ANA Report (Saturday edition)
U1chicago
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This was my first show since 2019 and it was good to be back! I prefer going on a weekday but other plans prevented that this year, so Saturday was my day. What follows are some observations:
~As expected, the bourse was less than full; I’d estimate a bit over 50% of the tables were still occupied as the show opened at 10 am. As I was leaving at 1 pm, it was down to about 25% remaining.
~The NGC table was empty by 1 pm as well but the PCGS table was still busily at work (people were eagerly submitting coins and there were a few people still waiting their turn). The Anacs table was also still occupied.
~NGC was giving out a free sample slab for anyone that participated in their registry; I was glad they still had some available (it was my first stop when entering)…the people in charge are very nice and have always quickly assisted when I had new items to add (I have several modern world sets)
~I brought a few items to sell and was successful with most of them… one item I could not sell was the cheapest coin I had (less than $20); interestingly enough a few dealers that considered it took longer to think about buying that coin than the more expensive one that I sold (I realize many do not want the inexpensive items in their inventory, especially if there is little margin; I was just surprised that some of the dealers were thinking for a bit of time as opposed to making a quick yes/no call on such an item)
~On the buy side, there were still plenty of coins (even with a smaller dealer footprint) but most of the prices were on the high end. I collect toners (especially Morgans), so there is often a good amount to choose from but the prices often hold me back. Online auctions continue to be a better source (although I did find one of my better toned Morgans at a show several years back). World coins are another passion and the pickings there were less compared to US. I found a toned Caballito (Mexico Peso) that I really liked but it had a few strikes against it: a PCGS QC holder (I don’t mind as much as I judge the coin first) and a very aggressive price (I mind this more than the details grade). I also saw an 8 Reales coin that I was the underbidder on at a recent Stacks auction. It was a lower grade but had lovely color. The price now was a little over double the Stacks result (it’s a nice coin and I’m guessing the dealer doesn’t need to move it-I don’t blame him as it would be hard for me to sell it as well).
~My only purchase was a pair of Polish 5 Zlotych (the ones with Queen Jadwiga). I’ve been looking for a 10z (including here on the world bst) without much success. These two are of a lower grade and a different denomination but I still liked the look and the price was right. One will fill a hole as I continue to search and the other I will likely sell.
~There is one dealer that is at most of the Illinois shows and I’m not sure why. He rarely sells much and has a poor attitude. I did buy from him at one show but that hasn’t helped “break the ice” as he still has the same attitude. He had a few nice toners that I wanted to see and hear the price but he just shooed me away saying “you’re not going to buy them anyways” (well I guess he was right after that commentary)
~There weren’t as many people from the public walking the bourse as I expected for a Saturday (maybe most know that Saturday isn’t the best day and are now going during the week)…I did see a few YNs (including some scouts), so that is always nice (I also know that the younger crowd from IG was walking the floor most of the week based on reports I’ve read/pictures I’ve seen).
~I didn’t focus a ton on bullion but did notice one dealer had a special on Silver Maple Leafs for $4 over spot (I miss the $1 over spot specials but then again I haven't bought bullion in a few years now, so it doesn't matter too much for me)
~Overall, it was a fun experience and one day at a coin show beats no coin shows!
Comments
Here are the two coins I bought and the free sample:
“you’re not going to buy them anyways” …… eeeesh! You’d think with the show winding down he’d take a moment to share ….. yep, there are all types of dealers out there that’s for sure …
thanks for the report … I’ve always admired the obverse of that Polish issue ….
@U1chicago.... Thanks for the report. There was a grumpy dealer like that at the shows around Seattle when I lived there. Never saw him sell anything, and most of the collectors just passed his table by.... even though he had some good stuff. High priced and grumpy... Nice Polish coins.... Cheers, RickO
There were more YNs than I expected on Friday, I suspect you are correct and many are ditching a day of school for the show. Sorry I missed you. I figured I walked 14+ miles in the three days.
ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
Who said a coin show wasn’t good exercise?
And I’m guessing school might not have started yet for many or they are indeed taking some days off.
Another one in Northern WI. Was set up at ANA this year. Would never buy from him, not worth getting yelled at!
Great report, thanks for posting it! And, nice newps, congratulations on acquiring them!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
It seems like there are some of these dealers all over the place. They must have enough money that they don’t need to ever sell. Otherwise I’m not sure how they make a living.
Thanks for the Saturday report. Very cool you found some Coins to take home