ANA 2024 - A Nut's perspective - a few update images posted 8/14
pursuitofliberty
Posts: 6,913 ✭✭✭✭✭
What a great show.
After an early o'dark thirty flight to Chicago with a short and efficient lover layover on the way, I found myself on time and without issue at about 1 o’clock local, ready to enjoy a week of numismatic and social bliss with my coin friends.
Immediately upon arriving at the hotel, I ran into my friend Garrett in the lobby. Since I was too early to check-in, I decided to check my clothes bag and head over to the show with him to see who we could find. Garrett and I caught up a little and we quickly found Sheridan Downey's table and got to say Hi to few Club Member friends right away. I also got meet Brigette @mtn_scout for the first time in person. She was immersed in lot viewing and conversation with Keith Davignon, who was taking the time to help her along.
I should note here that Brigette and I have had many PM’s, emails and texts over the last year, and I have watched her passion and knowledge grow noticeably in the world of Capped Bust coinage. Her collection has also expanded and her “fever” has intensified. Seeing her engaged in numismatic conversation with someone as knowledgeable as Keith made me feel good.
Anyway, a few conversations with friends and some coin viewing at a couple of close-in tables later, and I decided I would do my PCGS submission (I had four lovely CBH’s to submit). Having done that I decided a rest (or short nap) and a shower before our Club dinner would be a wonderful idea, and so back to the hotel I went. Paul @Pnies20 and I decided to share a room at the show, and he showed up just as I was checking in, which worked out perfectly.
He was in the “Let’s Go!” mode (not unusual for him), so he headed to the show while I caught a few winks and took a shower to freshen up.
We arrived at the Bust Half Nut Club’s Corn Roast and immediately fell into the greetings and conversations with friends which we seldom see or talk to more than once or twice a year. A few I text and email regularly, but not many.
I also started to disperse our BHNC 55th Anniversary Medals, a wonderful “Bearded Goddess” token we commissioned from @dcarr Daniel Carr of the Moonlight Mint (more about these later, probably in a different post).
After dinner and in between a lively auction for a few of the special Medals, we fell into the regular show and tell and trading amongst friends that always accompanies this event. Our auction was a blast, fueled by good natured competition (and maybe some beers that found their way to a couple of tables), and we did very well raising some money for the Treasury. As for some of the antics? Well, as they say in Vegas … what happens in here, stays here … at least for some things. 
Somewhere in all this (before the Auction antics I think) an old-time member had sat next to me and in the course of conversation I asked him if he had brought anything for sale. He opened his box and proceeded to pass me several wonderful mid-AU, very difficult Varieties and Die Marriages. Amazingly, the first four were duplicates for me, and not at all inexpensive (but fairly priced), so I was hesitant, and passed them around to a couple members at our table to look at.
Then he pulled out an 1828 O-106 in an older no prong NGC holder. This is a tougher variety for sure, but the O-106 is the much better Die Marriage for that one. I looked at the grade for a moment and started to scan the coin with my eyes. He said, kind of sheepishly, “I think it might be a little undergraded.”
“Just a little!” I replied with a chuckle, and continued to study. A lovely coin. Unmolested that really does belong in a different holder.
After a few moments, I added (with a knowing smile), “So maybe the question is just, ‘How much?’”
We both laughed, he gave me a good price and I slid her over so I could take her home with me. The other coins he had and was offering were very nice, but a lot of people passed at dinner. I really didn’t think I could buy them as extras as they were premium coins (R.4’s and great varieties), but they were certainly nice and worthy of a good home. When they showed up the next day at a prominent dealer’s table with the requisite mark-ups, I know of several members that regretted not taking them at dinner. I also know that dealer was happy to buy them at very, very close to the individual asking prices from the night before.
Anyway, later in the evening my friend Garrett got a hold of my box, and bought a couple coins from me, and I sold one other to another member, so I was three coins lighter with one NEWP (and net positive on the cash flow!) by the time Paul and @Davidk7 David and I hit the hotel bar and had a couple of beers.
Well David had a flavor of hard cider, but then again, we always kind of wonder about him! 
Disclaimer: All of my imaging equipment is at the new house up North, so I apologize for the bad images from my phone in this post. Unless I found other images, it’s the best I have, today.
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Wednesday started with a hotel breakfast which was surprisingly good, conversation with some Nuts and this weird Half Dime guy that’s always hanging around @Bikergeek Sean.
Off to the show and a great JRCS Meeting where Chris Pillod gave a fantastic in-depth presentation into the Plugged Silver Dollars of 1794 and 1795. Chris’s research left me fairly convinced why these happened, and also gave us all a great deal of information into HOW they were made. It was a very good presentation and discussion, and one that we need to have a lot more of in the JRCS and BHNC world.
Afterwards I headed straight over to do my first round of Auction Lot viewing at Heritage. Paul Gerrie’s collection contains some fantastic pieces, and it was must-see lot viewing, for many reasons. Some very, very impressive coins are coming up in that sale. The story of Paul's condition is sad, but I am hopeful he will feel loved for his dedication and discerning eye.
Down on the floor I made a couple trades with dealers who are always good to me, and so while I ended up spending a little money in both of the trades, I came away with two coins I am very happy with for two coins from the For Sale box. I also had brought a coin to show @mtn_scout so since she was less intense on her auction perusals , I showed it to her, and she took it. A nice old ANACS soap bar coin I think she was pleased to pick up.
Another three coins lighter, and two more new purchases, I was pleased to add a lovely 1825 O-116 in an old no-line fatty NGC 61 holder from the Brown collection, and a 1819/8 Large 9 in PCGS 55 to the NEWP box.
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As many know, the Sheridan Downey auction is one of the highlights for the Bust Half community during the ANA show. I had already done as much research and price modeling as possible prior to the show, but I wanted to make sure my eye was still calibrated to the consummate work of my good friend @lkeigwin Lance, and make sure I felt the same after viewing in hand and seeing the relative interactions on the floor.
Lot viewing for that completed, the day was already into the afternoon, and Paul and I decided to head back to the room so we could catch a little rest and send in our bids from the quiet of our room before heading out the “friends of Charlie and Brad” Steak Dinner thing later that evening. This has become a fun event for Nuts and some guests, and this year I think there was 14 of us, and so we were looking forward to a great meal and some further comradery.
Anyway, back to “Mail Bid 58”.
Wow, there were some really, really nice coins in this sale. From some of Lance’s coins to a group from our own @Herb_T Herb, there were some really attractive coins. As I said, I usually have a spreadsheet with my notes, my max price, my rating, and some other bits of information so that when I bid, I feel like I’ve done all my homework.
Much to my dismay, a few of the coins I wanted had already run away from me, and the several bids I had all got crushed as I entered them. I even broke my own rule and went bigger on a coin I was in love with. Crushed again.
There was one bid left that wasn’t above my max. It was a coin I did not think I would even have a shot at, because I figured it would be a moon shot. 15 minutes before the close it was still begging (in my opinion).
I looked at Paul. “I’m going to bid Lot 5”, I said.
“You going to bid it to win it?” he asked, kind of lookign at me funny.
“Well, if I don’t win it, I’m damn sure going to make the winner pay”, I replied as I walked into the bathroom and took a good look in my own eyes, mostly to check my sanity!
“I’m going to bid it at my max at 20 seconds to go,” I said as I came out and sat in a chair, tablet in hand.
There was about ten minutes to go, and our room turned serious. Paul updating lots he was working on, and me pondering the very existence of the few threads of sanity I have left.
Sometimes, in the heat of work or chaos, I say something like, “This is driving me crazy.” I usually add something like, “Of course, it’s not a very far drive.” True words in my case.
Anyway, I had picked an oddly specific number (I’m a numbers person), knowing that round number ties go to the first bidder. I also knew that Sheridan enters the email and paper bids after the auction closes on the internet, so even winning live isn't necessarily winning. It takes another hour or so to find out.
Lot 5 is a fantastic coin with amazing luster and toning, and it was a coin that belonged to Lance (who, for those who didn’t know, is also my BHNC sponsor).
Anyway, I entered the bid on my tablet and ... YIKES!!! ... hamster wheel on the screen.
Oh Shi*!
Heart racing ... “F***, F***, F*** ... it's not going to go!!!” I yelled at no one in particular, and Paul, and ‘Murphy’ (that bast***)!
And then, just as I thought all was lost, the screen refreshed, and it was my max bid, exactly. And the internet part of the auction was closed.
“Woohoo!!!” I jumped up, threw my hands in the air, walked to the window in jubilation ...
... and then I turned around and looked at Paul and said, "Crap, now we have to wait for an hour and a half to figure out if it will hold."
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to be continued ...
I have to run out for an hour and it make take an hour to finish the report … but you can wait to hear the rest, right?
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Comments
That coin is one worthy of reckless abandon for sure.
Great story Pursuit! Can't wait to see the Lot 5 new addition!
Chapter 2 (a reference at least someone here will get);
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I had to go grab my bag from the airport. Seems they wanted to lose it. Just clothes (for the most part), except for something I’ll discuss later.
So, where were we …
Oh, yeah …
With little to do for about an hour before dinner, we ended up going down to the bar and having a beer before we went out for our wonderful steak (seafood for some) dinner.
Knowing that I had a chance to win that because I was at least the high bidder before any paper bids were entered, I decided to craft a short text to Lance saying, "Guess who won your 08-108a?"
Then Paul took a picture of me with a smile and a hang loose hand sign. The idea was that if we sent the first one knowing that I won, we'd wait on the second one, and have Paul send it about 10 minutes later.
Right before appetizers came at dinner the auction showed final results and I did win the coin. Again this is a very magnificent and an important coin, and I was (am) absolutely thrilled.
I sent the text.
Ten minutes later Paul sent the other text.
Ten minutes later Lance responded to me with this;
"A very savvy collector, no doubt.
Do I know him?"
Great laughs, and then a few minutes later, I got another message.
Lance telling me he just found out "one of your bids ... the 08-108a ... came in with half a second to spare. What?!!"
Yep, a half a second to spare!!! I guess it was meant to be.
I paid up, but I’ve rarely been disappointed when I’ve reached for great coins.
A little back-story: Lance only bought this coin last year, and he was thrilled to acquire her. Unfortunately, health issues have caused Lance to re-evaluate what he was keeping, and so he decided to put this back up with Sheridan this time around.
When Lance bought it in MB56, Sheridan described her as such: “A stunning coin! I sent it to CAC, expecting a gold sticker to be its reward. No matter. The glorious toning speaks for itself. The surfaces and luster are a delight. Here is an original coin, essentially without faults. I anticipate runaway bidding. From an old time collection, many years off the market.”
Welcome home, girlfriend.
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After the great dinner was over, we took a trip to a different hotel bar where I celebrated my good fortune (and soon to be very empty wallet) by buying Paul and I a couple of Basil Hayden’s on the rocks.
The bartender says 40 and 5 cents. I, of course, have no change, which I explain. I pay with three 20’s
The guy next to me leans over and asks in a noticeable Norwegian or Danish accent, “How exactly do TWO drinks come up to $40.05?”
I looked at him and with a grin, I casually replied, “A twenty ... and two and a half cents each.”
He broke up laughing.
That would normally be a lot of money for two drinks like that (in my mind) but considering she (the bartender) filled the tumblers with ice and probably three shots each, I couldn’t complain. Paul didn’t either … which was a nice change!
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More to do, more to do, Thursday started off with the BHNC Board meeting where several lively discussions and a review of my activities as the “Chairman” for the 55th Anniversary Medal arose and we were all back on the floor enjoying more of the same.
Before we get too far, I received a message here from @Kliao Kendrick Wednesday night, and he asked if he had seen me at a dealers table the day before. We haven't chatted much in a while, but we have met before, and indeed he had seen me ... so I found him at his table and we had a nice discussion in the morning, and he showed me a lovely 1827 CBH he had. I also got the chance to introduce him to a couple of other Forum Members, which always feels good. Hard to believe he’s starting his Junior Year in College in three weeks! Another former YN, doing good things!!
There is another guy I’ve been really wanting to meet in person, and that’s @scubafuel Matt … and we had the chance to get together amongst the flurry of Thursday morning. We also knew we were going to get together that night for a beer and a bite before he had to run off to fly home, so it might not have been the longest conversation in the morning (but we made up for it later).
And finally, my good friend @pcgscacgold Tom G. and I got to chat for a while around Sheridan’s table before we walked across the street to Caddyshack to meet with Matt and Paul and Brigette. Tom and I have had numerous phone calls, and have kept track of and in touch each other on-and-off over the last year, and so it was really good to meet him in person. He brought some coins he had purchased from Lance (it was good to see some of the “babies” again), and it was just nice to chat face-to-face. He’s a good guy, smart and funny, and easy to hang out with … even if Paul does call him a BUM sometimes (with some admiration I may add - it's an inside joke)!
In between I chatted with some Currency dealers I knew (and a few I didn't) and saw some great notes ... but in the end, the night before had drained my wallet quite a ways, and so I didn't end up taking anything home.
Anyway, I had invited others to dinner too, and by midway through the evening we had a couple tables stretch out with Nuts and Forum members alike. See @Bikergeek Sean’s post for some images there.
By the end of the night things did get a little silly with drinking games and the like, but that Garrett guy, he’s a party animal!! Oh, and that @DeplorableDan guy came too, and I can tell you, he’s as much of an instigator as anyone, but he also participated and we all had a great close to the evening. It was another Vegas type event! Epic fun!!
Paul was hurting in the morning, but I felt fine … not much worse for wear … and Friday was a shorter day … saying goodbye to everyone and walking the floor a little before catching a shuttle to the airport and parting ways.
Paul and I started the floor all the way in the back because we never quite made it back there throughout the other days, and surprisingly we each found something. Mine was an unattributed 11-106 in a PCGS 53 holder from a non-CBH guy that has great luster for the grade and a soft “dirty tan” patina. He sold it to me at a good price and I think we both were pleased.
Wow, these really are bad images. I'll share again this fall after I get all moved.
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Oh, and I almost forgot. I told you about the almost lost bag, right?
Well, right before I left the floor on Thursday with Tom G., I was offered something historical. I am a bit of a bibliophile (amateur) as well as a Coin and Currency collector, and I found the manuscript to be of some importance to the Bust Half community. So, since it was offered for a reasonable (sort of, I think, maybe) sum, I decided to agree to be it’s next caretaker.
I also felt like it tried to find me, as I have had nearly a dozen emails with the author in the last month, and have never met of communicated with him prior. It's funny how it seem inanimate objects can do that sometimes.
Yes it was very carefully wrapped in the middle of the bag so as not to get damaged. Thankfully, it did not get lost!
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There were so many other moments that could be shared, but alas ... a few complete days of nothing but good friends and great coins was food for the soul.
Thanks for reading! Hope you had great experiences this week too!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Congrats on all the incredible pickups and especially the 1808, that coin is stunning.
Thanks for sharing the report!
Great story and pick ups my friend. I didn't see any mention of the very interesting way to do a Tequila shot
The BUM!!!
Successful BST with BustDMs , Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino (CBH's - 37 Die Marriage's)
$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
Hey ... we're not supposed to discuss some things here!!
@PNies20 Paul we can discuss. Crazy drinking games involving Patron that are on some people's video feeds are strictly Vegas like situations!! Which I am sure a certain young man Garrett will appreciate!!!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
unless there were two people who got an auction bid in with less than a second to spare, I now know the PCGS name of "that guy who sat next to me at Turlucks" for dinner! Congrats again.
Of course, you can't leave us hanging on your opening reference to "a short and efficient lover on the way"
POTY ... if you get the references!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
It was with a sad heart that I sold 33 coins in Sheridans auction. I did so with a heavy heart. I never intended to sell any of the CBH that I had. But as you know we have 34 acres in Maine and building a new home. The cost to build a new home in Maine is really crazy. Hence the sale of the coins. I should add that I sent almost 300 CBH PCGS graded coins all with their Overton number on the label to Great Collections for auction. I have kept about 145 CBH and didn’t plan selling any of my Mohawk Valley Hoard CBH.
@Barndog you'd think he'd edit that if he meant to say something else - so I have to assume he meant to tell us that he had a short and efficient lover on the way. Maybe he had a tall and inefficient lover going home. Variety is the spice...
New website: Groovycoins.com Capped Bust Half Dime registry set: Bikergeek CBHD LM Set
My favorite part of dinner was @jacrispies ordering bread like he’s at Texas Roadhouse not knowing they were $25 a piece. Then they ended up on someone else’s bill 🤣😭
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
I still wish those breads were cinnamon rolls
I think I earned that basil Hayden after you looked like a sad puppy every time I got a coffee or water… needless to say I got two every time.
What a BUM
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
You’re a bum too!
😜
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
You just figured that out now? I thought you were a detective sleuth! Well, was.
You forgot to mention the bread cured cancer
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
Errr...did I read your opening correctly?
"After an early o'dark thirty flight to Chicago with a short and efficient lover on the way..."
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Short and efficient. That opening line brought back some great memories.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
Oh God, now I have to change it!!
While I suppose a lover could be a layover, what fun would that be?!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
Thanks for your show post(s). They were a great read for someone (me) who couldn’t make this year’s show!
“The thrill of the hunt never gets old”
PCGS Registry: Screaming Eagles
Copperindian
Retired sets: Soaring Eagles
Copperindian
Congrats on all your show newps, Todd, especially that 1808!
Amazing coin with spectacular toning!!!
Had a great time seeing and hanging out with you at the show.
Dinner was great too....especially the five loaves of bread @jacrispies ordered
It was also nice to meet you, Tom @pcgscacgold. Now I know where most of Lance's beautiful bust halves went.
And a big congrats to you @Herb_T on your coins in Sheridan's auction. Looks like you made out really nicely on them. Hope they helped with the new Maine housefund.
Great meeting you as well @drddm . That's the fun part of the big show.
Successful BST with BustDMs , Pnies20, lkeigwin, pursuitofliberty, Bullsitter, felinfoel, SPalladino (CBH's - 37 Die Marriage's)
$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
Todd - It was nice to chat with you again and congrats again on winning that CBH. Amazing coin to see in person. Love your reports as always.
Collector
75 Positive BST transactions buying and selling with 45 members and counting!
instagram.com/klnumismatics
Garrett did nothing Thursday night that I remember other than eat his dinner! @pursuitofliberty how you were standing the next day cannot be explained.
Huh. You must have missed something in there. How many drinks did you have?
Seems I distinctly remember something about a lemon drop and Garrett, and a large shot of Patron.
Maybe I imagined things. After all, as far as you could tell I was just trying to remain standing!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
A great report. A long read but worth the effort.
Fantastic report, as usual! Sounds like all has a blast. Envious!
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
Great report and thread! Thank you.
Sweet 08. Luster, color, and originality. The mint should not have changed the design in 09.
It seems that someone is getting closer to reaching their pursuit of liberty.
My 1866 Philly Mint Set
great pickups and great stories. thanks for sharing
Top 10 Cal Fractional Type Set
successful BST with Ankurj, BigAl, Bullsitter, CommemKing, DCW(7), Elmerfusterpuck, Joelewis, Mach1ne, Minuteman810430, Modcrewman, Nankraut, Nederveit2, Philographer(5), Realgator, Silverpop, SurfinxHI, TomB and Yorkshireman(3)
Great seeing you as always Todd! Had a blast as per usual, looking forward to our future escapades!
Collector of Capped Bust Halves, SLQ's, Commems, and random cool stuff! @davidv_numismatics on Instagram
Barely even puts a dent in it……but thank you for the kind words. Even selling a few of my WWII Walther handguns. Ugh….fire sale at Herb’s place!
Took some better images of the three I bought at tables and over dinner.
I can't take a better image of the star of the show!
1828 O-106
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1819/8 O-102
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1811 O-106
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242