DD's FUN Show Report - Thursday (LONG Read)
PeakRarities
Posts: 4,124 ✭✭✭✭✭
I arrived at the convention center at about 8:30 AM. I intended to view the some of the heritage lots and the Bass coins early so I would be ready for the bourse when it opened up. This was my first FUN show, so I had wandered around a bit to get my bearings and located the lot viewing room. I registered and sat down, and made my selections on a paper for some coins to be brought out. Being there so early was helpful, as I felt no rush and was able to evaluate the coins at my own pace. After I was done at the first table, there was a separate area for the Bass coins and I looked at many of them. I mainly viewed the higher grade Draped eagles and the Fathead half eagles, and I was truly impressed with how prooflike the surfaces were on many of them, I had not seen coins of this caliber in person before. I viewed the 1870-s $3 and it looks like you would expect from the pictures. I wasn't enamored with the coin itself, but it was neat to hold 5.5 million in my hand.
As the bourse got ready to open up and many were waiting at the steps, they gave the opening speeches, and then I was off. I had a printed table layout in my hand, and had quite a few tables to stop and look for some coins I have been seeking. I just started at one corner and worked started to my way through the room. I started with Paradime, Legend, Mikes Coin Chest and I did see some new inventory that was not on their websites, but I didn't want to make any big purchases until I had seen the whole room. I visited Seth at Witters table, and we chopped it up for little while as I perused their holdings. There was a really nice 27 Saint in 66+ that was a blazer, I may go check that one out again tomorrow as the obverse was incredible. He had an 1852 Braided cent in 66RD, and by god that thing was gorgeous, it was a color like I hadn't seen before on a 170 year old coin.
I wandered over to the exhibits and found @winesteven and @BillJones conversing and introduced myself. After we had gotten acquainted, Steve showed me around his exhibit and took great pleasure in explaining the qualities he looked for in an IHC. All of his coins look even more spectacular in person, and his 1864 is an absolute specimen, again with color that I did not know was possible on copper that old. We had all chatted about Bill's 1795 exhibit, and while his coins were also equally breathtaking, I was astonished with the level of knowledge Bill had regarding the minting process of that time, and all of the different varieties and strike characteristics. It was a pleasure spending some time with both of them, and hearing some stories about the days of old.
I made sure to find Dave Perkins, as Ive heard multiple times that he is one of the nicest guys, and now I understand why. I could tell he wasn't concerned with whether or not I was buying, but he took his time in explaining what to look for in early dollars, and thoroughly and patiently showed me some of the coins in his case. I love when a dealer just pulls out a coin I wasn't looking at just so we can talk about its qualities. I also chatted with Chris Kahler of RCNH, another really friendly guy who I had emailed before but never met in person. I proceeded to stop by the tables of DLRC, Northern Nevada, CRO, Stacks, HJB, and I while I looked at a lot of excellent coins, nothing had stopped me dead in my tracks, so I marched forward. I had some nice conversation with Doug Winter, and he offered to look at some of my coins that I had brought for show and tell. I told Doug beforehand that I wanted him to be brutally honest as that's the only way that I learn, and I was pleasantly surprised with the overwhelmingly positive feedback I had received. I have to say, The pr67 $10 gold in in Dougs proof set was unbelievable, I had never seen high end proof gold in person.
It was getting close to 2:00, and I realized that I probably should eat something as I was getting fatigued. At the dining areas there was a Nathans hot dog stand, Pizza, a Chinese place, a wrap/healthy stand, and a barbecue stand. I opted for the barbecue platter with brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and Mac and cheese. It was fantastic if I do say so myself, and Im looking forward to getting that again tomorrow. Afterwards I went back to the floor and sold some 10 generic 10oz bars to apex for a little over spot, it was quick and painless and they offered more than the 3 other dealers I had asked for a price. I didn't really care about the price at that point as the extra weight in my backpack was really becoming a burden. I stopped by GFRC and chatted with Noah at Numismattack for a while, and continued to scour the tables to find a special coin in my price range. I had visited quite a few other tables as well, I just tried to mention the names I could remember off the top of my head that had the type of coins I was looking for. I walked the entire day and I still feel like I still feel like I haven’t seen enough yet.
Around 5:00 I met up with @P0CKETCHANGE as he finished up with a submission, and we had planned on viewing the Bass auction live, and Im glad we did. We were both starving and I had went to use the bathroom, on my way out I got a text from him that they were serving carved Tritip and chicken next to the auction room, and also had a nice assortment of salad and vegetables with some fancy dips and sauces. That was a gift from the heavens as I was famished and starting to wither away. I got a glass of wine from the bar and we sat a few seats away from Ian Russell, who appeared to be representing someone he had on the phone. Did I forget to mention I spoke to Ian earlier as well? Such a pleasant person all around, a real class act. Anyways, the auction started rather quickly and it was quite an exhilarating experience, the Auctioneer had quite a bit of charisma and I enjoyed the banter with the people in the room. We watched the bidding explode on the 1870-s $3 and you could feel the electricity in the air. Most of the really expensive lots got taken down by phone bidders in the front row, and the folks in the room were bidding more on the sub 20k items and patterns. Almost every coin exceeded my expectations, and you could tell that everyone wanted a piece of the bass sale.
Some of my takeaways from my first show:
There was a lot of nice material, much better than any local show I've been to. Tons of CAC beans in a lot of cases as well.
Asking prices were very strong, but I saw quite a bit of material moving both ways. I had overheard some dealers saying they sold 60k worth by the afternoon, and that sounded like they were extremely happy with that. They had said something to the effect of "Well, we could wrap it up now and head home if we want"
As a collector who's experience has only been on the internet except for one local show, I learned so much in one day. I got to view a ton of coins in hand, and while I can pick out a nice coin in a photo, getting to see the luster and color under an incandescent bulb makes a huge difference.
I had great experiences at pretty much all of the tables. Many were crowded and I had to wait a few minutes before looking at a coin, but when it was my turn I was given full attention and I wasn't rushed. Speaking from the perspective of a salesman, I really do appreciate when a dealer takes the time to talk about my collecting interests, and I love it when they show their passion for the hobby as well. It makes for a less intimidating encounter, and enriches the level of camaraderie within the hobby.
There were a lot of really young numismatists between the ages of 12-18 walking the bourse and it makes me feel more confident about the future of the hobby as a whole.
Nice early gold is still very hard to find, and unfortunately I struck out today. I saw some items in upcoming auctions I like, but I wasn't able to pull the trigger on anything for sale on the floor. The one coin I would have loved to have was priced ridiculously high (by no one mentioned above), and the others I found in my price range just didn't do it for me. I also am considering a 1795 dollar and there were quite a few of those, but I want to make sure that I don't settle and I pick the best coin I possibly can, as it will be a lifelong part of my collection.
I did not try the hot dogs or evaluate the mustard choices. Sorry @ricko , but I'll have to get back to you on that tomorrow.
Comments
Great write up, many thanks for sharing!
I’ve read a LOT of Show Reports over the years, and clearly this ranks at the top with the best of them!
Your passion for our wonderful hobby exudes from your writing. Same for your intelligence and knowledge of the current market for the coins that interest you. Dan, you’re a Positive asset for this forum AND for our hobby!
Keep it up!
Happy Hunting!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
Fantastic report Dan! Great to hear you had a good time and a pleasure to read!
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
Nice write up. Was the hammer price for the 1870-S $3 gold 5.5 million?
Thanks for the outstanding show report. Even better, it sounds like you immersed yourself into the experience and really enjoyed it.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@DeplorableDan... Thank you for an excellent show report (the absence of hot dog and mustard quality is noted
). Great detail and good observations. Cheers, RickO
Fantastic report!
Getting ready to head over there now.
That 70-S $3 looks like it should have detailed.
No, $4.6M hammer +20% = $5.52M
Great write-up for sure. One of the best I have ever read.
Your passion for the hobby definitely shows in your writing.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
Donato
Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set
Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
I have to say that I appreciate your communication style and approach to the hobby. Thanks for this.
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
Great report... Now kitchen bound as it left me hungry!
Thanks for the super report! I wish that I could be there. This is only the 5th Fun show that I have missed in 50 years.
It was nice to meet you in person, Dan.
You’ve got a great eye for gold; your pieces you shared with us were beautiful examples to view in hand.
Great report, thanks for sharing.
Great report! Seems like you enjoyed the show!
Coin Photographer.
A great report and a great experience! It's wonderful you got to meet so many people and view so many coins!
Well done Dan, well done. You're report was a pleasure.
Excellent report- and it was nice to meet you in the exhibit section with some of the other forum members. Given your excellent posts, and the average age of us old geezers on here, I was very surprised to learn you are in your 20’s.
You and FlyingAl are something else- keep it up and you will have an incredible collecting journey over the next 5 decades and could really put together something remarkable.
Take your time, learn as much as you can, when you have an opportunity go meet the older experts (JD was sitting at his table for much of the two days I was there), and choose coins wisely- and you will have a great collection and a great time doing it. And if I can ever be of assistance let me know. Hope to see you at the next FUN!
I hope you got back to the Nathan's hot dogs.
Really good
BHNC #203
Thanks for the thorough report. Before the internet shows must have been a lot more energetic and enthusiastic. I remember the NY ANA, my first in the late 90s when you could buy MS63/64 Saints for under $450.
Excellent report indeed!
My YouTube Channel
I'm glad Dan had a really exciting show.
Nathan's? Brings me back a bit.
When I was in Elementary school (early 60's) my grandfather would pick me up from school (lunchtime) and drive me to Nathan's (Obviously Coney Island) for the Wednesday special hot dogs- 25 cts each.
thanks, Dan, for an excellent show report!
Very nice report…
It was a pleasure meeting you this afternoon..
Great to meet you and a fantastic post!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
The food looks outstanding. In the future, I may take my wife to a show, for our anniversary, and tell her the food is our special dinner. Sounds like a no brainer. Being in the element .. I might save on food but raise my paddle one too many times?
I bought a decent number of coins over the years, yet have never been to a show. I'll be 70 this year and still working. Somehow, I need an income to pay for the coins so I really can't retire. Perhaps after I start collecting SS, I'll be able to take a week off and go on vacation?
Some will say, you could always downsize and buy fewer coins or sell a few more coins that you own to fund acquisitions?
I would except.. I view my coins as children and I'm too concerned about their future. Who will treat them better than I would? Heck, I may get to that show and bring them back dinner?
Awesome report! Didn't make it to FUN this year, so living vicariously through great show reports like this one. Thank you!
Excellent report. It is refreshing to hear that dealers took time to talk about the hobby. Sounds like you stopped at all the tables I would have.
I can't wait for April and Central States. No where near the size but still plenty to see.
Successful BST with drddm, BustDMs, Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino
$5 Type Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/type-sets/half-eagle-type-set-circulation-strikes-1795-1929/album/344192
CBH Set https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/everyman-collections/everyman-half-dollars/everyman-capped-bust-half-dollars-1807-1839/album/345572
Thanks for your report.