CSNS show report

I left home early Tuesday morning for the long drive to the CSNS show in Schaumburg, Illinois. I left a day early this year because I wanted to do a little sightseeing. After a stop for gas and for lunch at Fazoli's, I arrived in Urbana, Illinois in late afternoon. I checked into my hotel and then went to dinner at Cracker Barrel.

On Wednesday morning after a light breakfast at the hotel, I got back on the road. I crossed into Indiana to visit the Indiana Dunes National Park. I had never been there before. It was cool and windy but, I really enjoyed it. Back on the road I stopped at the Chicago Portage National Historic Site. Not a lot to see there, but I did walk the trail. I arrived in the Schaumburg area in early afternoon. I went to my favorite restaurant anywhere, the Rose Garden Cafe for a late lunch. I had the 2 large pork chops, chicken and rice soup ( that is so good ) , baked potato and rolls. All for only $16.95! That has got to be the best bargain anywhere. I took one of the chops back to the hotel.

Thursday morning, I had the pork chop from last night for breakfast. After breakfast I headed to the convention center. I got my badge and waited for the 10 AM opening. There was a very large crowd waiting to enter. There was a very long line at the PCGS booth. I first went to see a coin that had been on Ebay. One of the dealers had it with several other boxes of coins out on the floor. They said to come back in 20 minutes. I did and the coin was there. I took a quick look and bought it. Paid too much but I needed the coin and I liked it.

I next went to see David Kahn to sell him 4 coins. It was a quick transaction. I then went to see a $20 Liberty that a dealer had on their website. It was nice but we were too far apart. Said hello to Liz. She did not have anything for me. Next, I went to look at a 1799 Large Cent in PCGS VG 8 at HLRC. It was sold but he let me take a look at it. I would have had to think about it if it was not already sold.

I saw complete Proof sets except for the gold from 1857,1866,1867 and 1891. So cool! One dealer had 11 1916-D dimes in PCGS G-4. He had a few others graded 3 and 6.

The floor was very crowded until about 2PM when it thinned out. I left in late afternoon.

I went back to the Rose Garden Cafe for dinner. I had a steak ( the biggest that I have ever seen ) and 4 jumbo shrimp with chicken and rice soup, baked potato and rolls for $19.95. I took half of the steak and a roll back to the hotel.

Friday morning, I had the steak and roll for breakfast. I arrived at the show just before it opened. I continued looking for coins that I needed. I saw a 1793 Wreath Large Cent in PCGS 65 Brown with a CAC sticker. Holy crap. One dealer had a complete Classic Head $2 1/2 and $5 variety set in PCGS holders. Wow! I saw American Eagles for spot plus $4.

Said hello to Ken Goldman, Dan Decker and had a nice chat with Cliff Mishler.

The concession stand had hot dogs for $8, chips for $4 and soft drinks for $6. The show was much less crowded on Friday. I consigned a Flying Eagle Cent to Great Collections. I left the show in late afternoon.

I went back to the Rose Garden Cafe for dinner. I had the fried Ocean Perch, fries and the chicken and rice soup for $16.25.

On Saturday morning after breakfast at the hotel, I got on the road for home. I had to make more stops than normal because my right knee was killing me. Not sure why. I arrived home around 6 PM.

I had a great time at the show even though I only bought one coin, but I sold all of the coins that I had brought with me.
Next up the ANA in Pittsburgh.