ANA show report 8-11-21
uscoinguy
Posts: 150 ✭✭✭
I attended the show on Wednesday, about 1:30 and left at closing. The aisles were a lot wider than the previous shows at Rosemont due to COVID. Actually, that was nice, it made the foot traffic seem less crowded trying to get around people. I would say there was a steady crowd, but it was not busy. The mask wearing was like you would see at a Walmart- some dealers/customers wore them all the time and some none of the time (masks were recommended but not required).
I only go to Chicago area coin shows, so my first stop is always at Harry Smith’s table. If you are looking for raw seated coins, he is the man. He has a huge selection in various grades. I always get a few from him every show for my raw seated dime set. Harry said that in the dealer only period some dealers almost cleaned him out of some of the tough dates, even in lower/genuine grades.
To me it seemed like there was less variety in the dealer certified coin inventories, and the overall table inventories were smaller compared to past shows. I saw way too many PCGS/NGC Morgans and gold coins, and not much in the 19th century type coin category that I was looking for. There also seemed to be a lot of 20th century raw and PCGS Franklins- stuff I did not need. My local dealer said the flow of common certified coins dealer to dealer has really slowed due to the COVID. I was looking for VF/XF PCGS seated quarters and only found one which was way overpriced. Of course, in a show that big it is easy to miss something. There was a better selection of 4-digit priced coins, which is kind of out of my price range. So maybe someone shopping at that price point may have a different opinion of the show.
I found a PCGS 1807 Capped Bust have that I needed for my Bust half set , so I was happy. I spent all the money I brought so for me it was a good show!
Comments
sounds like a strong market except for commons ?
Interesting and informative report, thanks for sharing!
+1
Nice!!
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 report, thanks for posting.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
Thanks for an interesting report. Glad you got a coin you wanted. Did you notice how gold and silver were moving? Cheers, RickO
" Harry said that in the dealer only period some dealers almost cleaned him out of some of the tough dates, even in lower/genuine grades."
This is why I hate dealer only shows prior to a big show. Most of those dealers save what they bought for the next show where I won't be. plus you will pay more for the next dealers coins.
I spend lots of time and money to go to the one big show and the pre- dealer show strips the trees of all the ripe fruit.
there were a few dealers at the Long Beach show in Calif. that refused to set up at the dealer setup or pre dealer trading time as they said they valued their customers more. Its like the collectors are second class citizens.
when PCGS started giving early bird privileges to Registry members and I could compete with the dealers I found so much more meat on the bone, I was amazed.
use to be the preshow at the WFOM was the PNG show . you could get in for a few bucks or a free pass from the PNG by making a call to them.
I Missed the WFOM money this year by choice and I am glad I did. Pre dealer only show, masks , Flight problems, limited rental cars .higher costs etc.
Thanks for your report.
I understand your thoughts and did not set up at the preshow however the next few days I would say were 90% dealer purchases. It was great seeing everyone again after the past year of not having big shows. Hopefully Baltimore will be back in the fall. For those in the NY Nj Ct area please visit the Coin and Collectibles Fair taking place Oct in Long Island and November in Westchester. Different dealers and exhibits at both locations with over 50 dealers at each setting up. We are limiting dealers on these shows.