Stories from Pittsburgh by a regular Nut ... (Final Part complete and posted!)

pursuitofliberty · August 30, 2026 9:51AM

I'm sitting here, relaxing in a lobby on Saturday early afternoon, waiting to go to the airport ... and I'll start to write my story now.

I'm going to do this in multiple parts, trying to highlight each of the coins I acquired and how that came to happen. I'll probably do a coin or two a day if there is interest, and mix in a few stories from the show and the people I encountered along the way as I go.

I brought home 8 new girls for the collection (!!), and so this may take as long to write and image and post as the whole trip took!

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My adventure to Pittsburgh started on the edge of the Pacific, in an unpopulated portion of Washington state where Sasquatch rule ... and some of us even collect coins.

I woke up at o'dark thirty on Monday morning. I was pretty much packed. But I had to coffee up, get in the car, and start my drive into Seattle in the pre-dawn coastal fog. SeaTac is all of two and a half hours away, but thankfully it's a pretty straight forward drive, and I got to the airport with no problem.

On the way I talked to my friend Tom @pcgscacgold on the phone as I knew he was driving to the show, and I figured we could both chat while we were cruising along the highways. He and I were planning on getting together Monday night for a beer anyway, but I figured chatting before we got there would be nice, especially if we were both exhausted from the day when we met.

I had to park and take the shuttle, and I had found out the day before a collector friend of mine from Oregon also happened to be on the same flight from Seattle ... and he actually had a cup of coffee waiting for me when I showed up at the gate. He's kind of cool like that! Thanks Jim!!

Jim and I chatted for about an hour while we were waiting to board, drinking our coffee and catching up on how things have been. I saw him in May at the PNNA show, so we were mostly up to date, but he's pretty private and so I always seem to learn new things about him when we chat. We talked more about his career prior to retirement, and I learned a few more things about him along the way.

The flight was a uneventful ... except for one thing.

While we were waiting to board my good friend Lance @lkeigwin sent me a document that he finished the night before. I hadn't known he was working on it, so it was a complete surprise to me. After sleeping for a couple hours on the plane, I woke up and decided to read it ... and what a great read it was! I'll hope that we can share it somehow. Either through the board here, or maybe through the BHNC website. It's a fantastic primer into our great series of Capped Bust Halves, while showcasing his incredible Coastal Collection of AU58+ coins on the PCGS registry.

Jim and I didn't sit together but we caught up with a couple of Nuts when we deboarded (including our new Associate Nut from Frankfurt, Germany!) and we all shared an Uber to the hotel.

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The Trade

Monday night, after I checked into my room at the Drury, Tom and I got together for a beer and some taco's at the Bakersfield, and shortly afterwards, a trade happened that started off my show off on a very positive note.

Two and a half years ago, I had purchased some coins from Lance, but I also passed on a couple special coins too. One in particular has haunted me from almost the day after.

At the time, I was still living in California, and I hadn't bought my house in Washington yet. Getting ready for semi-retirement, I passed on a few coins that maybe I shouldn't have passed on during that time. In the long run I don't regret keeping my eye on the ball, so to speak ... as I wouldn't trade my new life for the daily grind ... but my priorities and life goals at that time meant not going further on some of the coins I pursue.

And, as sometimes happens when we pass, there was that one coin that has tormented me ever since. I have looked at coins of this variety, in grades that I would normally appreciate, and I always go back to thinking of this coin and wishing I would have bought it when I had it in my hand. I knew who bought it, and where it's been, but it was just a situation that I wish I would have reached when I had the chance.

A few weeks or so before the show, Tom and I got to talking about a possible trade. He is working on somewhat of a date set, and he was willing to trade this particular coin for a couple dates he didn't have. He had some conditions as to grades and certifications and looks, but I found a couple of coins that seemed to fit the bill ... and we had a gentleman's agreement to do a trade at the show. It worked out as a straight trade where he ended up with a couple of mine, and I received the one I coveted.

The 1824 over Various Dates is an unusual piece in the annals of the Bust Half series, as it marks the only known overdate where multiple dates where punched from a previous years dies. There are several great overdates in this series, from the dynamic 1818 / 7's, to the 1817 / 3, 1814 / 3 and others, not to mention the famous and prohibitively rare (and expensive!) 1817 / 4 ... but the 1824 / Various stands alone as the only Bust Half issue with this type of multiple over-dating.

Some are convinced it is a 1824/2/0 that started with a leftover 1820 die. If you are interested in the variety, I encourage you to read Bust Half Fever by Edgar Souders for a great insight into the issue.

This coin has thick, swirling luster with electric blue toning on the rims, and showcases the date striking quite distinctly. I believe the coin is accurately graded, with strong eye appeal. It's current holder does not have a CAC sticker, but the coin was stickered in a previous P58 holder. I'll probably work to get that reestablished at some point.

A special thank you to my friend Tom @pcgscacgold who took good care of her while I kicked myself for a couple years, and then for helping start my show off right this past week by allowing me to be the next caretaker for this wonderful girl!

I still owe you another beer ... or three!!

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stay tuned for part 2, where I'll talk about "The Crush" ... it's not what you think it is!!

jacrispies · August 30, 2026 9:57AM

Is part II going to be about me??? * blush *

That 1824 O-103 is a WILD coin in hand. Luster flows like an Unc coin, no doubt. Stoked you were able to seal the deal and place it in your collection. Funny how some coins haunt us after we pass them up the first time.

Eldorado9 · August 30, 2026 10:04AM

What a beauty!

MEJ7070 · August 30, 2026 10:06AM

Fantastic coin and great write up!

johnny9434 · August 30, 2026 10:13AM

Thats a real beauty, I like 😍

EDL · August 30, 2026 10:21AM

Great read! Nice chatting and catching up at the show as usual. Hope to see you at FUN!

Ethan

MFeld · August 30, 2026 10:38AM

Good story and fairly decent coin.

By the way, by “fairly decent”, I meant that if the coin had been posted as a guess-the-grade, I would have guessed at least MS63. 😈

Copperindian · August 30, 2026 10:46AM

Such a beauteous piece Todd! & with the over various dates….other worldly!

jayPem · August 30, 2026 11:36AM

When I saw a short video of this the other day, within 2 seconds my first impression was Uncirculated…!
And Superb!
It’s awesome as well when a coin like this grows its own Forum provenance!

Bundles84 · August 30, 2026 11:37AM

Nice!! I love hearing these stories! Thanks for sharing.

Catbert · August 30, 2026 12:28PM

Beautiful!

GuzziSport · August 30, 2026 12:46PM

@pursuitofliberty man oh man, what a gorgeous bustie! As the kids would say, I’m jelly!! Congrats Todd!!!

2windy2fish · August 30, 2026 2:03PM

Great write up Todd!
Killer coin, looking forward to what’s next!

kaz · August 30, 2026 2:16PM

Great coin! Looking forward to more installments.

golden · August 30, 2026 2:35PM

Super coin and a great report so far.

pursuitofliberty · August 30, 2026 2:59PM

Part 2 of the Stories from Pittsburg.

I can tell you, it's going to be really hard to top the look of the first coin ... but hopefully the stories and coins will still keep you entertained.

Some coins are lovely, some are solid, or maybe good, some can even be considered important ... and there are or course some great coins. That coin is absolutely special.

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The Crush

I don’t think I've ever been part of anything like what happened at Sheridan Downey's table at about 12:45 on Tuesday, 15 minutes after the doors opened to ANA members.

Well, I should qualify that by saying, "at least at a coin show". I have, in fact, been in various types of scrums ... including those on a football field, playing rugby on the pitch ... and in a few mosh pits as well. This was similar.

Sheridan had sent an email on Thursday afternoon with a list of 82 coins available at the sale on a fixed price basis. No pictures. No certification numbers. Just Dates, Die Marriages, Grades and Prices. First come, first served.

Since I did not buy an Early Bird badge, I did not have a chance to preview the coins, and so I probably was at a disadvantage in the picking. But I had identified a few coins I wanted to see, and so that gave me a basis to move quickly.

And that was a good thing, because the crush of people around the table was three thick and grabbing/jockeying for coins was serious.

I was fortunate to ask for a rarer (r.4) later date coin I wanted for my Die Marriage set while standing at the later date case first (where the pushing and shoving wasn't quite as heated). Since I knew immediately (10 to 15 seconds) it was a solid example (at least for me), I decided to push my way into the earlier date action ... and was able to get the other coin I really wanted to see (the #1 coin on my "have to try" list).

Also a wonderful coin (although I needed to put a glass on it really quick), she has everything I love about late die state coins ... a "crack monster" if there ever was one.

At that point I just stepped away from the ruckus, thankful that two of my top picks were good coins and I had been fortunate enough to secure them both.

And grateful that I hadn't lost an appendage in the melee ... or had needed to put a serious body check on any offender's during in the process.

I mean my wallet took a hit, but I think that was to be expected!

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The 1830 O-104 (104.1) is just an honest and wholesome coin that is difficult to find, especially in higher grades. It has a pleasing light grey-dirt skin over hard, almost semi-PL fields. The die state is early enough that the two thin die lines can still be seen in the reverse field between the tip of the right wing point and the top right talon, even with the noticeably weakly struck potion on the reverse (D STA and left portion of scroll). Overall the device luster is very strong, especially on the obverse, belying any real wear. She is graded as a P58 with a CAC sticker, and that seems quite fitting.

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The 1818 O-104a is one of the great obverse die crack coins of the series, in my opinion. This coin is the latest die state that we have documented in the BHNC (sometimes shown as the 'b' state, although never referenced as such in Overton). If you like late die states, she is a excellent study, and as a self proclaimed "crack addict" , I feel extremely fortunate to have acquired her. She's a little scruffy, with a couple of light stains, but overall she's quite pleasing in hand and worthy of her grade IMO (P58 with a CAC sticker).

Of note, and as I stated, this coin exhibits all of the requirements for the latest die state 104.4, as published in the Second Edition of the Die State Progressions of the Capped Bust Half Dollar Die Varieties 1807-1836, released in 2025 by the BHNC. If you are interested, this pocket guide (and/or .pdf file) can be obtained through David Kahn's website.

Anyway, this is a rare Die State example, although we're not exactly sure how much so at this point ... listing the coin as both r.5? and r.7?, depending on where you view that data.

If you have one, I would love to have you send me images so I can include your coin in our Die Study research. Reach out to me via PM please. I don't bite. Much.

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hopefully I'll get to part 3 of my show report by tomorrow afternoon ... An Auction with a Twist ... be watching for it later in this thread

Thanks for following along! I appreciate all of your comments!!

jayPem · August 30, 2026 3:56PM

The mental image of a mosh pit breaking out on the floor of the ANA is a hilarious one to be sure…

Put out a few late die states busties, throw some Sonic Youth on the speakers… I might just find a few of the old moves and come out on top!
😜

pcgscacgold · August 30, 2026 5:22PM

That 1824/Var was probably the most beautiful coin in my collection. At the time I bought it I told you that it would be yours. That day came on Monday. Enjoy her, I certainly did.

kaz · August 30, 2026 5:38PM

2 very cool coins!

pursuitofliberty · August 30, 2026 7:35PM

Okay, I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, so let's start with another deal that transpired on a "handshake" before the show, but where the transaction actually took place Tuesday on the floor before I retired to our room to get ready for the "Corn Roast".

For those that don't know, the Corn Roast is our BHNC Member get together dinner on Tuesday night at the Summer ANA every year.

Anyway, we'll call this one Part 2.5 ... so I can still do the happenings on Wednesday as Part 3 tomorrow.

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Another Early Prize

A few days before the show, Darrel and Matt with the new GFRC started putting up some new inventory on their site, and one coin in particular immediately caught my eye. To understand why it jumped out at me, suffice it to say that one of my friends and mentors in the Club, who does not post here, showed me examples of this Die Marriage in it's earliest state sometime last year, and I have had it locked in my brain ever since.

Now that I have a great set piece, I hope to write an article exploring the oddity exhibited on the obverse die in it's earliest states. I'll keep the Board posted.

Anyway, this is not a rare DM by any count (listed almost everywhere as a r.1), but I contacted Darrell quickly. He agreed to hold it for me with a ready-to-go invoice at the show. Pass or play, payment on delivery.

It's not a grade I typically look for, or buy. But extrapolating the images I was 99.7% certain she would come home with me. In hand, there was never a doubt. She's a real Unc' in my opinion, and that was shared by quite a few "expert eyes" who viewed her in hand. With the luster and eye appeal she exhibits, we all think she's probably undegraded by a point. Again, that's not what drew me in ... but we'll save that for another day. Such a silly grade ... 61.

Thank you again Darrell! This helped make my show a spectacular success.

1834 O-116 in P61cac

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Then back at the hotel, my roommate broke out his offering "for the room", and we did a deal for a coin he purchased to take home from me.

We had a couple cups, on the rocks ... before we went to dinner!

Maybe you know this guy?

He's really a pretty cool dude ... with very good taste ... not just for coins.

Thanks for everything Paul @Pnies20 It was great hanging out, as always!

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In case you're wondering, I'm not really going to post about the Corn Roast. But for those of you who want some interesting stories, including about our own @EDL , you'll just have to stay tuned until the end (because he'll be in that one, if not before)!

Copperindian · August 30, 2026 7:42PM

Totally enjoying these posts Todd! Definitely a great ride!

Davidk7 · August 30, 2026 7:44PM

Keep up the posts Todd! Great Report!

Pnies20 · August 30, 2026 8:56PM

Omg 🤣🤦‍♂️

Victa · August 31, 2026 4:17AM

That 24-103 is a real beauty Todd. I can see why you never really got over her the first time. I'm guessing this marriage is going to last for the entire duration! The other members of the wedding party aren't bad either.

Meltdown · August 31, 2026 5:46AM

What a fun time! Thanks for sharing the trip. Those are just fantastic new busts!!! That 24 is a knockout, I can see why you hadn't forgotten it. I love the golden hue and die cracks on that 1818 too.

Kliao · August 31, 2026 5:50AM

Great posts Todd! Nice to see you at the show and great CBHs as always.

coinkat · August 31, 2026 6:20AM

Great summary and overview with some outstanding coins… we may have fallen just a tad short of expectations with the glassware… oops plastic ware…

And to be clear, I am kidding

Catbert · August 31, 2026 7:14AM

Love these collection expansion posts and learning about what Breaking Bad crack you’re smoking. Such beautiful coins Todd!

BigAl · August 31, 2026 7:48AM

Here's my 104a, appears to be an earlier die state than your newp
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Desert Moon · August 31, 2026 8:55AM

Todd -
Great stories keep them coming!

EDL · August 31, 2026 2:09PM

I can't believe I missed out on the hotel room bourbon!

pursuitofliberty · August 31, 2026 2:59PM

Before we get into Wednesday, I missed a couple of things. It should be noted that I try not to sell anything on the floor or to non-club members or dealers prior to the Corn Roast, except under special circumstances.

This was another one of those situations that happened mostly before the show ...

On Monday night, after Tom @pcgscacgold and I had completed our trade for the wonderful 24-103, and I was heading back to my room, I was getting texts from @Davidk7 . David was asking me about a coin I had offered him several weeks before and that he had agreed to purchase for his budding Die Marriage set.

I diverted to his floor and arrived at his room, where both he and Dan @PeakRarities were waiting for me.

David was super excited about this acquisition, and it marked his 29th Die Marriage (more about that later in today's update). He had seen video's and images of the coin, and I think David loved it as much or more in hand. I felt very good about the sale as he got a very good coin at a good price, and I helped facilitate that.

For context, this coin was part of another deal for a couple of coins I did with John @CircCam from our boards a couple months ago. I had never intended to keep this one, only to find a good home for her ... and also to help John out of a temporary situation. I received another coin from that deal with John ... a fabulous coin from the late (and great) Lane Brunner, who some of you might remember here as @astrorat . That coin was a keeper for me even though it isn't a grade I normally collect. It's a sentimental thing.

Anyway ... Dan, David and I caught up a little bit and they looked at a coin I planned to submit, all of us guessing the grade and offering comments on her. We chatted for a bit, but I was dead tired and wanted to get some sleep, so we didn't hang out too long.

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Wednesday on the Floor

Where Tuesday is an abbreviated day ... Wednesday is a full onslaught of the senses ... and the Summer ANA didn't disappoint! The floor was hoping, the trading I saw was very active on both sides of the table ... and the buzz was electric.

After catching up with big Tom K. (not on these boards, I don't think) and checking a few tables for anything new, Steve Herrman, Paul and I gathered at @PeakRarities table and checked Die Marriages for the Application of Membership on a new Associate Nut ... our own @Davidk7 !!!

I haven't seen the official announcement for his application and waiting period yet, but I will congratulate him nonetheless! He's worked hard to get where he is with his collection, and I was (am) happy to second the motion to bring him into the Club under his sponsor @Pnies20

Congratulations David! You are an asset to the boards and the hobby overall, and I am sure you will be a great ambassador for the CBH community.

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Back at Eye Appealing Coins table, Phil Hinkelman and I continued our dialogue, which always seems to start the minute we see each other at any show, and ends as we part ways and leave for the airport ... and although it probably reads like a fragmented and almost incoherent chat to anyone outside the conversation, in retrospect I think it usually feels very cohesive to each of us.

Anyway, I had told him he could have first shot at what was left in my "for sale" box after I met with a few friends and did the Corn Roast, and as I handed him my box to look at, I asked him if he had anything new to put out. I was given a box that hadn't hit the cases yet, and I took my time perusing the offerings, even as some younger sharks (including @EDL and @Pnies20 ) started to smell the new bait in the water, and were circling over my shoulder!

Watch for more stories about those guys in later parts of this ramble. Some might even be pretty good!!

Anyway, I pulled one coin aside and told Phil I'd catch up with him in an hour and we could see what worked. Later we did a deal where he bought four of mine and I took home that one from him.

Amazingly, this is probably the "mangy mutt" of all the coins I acquired at the show, but it IS a cool die marriage, and she has a nice, wholesome, grey-dirt look. Quite often she would be one of the stars of the show, but with some really fantastic competition, she's probably just a supporting player in this group. Hard as it is for me to even think that.

This example is sometimes referred to as the Dash Date, so called for the die mark to the left of the 1 in the Date. On a side note, this is also the same Obverse Die used to strike the famous Proof Only 1832 O-123.

My coin is the O-112 (112.1) and is graded P55cac, which is the correct grade IMO. I like her. A lot. She's just a hearty lass overall.

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An Auction with a Twist

What CBH Nut story would be complete without a tale of the Sheridan Downey Mail Bid Auction of the show?

Whether you get blown out of the water, find a sleeper, or maybe even add a couple set pieces ... or you end up winning something that you feel like you might be buried in due to the intense competition ... if you participate long enough, we've all been there.

This Auction had no shortage of OMG!!! Prices Realized, that's for sure. And there were some nuclear sized bids that might have made for some interesting fireworks had two nuclear superpowers showed up on the same lot!

I had a pretty good list going into the Auction. I tend to do a lot of research at home prior to narrow things down as much as possible using images, descriptions, previous sales and other information. Then I view the coins in hand to make sure I'm good with them, and often I also put in check bids both at home and after viewing on coins I like ... but I rarely get serious until the end. Everyone is different that way.

Anyway, I made it back to my room and pulled up my tablet before dinner and started checking prices against my final list of potential targets as the clock counted out the final 20 minutes.

As the coins I liked best fell from the list due to prices I just couldn't see (or in some cases even imagine), I finally realized I may have to recalibrate a little if I wanted to win anything.

There were two P55cac Newman-Green coins in the sale, and these are always of interest to me as they are quite often VERY original in a way that almost tells you where they came from. I had looked at both, and both were still on my final list. The first one was going crazy, and it wasn't the one I liked best (or wanted most).

Here's the twist.

One of the coins I had traded to @pcgscacgold for that beautiful 1824 O-103 was my set piece for the 1825 O-114 Die Marriage spot.

The Newman-Green coin I liked best? You guessed it ... the 25-114.

And so, with the realization that it would be my last bid, I threw out my "best and final, I overstretched my budget on this coin by a ways and I still know I may not even be the underbidder because it's a Sheridan Downey Auction" number.

Yes, that's a real number. Ask @EDL . But of course, he landed a set piece with that methodology too.

Congrat's on that one Ethan. You're a little crazy, but like I always say ... no balls, no blue chips!

I closed my tablet and went to grab Lance so we could go to dinner.

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And what a great dinner we had. Just 6 of us. Eddie V's. But that's not a story to share. What happens at Eddie V's, stays at Eddie V's!

Suffice it to say the food was excellent, as was the service ... and the company was divine. Thank you Greg, Jeff, Blake, Lance and Barry for including me. It was a pleasure.

Oh. Yep. I won it!

So ... I didn't lose that DM on my census after all. I just dropped a grade point!

1825 O-114 Newman-Green P55cac. And an example that just epitomizes the provenance on the AU coins they had.

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I'll keep adding more over the next day or two. Maybe two or three more parts.

It was a great show and I had a lot of fun. I saw and enjoyed a LOT of great people here ... some of whom I'm going to include in the next stories as well. Stay tuned!!

And thanks again for all the comments.

shortnock · August 31, 2026 5:04PM

Very nice reading. Thanks for sharing.

tradedollarnut · August 31, 2026 6:32PM

Gorgeous coin worth 63/64 money in my eye

Copperindian · August 31, 2026 6:57PM

Todd - these reports are fabulous! Your pickups are sweet! Great news about @Davidk7 too!
Ken

EDL · August 31, 2026 7:16PM

The right coins are worth any amount of money. One thing I have learned in my tenure as a coin collector is that you are better off stretching and obtaining the right example then living with the regret, of which I have many. You might as well go after the coins you adore.

Here is the coin Todd is talking about. She came back from PCGS with a plus after only one attempt. My new set "centerpiece" my new prized possession and a coin I shall cherish till its passed on to its next custodian.

She isn't wearing her green CAC sticker right now, but she will be soon!

Davidk7 · August 31, 2026 10:49PM

@Copperindian said:
Todd - these reports are fabulous! Your pickups are sweet! Great news about @Davidk7 too!
Ken

Thank you Ken!

relicsncoins · August 31, 2026 11:34PM

Straight up awesome!

Meltdown · September 1, 2026 5:34AM

I'm really digging the recap of your show experience! Thanks for taking us all along.

lilolme · September 1, 2026 7:04AM

Just scanning through the forum since before going to ANA and this was more reading than I was ready for. But I got the gist of it from scanning through. Nice additions and you seem to certainly enjoy your time at the show and definite Nut (bust half that is).

pursuitofliberty · September 1, 2026 12:43PM

Thank you for all the great comments my friends. This has been fun

No images today because these are all people stories.

Stay tuned for Part 5 tomorrow where I'll have my last two newp's, more stories and maybe a twist

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#
Okay, I think I have things straight up through Wednesday night, but inevitably I get things mixed up on the overall timelines, so we'll see.

I am pretty sure it was Thursday morning having breakfast at the Drury Hotel when someone came up behind me and started talking over my shoulder to Dan and David. This also could have been Wednesday, but I don't think that's how it worked. Maybe?

Anyway, after they left I asked who it was as I had my back turned to them and only briefly turned around, not recognizing their face.

Dan @PeakRarities said to me, "You know him".

I turned around again and thought, nope ... never met that guy. I might forget a name, but it's almost never that I forget a face.

Looking back at Dan I must have had a quizzical look, and he said, "That's Ken @Copperindian ".

Well, I'll be ...

Ha!

We had finished eating, and so I grabbed my coffee and my backpack and walked up to the table and said, "I think I know you."

Ken was a little surprised because he somehow pictured me a little differently (something about having long hair ... maybe like the long-haired wannabe rock star I used to be ), but we had a good laugh ... and after a year of misses (both in OKC at last Summer's ANA and again at Winter FUN) we finally had a chance to meet in the real world.

Ken is a big, friendly guy with a big, friendly personality and we hit it off as well in person as we have on this board. He had traveled to the show with his lovely wife Roseann, and the three of us talked about the convention and the area and coins for a while before we headed out. I noticed she was also somewhat interested in coins, at least in a more general sense, and seemed quite supportive of his pursuits.

I told them the animated story of the 1824 O-103 from Monday night (most people who know me had to hear it once!) and then when Ken also asked a couple questions about CBH's, we looked at a few coins in my box, with my trying to show differences in luster and surface quality in bad light.

Ken and I caught up again on Friday morning after breakfast again which was great ... but we mostly were heading different ways in the same aisles for most of the show.

I will say this, meeting them was another highlight of the show for me.

Sometimes it's more about the people than it is about the coins.

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I get by with a little help from my friends

Someone I haven't mentioned yet is Kendrick @Kliao

I first met Kendrick on these boards when he was still a Junior in High School, and now he is a College Graduate. WOW!

Anyway, we communicate now and then on PM, and have kept in touch for 6 years, somewhat sporadically. A couple months before the show that picked up again and I found out he'd be helping Al @Desert Moon at his table. I had asked him about helping me sell a few of my non-CBH holdings and we agreed to discuss at the show.

Kendrick has a good eye and a sharp mind, and he's worked for both a local dealer and now for Al ... and I think he get's it. Although things didn't go quite as planned, when I showed him a really nice TAB-toned Roanoke I had in N67cac, he told me I wasn't really asking enough, and gave me a couple tables to see where I might be able to sell it.

I peeled the price sticker off, walked over and saw one of the dealers he had mentioned (after offering it to another one I knew better first), and sold it for more than I would have taken otherwise.

Now that I write this, maybe I owe him dinner!

I have another funny story about Kendrick that goes back a couple of years, but I'm going to leave that one alone lest you think we're coin doctors!!

Also, Al @Desert Moon tells a funny story about a coin I had for sale while I was selling the Roanoke. You should really check out his show reports if you haven't yet. Unlike me he posted most of them from Pittsburg so they are more accurate with days and times and were fresh, in the moment perspectives ... and they are all great reads!

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Maybe I'm the helper ...

I believe it was still Thursday mid-morning when I happened to pass a table with a nice N58 CBH that made me stop and look. It was a rarer (r.4) Die Marriage for 1827, and although I already have one, I almost bought it after asking the dealer for the price. I stepped back for a moment and thought, who could use this ... and called my friend Brigette @mtn_scout

We caught up and she exclaimed that that was the one she had told me about the day before. Well, I think it must have been calling her back!!

We went back and looked again, verified the DM, and I let Brigette negotiate with the dealer. I know she bought it, and I doubt she will ever regret buying that coin. Brigette is one of the Associate Nuts (they haven't quite got crazy enough to be full Nuts yet! ) and I am so glad she made it to the show. She's had a tough year and this seemed to be just the distraction she needed.

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Anyway, by this point I have had a great show, found some great coins, sold some things from my "for sale box" to friends and dealers, and was mostly chatting with dealer friends, scanning remote tables and even looking at currency.

I had a couple things I was still considering for sale, but otherwise, had my show experience ended later after Dinner on Thursday I would have been very satisfied with what had been an awesome adventure. But the adventure was far from over ...

However, the week had started to catch up with me a little, and I was getting ready to go back to the hotel and catch a few winks before we went out to dinner at El Gaucho. I had made reservations over the month before the show (with some snags and hiccups) and I was really looking forward to enjoying dinner with friends. I had been promised rooftop tables and I was hopeful (spoiler - they were ready for us when we arrived, just as promised).

A couple people had backed out, and so instead of my previous group of 12, we had 10 confirmed at about 3pm.

Who else should I invite?

I had tried to invite Tom @pcgscacgold the night before, anticipating the drop in confirmed guests, but he had passed.

In addition to Phil @habaraca and his wife Barb, Paul, Dan, David and Chase @jacrispies , Brigette @mtn_scout and two more BHNC Members (Keith and Blake), who were all coming ... I decided to invite Ethan @EDL along.

There are a few people here who know me well enough to raise their eyebrows to that.

It may not be public knowledge, but it is no secret with some members in the Club that in some ways, I have not been a big fan of @EDL. In fact I am texting him before I post this in hopes this doesn't come out wrong.

I have tried to accept him into the community and into the Club, and in trying to move forward and focus on the positive, I have noticed a few things recently that have made me keep trying.

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When someone does something cool for your friend

I told a couple people I was going to give Ethan prop's for something he did. Here goes.

Ethan, I'm going to tell you that offering (and then selling) Lance the '39 Reeded Edge in P58+ the way you did helped make his whole show. There's a lot of ways you could have handled that, but more than anything, you showed your humanity ... and I won't forget that.

I warmed to you a little more after dinner Thursday when we went out for drinks, but before that, I looked at you a little bit differently precisely because of this.

We come from a different generation, a different time and really, a different way ... and more than once you have rubbed me wrong. But showing your spirit of goodwill towards my friend went a long way towards me seeing you in a different light.

Thank you for that.

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As told to me (abbreviated) -

Lance was sitting behind Sheridan's tables when Ethan walks up and engages him in conversation.

Ethan: So Lance, what do you think about a 1839 in P58+?

Lance: It doesn't exist.

Ethan pulls a toned P58+ 1839 Reeded Edge with lovely concentric toning out of his pocket, shows it to Lance and smiles.

Lance almost falls out of his chair.

They had a brief and amicable negotiation and Lance came away very happy with the price. I suspect Ethan flipped it for a reasonable profit, but didn't try to do anything other than to offer a known want to a respected and loved Club Member ... all at a reasonable price.

No hostage taking. No shopping it back around. Just a good old back and forth, a handshake and a deal ... without any other drama.

Lance @lkeigwin had also been looking for one of these for a LONG time. He would have paid a small fortune to obtain one.

He also happens to be my Sponsor in the BHNC, and is a very dear friend of mine.

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I'll say it again ... sometimes it's more about the people than it is about the coins.

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Again, no pictures this time, but there is a second part to Lance buying the '39 from Ethan ... and more images! ... when I finish this rambling Show Report with Part 5 later today or tomorrow

Stay tuned

And thanks again for reading along

Copperindian · September 1, 2026 2:44PM

Todd! These posts are beyond special! I hope you keep rolling these out right up until our favorite thread this Saturday! 🤩 😮

lilolme · September 1, 2026 3:04PM

@pursuitofliberty said:
As told to me (abbreviated) -

Lance was sitting behind Sheridan's tables when Ethan walks up and engages him in conversation.

Ethan: So Lance, what do you think about a 1839 in P58+?

Lance: It doesn't exist.

Ethan pulls a toned P58+ 1839 Reeded Edge with lovely concentric toning out of his pocket, shows it to Lance and smiles.

Lance almost falls out of his chair.

They had a brief and amicable negotiation and Lance came away very happy with the price. I suspect Ethan flipped it for a reasonable profit, but didn't try to do anything other than to offer a known want to a respected and loved Club Member ... all at a reasonable price.

No hostage taking. No shopping it back around. Just a good old back and forth, a handshake and a deal ... without any other drama.

Lance @lkeigwin had also been looking for one of these for a LONG time. He would have paid a small fortune to obtain one.

He also happens to be my Sponsor in the BHNC, and is a very dear friend of mine.

.

I'll say it again ... sometimes it's more about the people than it is about the coins.

.

Again, no pictures this time, but there is a second part to Lance buying the '39 from Ethan ... and more images! ... when I finish this rambling Show Report with Part 5 later today or tomorrow

Stay tuned

And thanks again for reading along

.
The 1839 AU58+ is/was a recent 'made' grade. Now a pop 1.
It is a little bit like some of the Morgans back several/many years ago when I was collecting them. There would be top pops with a couple or several dozen examples. Then one would get 'made' and a new top pop 1. The 1839 has 69 or 72 in AU58 but now a top pop (per everyman) 1 in 58+. If it goes according to past Morgan examples there will be another 58+ coming up in the future.

jayPem · September 1, 2026 11:15PM

@EDL said:
The right coins are worth any amount of money. One thing I have learned in my tenure as a coin collector is that you are better off stretching and obtaining the right example then living with the regret, of which I have many. You might as well go after the coins you adore.

Here is the coin Todd is talking about. She came back from PCGS with a plus after only one attempt. My new set "centerpiece" my new prized possession and a coin I shall cherish till its passed on to its next custodian.

She isn't wearing her green CAC sticker right now, but she will be soon!

Holy Smokes!!
I love color on CBH… but I love this look even more!
If my eyes don’t deceive me, what we have here is a high AU 1815/2 with grey dirt surfaces … first one I’ve ever seen!
😍

Edit to add… checking out what I assume to be Lances pics of this coin, looks like nice color and grey dirt rolled all into one…

pursuitofliberty · September 2, 2026 2:49PM

Okay, let's get to part 5 ... the final part in this nutty ramble from the far reaches of what is apparently left of my consciousness!

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First, a couple clarifications;

The first meeting with Ken @Copperindian was Wednesday. I realized this with certainly while driving into the city yesterday because of something else I remembered.

Also, and I think it's obvious, but just in case it isn't ... that gorgeous '15/2 belongs to @EDL . He pulled one of those "jump big or have a seat on the couch moments" at Sheridan's auction and took this girl home. He immediately submitted her for a plus at PCGS, and then she's going back for her emerald earring with CAC. I heard they might get married afterwards.

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We had a lovely dinner on Thursday night and several of us went out for a beer afterwards. Thanks you again to everyone who tagged along, and the the staff at El Gaucho for treating us right. Great food, great conversations, great people.

Friday morning was quiet and I took my time getting ready and heading down for breakfast. As I said in the last post, had things ended this morning, and I had set off to the airport to fly home I would have considered this a fantastic show.

What happened by staying over through Saturday afternoon ended up wearing me out a little bit more, but it certainly made the show even more rewarding.

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I caught Ken and Roseann again in the morning after breakfast and we chatted for a little bit before I headed over to the floor with Brigette @mtn_scout ... and then had to backtrack because I left my badge and my glass in the room. Doh!

Anyway, the morning was an extension of Thursday afternoon ... searching far flung tables, talking to dealers I don't know as well, looking at currency and catching up with a few friends. Right before noon I found a coin that intrigued me a little ... a variety I don't have and that seems to elude me. Nice enough I suppose, and priced inexpensively, and I pondered it as I walked back to the core tables we most of the Nuts were hanging around (tables for Sheridan, Dave Kahn, Eye Appealing, Desert Moon and CRO).

Steve Herrman (the BHNC Secretary / everything guy) invited me up the HA Legacy suite for a break and to chat. Lance also said he'd join us shortly. That sounded good and I went up with Steve and we had a nice chat about multiple things.

Lance joined us 20 or so minutes later, and Steve even waved Brigette in as she was leaving the HA lot viewing room.

Eventually, with the conversation winding down, I had mentioned the coin I saw in the morning.

Lance eventually asked me, Is it a great coin?

Not great, no.

Then don't buy it.

Steve quickly reiterated Lance's statement.

I'll be honest, I'm not sure I always agree with that philosophy ... that a coin has to be "great" to buy it ... but I understood the suggestion and thought process. As we walked down to the floor I decided I was not going to pursue the coin because it not only wasn't great, it wasn't good enough to get me excited. And that really is the point.

I have a lot of coins that aren't necessarily "great", but all the ones I want to keep are "really good" coins that still get me excited, and those are really the only ones I should buy.

So the only thing left was make another pass around the floor, stop by and get two forms from GC and see if I could drop off a few lots for their auctions on Saturday morning, and head back to the room to catch a little rest before we went out on Friday night, for what I suspected would be a little more lively evening.

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Patience and restraint is rewarded

Last stop after talking with several people, including Dave Kahn about my 34-116 (the MS61 coin) and if he would be interested in helping me with feedback and possible edits for the article about the die state I hope to write, and I was back to see Phil at EAC.

I think the conversation was something like this -

Me, "I'll come buy in the morning and we can catch up a little more."

And then, "Get anything new?"

Phil got that smile. Do you know that smile?

That smile is expensive!!

He reached back by his laptop and took the rubber bands off three coins.

I just took these in, he said.

Ohhh ...

I set my backpack down.

All three where p58cac coins, and all three were obviously going to warrant a closer look.

The first one I rolled over in my hand was a serious 1813 O-105. I was told it disappeared 5 minutes after I left. Not surprising, at all. I didn't look really close at this one, and I never asked the price. There's a reason for that.

I knew it would be noticeably expensive because it was a serious color and luster coin with plus quality surfaces ... I didn't need a special light or a glass to see that ... and because up until Tuesday night, right before the Corn Roast, I had two of these ... the wonderful ex-Gerrie coin in p55cac and a fantastic p53cac I purchased from @GuzziSport on the board last year.

I had decided to sell the p53cac as I am trying not to have duplicate Die Marriages, and Paul wisely took it before we ever hit the Corn Roast (and he got a good discount from what I probably could have sold it for).

Anyway, I told some of this to Phil and asked him for prices on the other two as I sat down to study them more.

One was an 1812, but it didn't really thrill me. Not a bad coin at all, but it just didn't grab me and the price was maybe a little warm for my taste, at least for what I saw.

The next one stopped me.

Strong, swirling luster? Check.

Absence of distracting marks? Check.

Pleasing toning? Check.

Die Marriage I didn't have? Check.

Right grade? Check.

In the back of my head ... Lance's voice asking ... Is it a great coin?

Well, if it isn't great, it sure is pretty damn nice!

I paid Phil his price, packed my backpack up, stopped by at GC's table for those forms, and happily strolled back to the room, feeling very fortunate in the turn of events this Friday afternoon.

1824 O-108 (actually 108a, 104.2, r.4) p58cac, very solid for the grade and quite pleasing to the eye

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Well that wasn't what I expected either

Back at the room I took out the five pieces of Currency I brought and started to fill out the auction form.

Oh, you didn't know I collected Currency too? Yeah, when they let me become a Nut, I'm not exactly sure they all knew how Nuts I really was!

One of my other addictions is large size Federal Reserve Notes (FRN's) of the Series 1914 Blue Seal variety. I am trying to finish District sets of $5. through $50. denominations with better signature combinations on each example. The $50.'s will probably kill me, but the other three denominations are doable (The $5.'s are done, I need one $10. and a few $20.'s). District sets, for the un-initiated consist of 12 notes, one per Federal Reserve District.

Anyway, these were extra's, or in one case was a note I wasn't planning on keeping ... and since I thought they would probably do well on the GC venue, I was willing to roll the dice. I hadn't shown them at the show, just figuring I would place them in the auction, but I had an idea of what I wanted for them.

After finishing I thought about a couple of the coins I still had in my "for sale box", but decided I'd just auction the paper and call it a show.

Ha! Yeah. Nope. It wasn't even over yet!!

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I got a quick nap, and woke up to Paul making it back to the room. We started getting ready to head to dinner. He told me David @Davidk7 and Dan @PeakRarities were coming up and we were going to each have a glass (plastic cup!) of that fantastic bourbon before we went out.

I didn't tell you that these same guys had descended on the room while I was out on Wednesday night and drank a good portion of the bottle, so there was really only one drink a piece left. I made David get ice. He ruined his with Pepsi. The rest of us sipped ours lovingly, on the rocks.

The conversation got around to the paper I was auctioning.

Can we see? Almost as a chorus even.

Sure.

Paul, never shy ... Let me see that one. A great $5 from the Cleveland District.

How much?

I gave him a(nother) good price.

I'll take it.

Okay. Sure. I need to take that off the list then. Good note. Good price. My friend buys it. I'm good with that.

Then ...

Dan, looking closely and also scrolling on his phone and talking about conversing with another dealer about these.

How much? I quoted prices, explaining a little on the last (and most expensive) note.

I'll take them.

Hahaha! Well shit, I didn't see that coming!

Thanks Dan!! @PeakRarities

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I wore the Sasquatch shirt. You know things get crazy if I wear the Sasquatch shirt.

Of course, with Paul, Dan and David, you also have to consider the group!

And we'll leave dinner and drinks ... and that millennial bar we stormed ... at that.

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Another one ... Really ??!!!

Saturday morning. Felt decent (somewhat surprisingly). Paul and I both packed our bags so we could be ready to check out. Had breakfast. Left our bags in the bag check.

The Drury really was a great place with great staff and great service.

Back on the floor it was more of a ghost of itself than a show. As sad as this seems sometimes, it is part of the dynamic. The public was there and there were probably a few things going on, but mostly the dealers were either already gone or slowly packing up and getting ready for a noon time escape.

I wandered over to Phil's table and saw a coin in the Odyssey Collection case that wasn't one of those coins.

Shocked, I also saw it was a 1805/4 O-102 in P55cac with really nice color and surfaces. It wasn't the 05-103a with the killer late die state and awesome color that had sold in the collection's sale, but still ... 55cac DBH's with great color and surfaces don't fall off trees ... well, except for at Phil's table I guess.

Phil let me look and we discussed the coin, how it came to him, price, etc. Pretty cool, and a very nice looking coin

And then as Paul sat down, I saw another coin in the case I hadn't seen.

My understanding is this coin sold on Saturday night when I was flying home (I heard from Paul it showed up for 5 minutes on eBay). To whoever bought it, if you are reading this, congratulations! What a fantastic, once in a lifetime type coin. I wish I would have had the budget to purchase her.

It was an 1802 Half in p55cac, I think (or was it 58?). And she really was an OMG coin ... looked like it was from the same collection as the 05/4 it terms of color, look and texture.

More discussion ensued.

It was really cool looking at (and discussing) those two coins. Thank you Phil. For everything.

Finally, as I am getting ready to stand up and leave, I see a coin I hadn't seen.

At first I thought I had, because now I realize he has two of them in the case. The other one I had looked at and he wanted a lot of money for her (rarer DM). This one though, no ... I hadn't looked at her. I rarely forget a face.

Hey Phil, can I see that '39?

I should have realized when I flipped the coin over and saw a laminated tag on the back. And stopped and thought about the date. And really just wondered where and how it showed up in the case in front of me.

But the top edge sticker was gone and I was admiring the coin, hoping the price wasn't something that would kill my growing excitement because I really wanted an 1839 Reeded Edge for my collection.

How much?

Phil quotes price.

Paul is sitting next to me so he can attest to this next part.

I had no hesitation in my voice, or in my thinking.

Sold.

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The twist ...

It wasn't until much later, on Sunday, after I had walked all the displays and left the show, and flown and drove home to my little spot on the edge of the Earth out here on the Pacific Coast, and sat to summarize my show, and remove my sold coins and add my new ones to my notes and files and registries, did I realize what had happened.

That 1839 I had in my hand ... it was Lance's old coin!

The one he had apparently sold to Phil after Ethan sold him the 1839 in AU58+!

The one he felt was his best shot at a 58+ (apparently he tried) and was the coin he kept above all others, waiting for that 58+!!

OMG!!!

What a show!!!!

1839 p58 (former P61 tag attached), ex-Keigwin. An accurately graded coin that may bean, and may also someday have a plus (??) ... but for which, if I'm the one who does it, Lance will never speak to me again!

I need to get the larger images from him, but these are his in a reduced size.

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Thanks for reading along. If there is only one show a year that I get to attend, it would have to be the ANA WFOM. It doesn't matter where. The coins, the people, the excitement ... everything combined helps make this a "can't miss event" for a crazy Nut like me. And I am so glad I attended this year!!

Catbert · September 2, 2026 5:52PM

Wow, what a haul, great hunting stories, and that infectious enthusiasm! WTG Todd!

Copperindian · September 3, 2026 7:05AM

Todd - this was nothing short of an epic series of posts. While actually being at the show, they somehow brought me even closer.
Kudos for doing this; I hope our fellow board members appreciate (& enjoyed) your efforts!
Ken

pursuitofliberty · September 3, 2026 8:18AM

Thanks guys!

I was a fun show and a fun way to recap my thoughts. There are at least a dozen more good stories buried in the time frame, but it's hard to keep going ... and my pictures (not Lance's versions, but mine) are a little disappointing. I need to work on why. I think I have an idea and I'll try to redo some of the images for future discussions and display of these coins on my favorite regular thread, the Saturday Morning Coffee with Coins extravaganza!

Until next time ... Happy Hunting!!

Inspired70 · September 4, 2026 5:30AM

Wow! Finally had a chance to read this post from beginning to end and to say it was enjoyable is the understatement of the week!

Such a great haul Todd for one show. Simply phenomenal!

Congratulations to one of the best eyes and person in our beloved hobby! Well done!

Stories from Pittsburgh by a regular Nut ... (Final Part complete and posted!)

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