal” they are selling. Looks really interesting in pictures, and I was intrigued. It’s nice to see a RECENT coin, (er…medal), with actual relief in the design, and I rather liked the look in person. But the more I thought about it, the more I decided it really doesn’t have “a place” in my collection. I have no other medals! It’s not an area I’ve explored. So, I decided to pass…and maybe order online if I change my mind. The price isn’t any different, or open to negotiation. No rush. Let’s look at some COINS!
I worked backwards down the burse, and giving my back and knees a break, I didn’t do one side at a time, as is my usual….I looked left and right, stopping at the tables that caught my interest, and hoped to cut my total travel in half.
Annoyance #1: Spied a rather nice 1943D MS-66+ Walker in a case that I had real interest in. It’s a common date, but also a date I hadn’t found the “right” coin for yet. I made note of it. But when I went back less than 2 hours later….they had closed shop. Dude! It’s only Friday! You can’t stay open all day on Friday?! No sale for you. (No coin for me). Yes, I guess I should have bought it the first time through, but that’s not my style.
Spotted an “eh” 1874 Seated Quarter (with arrows) in XF-40, but passed. This is another coin I’ve had trouble finding the “right coin” to fill the hole. I really want an AU…or at least a GOOD LOOKING XF…but they seem to be few and far between.
By the time I got to the 400 aisle, (which is the first aisle, for some unknown reason), my back was giving out on me. Short spasms that required me to stop, stretch, and generally look like an idiot attempting to dance.
But the coin Gods rewarded me, a bit. I spotted another tough pull: 1935D Walker in anything less than MS-65, and higher than XF-40. It was a rather attractive and original looking MS-62. I have no issue saying that….”It’s really an AU-58”. But the luster is full, and shining through the light original(-ish) toning really caught my attention. The price spread between 58 and 62 isn’t that severe, and since I paid somewhere between the two, I felt I did OK. I like it, anyway, and that’s the goal! Lucky for us, it sold at Heritage last year, so I swiped the picture from there:
But now, with little gas left in the tank, I decided to take one more look at the 1809 Bust Half. Now, or never…Last chance. After getting it out of the case, and having a look at it close, it really did speak to me. Solid design elements and full rims, (less the wear of a VF-30 coin), which isn’t always the case in some of the early dates, or later die stages. So, I ended up liking it. But…the price on the back, the same as on the website, was still too high. “So, what do you need for this?” I was shocked when, without prompting, he came down a full 25%. Well, now. Now we’re talking! I bought it. Technically, it may still be a few bucks over logical retail….but I’ll just call that the “CAC tax”, since it is stickered. Here’s their pic:
This is chronologically when I discovered my 1943D seller had vacated the premises. I took that as a sign to call it a day. In all, I was probably only there 2 hours. Less than my normal Long Beach tour, but I’ll call it a success, anyway. I now have the heating pad strategically placed….I just hope the Wife doesn’t want to go out tonight.
Comments
Here's hoping your back improves.
Enjoying those two nice pick ups ought to help ease the hurt.
WTG
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
Just realized the Bustie pic doesn't show a CAC sticker...yet has the same sticker on the back as the coin in hand. Somewhere, somehow, they got it stickered, and the reverse coded sticker remained. Odd.
Great report! Hope your back is better tomorrow.
Great report and love both of your newp's. Hope you get to feeling better.
@TommyType Enjoyed your recounting of the day. I think you held up rather well and made some good coin decisions. Peace Roy
BST: endeavor1967, synchr, kliao, Outhaul, Donttellthewife, U1Chicago, ajaan, mCarney1173, SurfinHi, MWallace, Sandman70gt, mustanggt, Pittstate03, Lazybones, Walkerguy21D, coinandcurrency242 , thebigeng, Collectorcoins, JimTyler, USMarine6, Elkevvo, Coll3ctor, Yorkshireman, CUKevin, ranshdow, CoinHunter4, bennybravo, Centsearcher, braddick, Windycity, ZoidMeister, mirabela, JJM, RichURich, Bullsitter, jmski52, LukeMarshall, coinsarefun, MichaelDixon, NickPatton, ProfLiz, Twobitcollector,Jesbroken oih82w8, DCW
Nice report. Awesome that they went down 25%, I love the dealers that claim “ I’m only making 5%”. Most are FOS.
EAC 6024
Very nice.
Nice report and NEWPS.
Glad you found a 35D walker that you like. Looks to be an above average strike for that issue. Never seen a fully struck one, and well struck ones are rare.
Nice newps! Heal up buddy!
Great report
Great report......
Good luck with your back. Sometimes they take a bit of time.......
Great pick-ups! Now go pick up some booze or drugs......(legal of course)...
Great transactions with oih82w8, JasonGaming, Moose1913.
I really like your new 1935-D Walker!! Well struck for the issue. I wouldn't mind an AU 62, if the price was right and commensurate. Sorry you missed out on the 1943-D....
1809 is a GREAT Bustie year......yours looks wholesome and original. I agree.....very good design elements for a VF 30.
I KNOW all about back problems...have suffered with them my whole adult life. I have a bulging disc that was likely caused by an old basketball injury. I haven't had it go out on me in a few years....knock on wood!!
Thanks, for the report!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Nice coins! And thanks for the report.
LIBERTY SEATED DIMES WITH MAJOR VARIETIES CIRCULATION STRIKES (1837-1891) digital album
I really like the way you write - personal, friendly and informative. Thank-you for sharing.
I knew it would happen.
Thanks for the report.
From experience.....walking/standing is better than sitting
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
Congrats on the NEWPS!
Great report @TommyType!
Glad you were able to get a few items of need. Do hope the back flair ups is just muscle, but it might be skeletal. Take it easy and get it checked.
ever heard about **IBUPROFEN **???
I hear it makes life much more pleasant when pain is a pain in the bud
Enjoyed reading your report - sorry about the back, tho! Hope you feel better soon!
Gotta admit, I like both your pickups, but especially the reverse of that Bustie! Nice job, and congrats!!!
Rocking my "shiny-object-syndrome"!!!
Thanks for the report.......Good to hear you made the effort to attend and not let your pain keep you down. Hope your condition improves.
Thanks, all, for the well-wishes on my back.
It is getting progressively better, and has been for the last 4 or 5 days. It's just a careless maneuver, (or bad chair), that sets me back for a bit. As @1630Boston pointed out, walking and moving about actually helps in the long run! Actually feeling much better right now.
And, thanks for the positive reviews on the coins! Often, we think of MS-62 as a "bad grade". But it all depends on what you are looking for! (and can afford). They can have their own appeal.
Nice 35-D WLH. Great look. Congratulations.
Nice report and nice coins for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Went to a doc a few years ago with back pain. His advice was working through it is better than convalescing. A few weeks later I returned for a follow up and I was told I would be seen by a PA because the doctor was out with back pain after lifting his sofa. So much for that "work through it".
"A dog breaks your heart only one time and that is when they pass on". Unknown
Great report. I like the look of the Walker. Hope you back continues to improve.
Complete Set of Chopmarked Trade Dollars
Carson City Silver Dollars Complete 1870-1893http://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/showcase.aspx?sc=2722"
Thanks for sharing.
Nice report....and nice acquisitions. Back pain can be nasty, have had a bout or two.... much better after I got the set of 'Magic Balls'...Yeah, I know... but they are two, blue plastic balls and an instruction booklet....place them properly and lay on them for a while, and pain dissipates.... works fast for me and I have not had an issue now for quite a while. Good luck, Cheers, RickO
Great report! I’m sorry I didn’t make the show now! Sorry to hear about the back, I feel you, glad you’re on the mend and not letting it keep you from doing the stuff you love!
Collector of randomness. Photographer at PCGS. Lover of Harry Potter.
Sorry guys, I was not kidding with the Ibuprofen.
After taking it for 3 days, the inflammation in my back went away and has not come back... so far.
A friend had a nasty toothache go away after taking it for 4 days.
a speedy relief for your back. I love the bust half you got there. best wishes
Love the NewP's. I've always thought that walking was good for back pain. hope your are recovered soon.
Back braces work wonders. Get one you can really cinch up tight ( velcro strap) not a stretchy type.
Attractive coins for the grades
Latin American Collection
You're the Gentleman with a great eye for surfaces on a coin. ........Best of luck with the knees
Great report - nice to see it was busier than in June.
LOVE the Bustie! Great pick-ups.
Glad you were able to make it around, with the back/knees flaring up. Hope things calm down on that front very soon. Get some rest. Anyway, well done!
Dave
Great Bustie, love it!
A: The year they spend more on their library than their coin collection.
A numismatist is judged more on the content of their library than the content of their cabinet.
Nice report! Was on a NYC trip/Bermuda cruise the past week an a half, so could not make the show.
Coins are fun, but beaches rule!
10-4,
My Instagram picturesErik
My registry sets
Gotta love the courtesy with tables chairs
Nice report. A very enjoyable read. Nice pick ups. Its nice to see an early half that hasn't been cleaned to death.
Pork chops. Interesting. Do you put them on your back or do you eat them?