The FUN show report that counts!
D
Posts: 1,997 ✭✭✭
Well at least to me anyways! I'd never been to a large coin show before so this was somewhat of a new experience to me; it went something like this:
I arrived at the Orange County Convention Center at around 10:00AM before making an abrupt right turn into the most beautifully ant-hilled dirt parkinglot I've seen in my lifetime. A gentleman greeted me and said if I wished to get a closer glance at the ants and leave my car in place it would cost me ten dollars. Realizing the bargain I was getting without even entering the show I paid my due and quickly parked the car. As I said before I had never been to the convention center or a show of this volume so as I approached the door I noticed that there was a HUGE staircase where I was entering; at the bottom there was no sidewalk though, just the most thick, lush, green Saint Augustine grass I've seen in my lifetime. It was a shame the people that designed the convention center didn't have the foresight to put in a side walk at the bottom of the stairs! (This really did bother me; growing up in a carpenter/concrete foreman family I saw the illogical nature of a public staircase with no ramp or sidewalk.)
Upon entering the show I thought to myself what have I gotten myself into; there is NO way I can look over all of these tables in one day! Living a little over an hour away I still wished I had a hotel room nearby so I could come back the next day and actually take more time to look. (My father, the foreman was with me and still discussing the staircase that was allergic to sidewalk while we entered). After buying my raffle tickets I peeped into the auction room and then walked out onto the floor with all of the dealers. I didn't know where to start! Never meeting any forum members and only having vague ideas what any of them looked like I went for the one place that I knew I could start off at and have NO confusion. That's right, since I've been ALIVE I've been told stick to what you're familiar with; so naturally I went to the pretzel stand to start my voyage. I glanced in the case and thought to myself; "Self, this is a big room, and if you intend on getting any space to look at coins you'd better buy the pretzels with all the herbs and cheese on it". I knew if I ate this one, I could greet someone or say excuse me and they would really move! After they cut me a bargain on my soda and pretzel (6.50) I was on my way to part seas of collectors with my first purchase of the day.
The first table I saw at the show was Julian Liedmans table. I was in awe at all of the patterns just sitting in the case. I couldn't help but think of all of the coins in other cases that bring the same money but they're not nearly as rare or neat! I saw he was busy so a quick greeting at first was sufficient and I asked to see a $.25 pattern to show my non-collecting father. Side note: He often looks through ALL of his change and will set something aside if the mint mark even looks like its a "blurp" in his words
, he became somewhat taken with the Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarters. (to be later mentioned) After showing my dad what our quarter could have looked like we continued to move on; down the supply aisle where I spent most of my money. (I was glad I did not bring much or I would've spent much more!) The first aisle we went down is where I met the first forum members I saw of the show. Upon getting to the table I looked in the case before looking at the sign, I recognized three amazing cameo Barber proof coins and looked up to see I was at the Anaconda Rare Coins table. Brandon and Adrian were both at the table and I introduced myself to both of them. Then; in an instant I knew I had arrived to numismatics. I said my forum handle and I heard some of the most significant words of my stay in this hobby..."Yeah, I recognize that, you're the cat loaf of bread guy right? What is that anyways? It looks like Japanimation..." This made it a little easier to talk and I was more apt to talk to other people from the forums with this reception . I saw Adrian and Brandon were discussing prices of coins realized and a couple of their expenditures so I decided to keep walking since I didn't have a whole lot of time. Down the aisle I went before stopping in at the Northeast Numismatics table to thank the gentleman there (Sorry I forgot the name!) for their informative and fun to look at catalogues I recieve often from them. I made my way through the supplies expediously thinking what I wanted to buy before deciding I would buy a book on patterns for sure and possibly a few others.
I turned the corner on the first aisle to make my way down the second where I saw several names I recognized hanging on boards, one of them being Smythe. Having never seen Andy Lustig in real life I wasn't really sure what he looked like. (I don't even recall any pictures) I looked at the case in front of me that he was standing adjacent to and thought to myself this has to be him. I looked in the case and saw all kinds of neat errors including his silver dollar Kennedy. (Two smashed together
). This table was clearly doing some business and there were people leaning over everywhere to peep and discuss what they were seeing. I was pleased to meet Andy and it was awkward at first not know which was him so I just slowly sputtered Andy Lustig before he said "That's me!". A quick discussion and one card later I found out he was a vegetarian, being afraid; I quickly ran away. (People thought I stole coins I ran so fast!) But really he was quite genial and I thanked him for contributions as most anything he writes I enjoy reading. His posts often subliminally encourage paying attention to detail; coming from a former grader and in a hobby such as numismatics it's quite fitting. I walked a little further, not seeing any names I recognized and periodically peering into the cases filled with Morgan dollars. (I have no interest in such coins, toned, untoned, VAMs, Dimples, whatever.) I soon made it to Rick Snows case after seeing a few "Eagle Eye Photo Seal" IHCs in other peoples cases. Rick was fun to talk to and we discussed blue toning on IHCs (How fitting) and he provided an excellent explanation. Sitting next to me for the short lecture was Rich Uhrich. (Sorry if I mispell it! RichyURich from the forums.) I listened to him while my father found Rick's small display on Wisconsin Quarters. My dad, who has terrible eyes looking through a case and forgot his reading goggles had trouble seeing other Extra Leaf quarters and was very happy to see blown up pictures of them. Dad was enthralled with error coins and currency moreso than the coins I'm interested in. But I was glad he looked and found things of interest. Additionally he purchased a "Merry Belated Christmas Present" for my mom (A ring) that she was happy to recieve. After leaving Rick's table I was anxious to meet more forum members. It was awhile before I saw someone else whos name I recognized. I saw the Legend table but Laura was nowhere to be found; I assume she was off smiting wannabes and burning widgets and things of that sort. Often I heard people discussing prices realized in the auctions and most seemed to be shocked at low prices or coins not meeting reserves. After miles of walking I came to Fred Weinbergs table, I heard someone say Doug so again I had second thoughts and reluctancy of just saying "Hey Fred!". We talked a few minutes and he was very genial in spite of being obviously busy. We discussed his wonderful forum icon abruptly and again I thanked him for his contributions.
I continued walking but didn't see many more people I knew or many more names I recognized. Often I was looking in cases so it was difficult to pay attention to nametags and cases at the same times. Really what I noticed was a TON of common date gold, there were commems and Morgans in nearly EVERY case I visited and very few coins that interested me heavily. I was considering buying a few coins for a set I'm putting together but only found one piece of interest, something that will be online for sale anyways. The common gold and common commems were rarely moving or getting questioned even in dealers cases which leads me to believe people definately are collecting more specialized than I originaly speculated. Additionally men with suitcases seemed to be having trouble pushing their coins to dealers. Often times they were running around and popping up in my personal space only to be shut down by dealers. I had one coin to sell and got exactly what I wanted in a matter of minutes, making me splendidly happy.
Lastly, before I left I stopped again to talk to Julian, I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him in person and we discussed me attending college and recent troubles I had with registration. I registered for five courses, needing three to finish a degree and I was dropped from four for missing a payment date! It was VERY bothersome that I had registered very early so I could get the classes I needed and then to get dropped and have them say they couldn't override me into the classes because the labs didn't have enough computers!!! I learned a lesson though, you register earlier, you pay earlier. The class I registered latest for I can still pay for; for the next week. Julian was VERY busy the entire show it seemed but still made time to talk to me, a true gentleman in my opinion. I noticed everytime I walked by his table he hadn't taken much more than one more bite of his steal of a deal show hamburger due to his volume. As I was leaving I tried stopping back by members tables to say Adieu but alas, many had left! I look forward to more members being at the next show and meeting many more people in the future!
I would like to thank the following members for taking time to talk to me and apologize I didn't mention Wayne Herndon earlier in this post, I talked to him for a fair period of time as well.
Andy Lustig (MrEureka)
Adrian and Brandon with AnacondaRareCoins (Hope to see you next time you're in Florida, bring some sunscreen!)
Rick Snow
NENumismatics
Fred Weinberg (If you need a hand with that Icon I'll be glad to help!)
Julian Leidman
Rich Uhrich (RichyURich)
Wayne Herndon
And if I forgot someone I apologize, I took notes to try and remember who all I met at the show but it was quite engulfing for a first timer! I ended up walking out with a Frankie that I cracked out as soon as I got home and a book on patterns(Per Andy's suggestion) as well as a few other random small booklets.
I took notes on everything so if people have questions about things for sale or the volumes of things I'll be glad to discuss what I observed, I didn't proof this post so it could be kind of shady but I'm a little tired as I had two hours of sleep before driving two hours there and one and a half back.
Edited to add: In the future I'll be sure to get a catloaf shirt and make better plans for the show!!!
-D
I arrived at the Orange County Convention Center at around 10:00AM before making an abrupt right turn into the most beautifully ant-hilled dirt parkinglot I've seen in my lifetime. A gentleman greeted me and said if I wished to get a closer glance at the ants and leave my car in place it would cost me ten dollars. Realizing the bargain I was getting without even entering the show I paid my due and quickly parked the car. As I said before I had never been to the convention center or a show of this volume so as I approached the door I noticed that there was a HUGE staircase where I was entering; at the bottom there was no sidewalk though, just the most thick, lush, green Saint Augustine grass I've seen in my lifetime. It was a shame the people that designed the convention center didn't have the foresight to put in a side walk at the bottom of the stairs! (This really did bother me; growing up in a carpenter/concrete foreman family I saw the illogical nature of a public staircase with no ramp or sidewalk.)
Upon entering the show I thought to myself what have I gotten myself into; there is NO way I can look over all of these tables in one day! Living a little over an hour away I still wished I had a hotel room nearby so I could come back the next day and actually take more time to look. (My father, the foreman was with me and still discussing the staircase that was allergic to sidewalk while we entered). After buying my raffle tickets I peeped into the auction room and then walked out onto the floor with all of the dealers. I didn't know where to start! Never meeting any forum members and only having vague ideas what any of them looked like I went for the one place that I knew I could start off at and have NO confusion. That's right, since I've been ALIVE I've been told stick to what you're familiar with; so naturally I went to the pretzel stand to start my voyage. I glanced in the case and thought to myself; "Self, this is a big room, and if you intend on getting any space to look at coins you'd better buy the pretzels with all the herbs and cheese on it". I knew if I ate this one, I could greet someone or say excuse me and they would really move! After they cut me a bargain on my soda and pretzel (6.50) I was on my way to part seas of collectors with my first purchase of the day.
The first table I saw at the show was Julian Liedmans table. I was in awe at all of the patterns just sitting in the case. I couldn't help but think of all of the coins in other cases that bring the same money but they're not nearly as rare or neat! I saw he was busy so a quick greeting at first was sufficient and I asked to see a $.25 pattern to show my non-collecting father. Side note: He often looks through ALL of his change and will set something aside if the mint mark even looks like its a "blurp" in his words
, he became somewhat taken with the Wisconsin Extra Leaf quarters. (to be later mentioned) After showing my dad what our quarter could have looked like we continued to move on; down the supply aisle where I spent most of my money. (I was glad I did not bring much or I would've spent much more!) The first aisle we went down is where I met the first forum members I saw of the show. Upon getting to the table I looked in the case before looking at the sign, I recognized three amazing cameo Barber proof coins and looked up to see I was at the Anaconda Rare Coins table. Brandon and Adrian were both at the table and I introduced myself to both of them. Then; in an instant I knew I had arrived to numismatics. I said my forum handle and I heard some of the most significant words of my stay in this hobby..."Yeah, I recognize that, you're the cat loaf of bread guy right? What is that anyways? It looks like Japanimation..." This made it a little easier to talk and I was more apt to talk to other people from the forums with this reception . I saw Adrian and Brandon were discussing prices of coins realized and a couple of their expenditures so I decided to keep walking since I didn't have a whole lot of time. Down the aisle I went before stopping in at the Northeast Numismatics table to thank the gentleman there (Sorry I forgot the name!) for their informative and fun to look at catalogues I recieve often from them. I made my way through the supplies expediously thinking what I wanted to buy before deciding I would buy a book on patterns for sure and possibly a few others.I turned the corner on the first aisle to make my way down the second where I saw several names I recognized hanging on boards, one of them being Smythe. Having never seen Andy Lustig in real life I wasn't really sure what he looked like. (I don't even recall any pictures) I looked at the case in front of me that he was standing adjacent to and thought to myself this has to be him. I looked in the case and saw all kinds of neat errors including his silver dollar Kennedy. (Two smashed together
). This table was clearly doing some business and there were people leaning over everywhere to peep and discuss what they were seeing. I was pleased to meet Andy and it was awkward at first not know which was him so I just slowly sputtered Andy Lustig before he said "That's me!". A quick discussion and one card later I found out he was a vegetarian, being afraid; I quickly ran away. (People thought I stole coins I ran so fast!) But really he was quite genial and I thanked him for contributions as most anything he writes I enjoy reading. His posts often subliminally encourage paying attention to detail; coming from a former grader and in a hobby such as numismatics it's quite fitting. I walked a little further, not seeing any names I recognized and periodically peering into the cases filled with Morgan dollars. (I have no interest in such coins, toned, untoned, VAMs, Dimples, whatever.) I soon made it to Rick Snows case after seeing a few "Eagle Eye Photo Seal" IHCs in other peoples cases. Rick was fun to talk to and we discussed blue toning on IHCs (How fitting) and he provided an excellent explanation. Sitting next to me for the short lecture was Rich Uhrich. (Sorry if I mispell it! RichyURich from the forums.) I listened to him while my father found Rick's small display on Wisconsin Quarters. My dad, who has terrible eyes looking through a case and forgot his reading goggles had trouble seeing other Extra Leaf quarters and was very happy to see blown up pictures of them. Dad was enthralled with error coins and currency moreso than the coins I'm interested in. But I was glad he looked and found things of interest. Additionally he purchased a "Merry Belated Christmas Present" for my mom (A ring) that she was happy to recieve. After leaving Rick's table I was anxious to meet more forum members. It was awhile before I saw someone else whos name I recognized. I saw the Legend table but Laura was nowhere to be found; I assume she was off smiting wannabes and burning widgets and things of that sort. Often I heard people discussing prices realized in the auctions and most seemed to be shocked at low prices or coins not meeting reserves. After miles of walking I came to Fred Weinbergs table, I heard someone say Doug so again I had second thoughts and reluctancy of just saying "Hey Fred!". We talked a few minutes and he was very genial in spite of being obviously busy. We discussed his wonderful forum icon abruptly and again I thanked him for his contributions.I continued walking but didn't see many more people I knew or many more names I recognized. Often I was looking in cases so it was difficult to pay attention to nametags and cases at the same times. Really what I noticed was a TON of common date gold, there were commems and Morgans in nearly EVERY case I visited and very few coins that interested me heavily. I was considering buying a few coins for a set I'm putting together but only found one piece of interest, something that will be online for sale anyways. The common gold and common commems were rarely moving or getting questioned even in dealers cases which leads me to believe people definately are collecting more specialized than I originaly speculated. Additionally men with suitcases seemed to be having trouble pushing their coins to dealers. Often times they were running around and popping up in my personal space only to be shut down by dealers. I had one coin to sell and got exactly what I wanted in a matter of minutes, making me splendidly happy
.Lastly, before I left I stopped again to talk to Julian, I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him in person and we discussed me attending college and recent troubles I had with registration. I registered for five courses, needing three to finish a degree and I was dropped from four for missing a payment date! It was VERY bothersome that I had registered very early so I could get the classes I needed and then to get dropped and have them say they couldn't override me into the classes because the labs didn't have enough computers!!! I learned a lesson though, you register earlier, you pay earlier. The class I registered latest for I can still pay for; for the next week. Julian was VERY busy the entire show it seemed but still made time to talk to me, a true gentleman in my opinion. I noticed everytime I walked by his table he hadn't taken much more than one more bite of his steal of a deal show hamburger due to his volume. As I was leaving I tried stopping back by members tables to say Adieu but alas, many had left! I look forward to more members being at the next show and meeting many more people in the future!
I would like to thank the following members for taking time to talk to me and apologize I didn't mention Wayne Herndon earlier in this post, I talked to him for a fair period of time as well.
Andy Lustig (MrEureka)
Adrian and Brandon with AnacondaRareCoins (Hope to see you next time you're in Florida, bring some sunscreen!)
Rick Snow
NENumismatics
Fred Weinberg (If you need a hand with that Icon I'll be glad to help!)
Julian Leidman
Rich Uhrich (RichyURich)
Wayne Herndon
And if I forgot someone I apologize, I took notes to try and remember who all I met at the show but it was quite engulfing for a first timer! I ended up walking out with a Frankie that I cracked out as soon as I got home and a book on patterns(Per Andy's suggestion) as well as a few other random small booklets.
I took notes on everything so if people have questions about things for sale or the volumes of things I'll be glad to discuss what I observed, I didn't proof this post so it could be kind of shady but I'm a little tired as I had two hours of sleep before driving two hours there and one and a half back.
Edited to add: In the future I'll be sure to get a catloaf shirt and make better plans for the show!!!
-D
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
-Aristotle
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
-Horace
-Aristotle
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
-Horace
0
Comments
Thanks, D.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
Well done indeed. Thank you .
Camelot
Thanks again,
Dan
No Marty and the chicken wandering about?
NSDR - Life Member
SSDC - Life Member
ANA - Pay As I Go Member
Stuart
Collect 18th & 19th Century US Type Coins, Silver Dollars, $20 Gold Double Eagles and World Crowns & Talers with High Eye Appeal
"Luck is what happens when Preparation meets Opportunity"
The name is LEE!
Great post.I made a list before I went of people to meet,but see that I missed a bunch.Maybe
next time.
not paved.There was an announcement on Friday that anyone that was parked on the sidewalk
was going to get towed.Saw several people rush out.They are proud of their parking fees there.
-D
-Aristotle
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
-Horace
Great report! It was nice meeting you too!
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
Where did you park your car? Everybody else parked on the huge paved parking lot that was directly connected to the convention hall. Ant hills were nowhere to be seen.
The college experience is what you make of it. Don't let college issues get in the way of living your life.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Although I was suspicious when the traffic suit wearing folk weren't at the parkinglot for hours before the show was over...Oh well. Did anyone pay for parking?
-D
-Aristotle
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
-Horace
<< <i>I parked shortly after making a right onto Convention Drive.
Although I was suspicious when the traffic suit wearing folk weren't at the parkinglot for hours before the show was over...Oh well. Did anyone pay for parking?
-D >>
Parking at the gigantic Convention Center Parking Lot is about 20 acres in size and it is fully paved and watched over at all time by Orange County Sherriffs deputies. It was $10 per day to park.
I saw that dirt patch immediately on the left. That dirt patch was not where you were supposed to park (it was way too small to serve an entire convention center). You accessed the parking lot by following the posted signs. From International Drive to the pay booths was about a 1/2 mile drive.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
I enjoyed reading your account of the FUN. You are a talented writer. Hope you get the other classes, graduate and write short stories for the New Yorker.
<< <i>Dan,
I enjoyed reading your account of the FUN. You are a talented writer. Hope you get the other classes, graduate and write short stories for the New Yorker.
Heh, I've written a lot, I very much enjoy it; however my current college doesn't have many more good writing courses
-D
-Aristotle
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
-Horace
-D
-Aristotle
Dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas. Carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
-Horace
Ryan