No Baltimore reports?
JimW
Posts: 608 ✭✭✭✭
Was it that lackluster?
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Orioles suck again this year.
I was there Friday morning. It seemed pretty much typical for a June Baltimore show - smaller than the March and November shows, but still big, and the floor traffic was moderate. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything for me at this show. I looked at a number of coins, looking for half dime varieties (i.e., die marriages and notable die states). But at this point it's come down to considering expensive upgrades as opposed to finding things I don't already have.
Collector of Liberty Seated Half Dimes, including die pairs and die states
If you’re a specialist (especially if you’re picky) the likelihood of finding something on the bourse is not very high.
I was there and usually go to all of the Baltimore shows. I found this smaller show refreshing, not having to walk around to checkout 800+ tables.
I prefer the 800 tables. After spending the money to go and stay there, it increases you chances of finding something worthwhile. There is nothing more depressing that to go to a major show and find nothing. That can lead to an irrational purchase.
I was there Thursday (solo) and Saturday (with my daughter).
I’ll try to get a report out soon but went to Dave Matthews concert last night and need a little more recovery time
One of my favorite pickups from Thursday AM. From CRO.
And definitely my favorite pickup from the whole show. My daughter completed her album set of Roosevelt dimes a few months ago, so she’s on to Washington quarters now.
A really wholesome original for which she arrived at a grade of F12. I’m not an expert grader for circulated Washington quarters but I think she’s pretty much on it. I was happy to sponsor this coin as her first true “key date” purchase since Roosies don’t really have one from an album collecting perspective. I think she chose well. My pics are terrible but the color disparity between the two sides isn’t nearly as drastic as what these iPhone shots make it look like.
From Wayne Herndon.
Anyways I’ll try to write more when my head hurts a bit less.
HAHA, you are correct. Even though it does not cost much to go (our daughter lives 10 minutes away, she drops me off and spends time with her mom) I still made an irrational purchase!
I went on Thursday. A couple of dealers said they were doing a fair amount of deals that day but the attendance seemed on the lighter side to me.
My main goal for the show was to sell some things, and I did. I was also looking to buy and I’m one of the aforementioned picky specialists. Didn’t find anything, but also didn’t make an irrational purchase, so I have that going for me.
I didn't go this year... probably the first year I've missed in a decade. Just not in the cards... work and house concerns took center stage last week and scratching a numismatic itch took second chair... maybe next time.
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I've actually made quite a few of my variety collection purchases at shows - certainly not a majority, but not just a few. One time, I was photographically introduced to a new 1838 half dime reverse die state on the Liberty Seated boards. Someone (yosclimber?) had found a photo, noticed the distinguishing feature, and posted it in an appropriate thread. Not long after, I found and purchased that very same coin at a Baltimore show.
Collector of Liberty Seated Half Dimes, including die pairs and die states
I have not been to Baltimore show in a long time. I used to go regularly when I was a dealer. The trouble was I had to fly there, stay in a hotel with the meal expense. So a nonproductive trip was not good.
I went to ANA Winter show that turned out to be a dud. I was looking for an 1839-C quarter eagle. There several of them on the floor with slab grades ranging from AU-50 to MS-62. The trouble was, every one of them looked like they had been polished with Brasso. It was really disappointing.
That prompted me to make this irrational purchase. This 1838 $5 gold is NGC graded AU-58 with a green CAC sticker. I have decided that it is over graded despite the professional approvals. It's more like an AU-55, and with these coins three grading points make a difference. At least I came home with something.
Not sure if this is one of the worst or best statements!
@BillJones Im in agreement with you about the level of wear, but at least you don’t have to kick her out of bed! (Not an uncommon possibility when “at least I came home with something” is a part of the story 😉.
Jokes aside, it’s tougher to find a really choice ‘38 than you would think, and it’s a nice looking coin.
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I didn't go, but I always enjoy the CRO road reports!
I have two 1838 Classic Head $5's. One PCGS AU58CAC and one CACG AU58. Both are very similar in look to the one posted. Maybe a little more detail.
As for the show, a dealer that I talk with said there was low customer traffic and dealers were leaving early on Friday.
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$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
Leaving early on Friday - wow...
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I went Thursday, Normally I go on Sat because wife and sons like staying at MGM National Harbor. This time rooms were 700 a night over the weekend, so being that my son is off for summer, and other could get off, we went thur. Heck of a lot cheaper. Normally on Sat, many of the dealers are gone or packing up. Thursday was a lot better for everybody being there that comes to summer Balt, show is smaller, but easier to manuever around IMO. I mainly go to drop off submissions, (ones I dont feel comfortable mailing) consign items to various auction houses, and look around for myself. Didnt see anything I could live without, did see a few neat items, but just not for me. Was a really nice classic large cent, great color, overall look, but small scratch bottom left just couldnt get away from bothering me looking forward, saw a real nice draped bust quarter , but price was super strong, Did look at a few auction lots for upcoming stacks, came back home bid on a few , others I scratched off list, may end up winning one, but price is already high, so next outbid I'm out. Did manage to consign a nice diamond to a firm that also deals with them, so that was productive. I paid the early bird fee of 100 , so I could get in line at pcgs rather quickly and have more time at show, but even running straight over there direct line, still had 5-6 people in front of me. One of the firms that I have bought some from over the years, and a buddy has spent a great deal at, asked me if "is your buddy here" I said yeah but he's out front in lobby, he'll spend 50k on a coin, but wont spend a 100 to get in early.
Overall for me it was a productive show. I did have a few coins to sell with me, I found offers to be fair to a bit low, sold a couple, consigned the rest. Traffic from Balt back to National Harbor was horrendous at 3pm, normally takes 50 min, took every bit of 2 hours +
Excellent show, and the busiest June Baltimore I can recall in the last 10+ years. Planning to set up again next year!