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UPDATED: Charmy's 2011 HOUSTON MONEY SHOW Report w/lots of Pics!

ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
I landed in Houston Wednesday evening while the sun was going down. We had to sit on the tarmac for about half an hour since another plane was still parked at our gate, so I took some photos of the sun setting on Houston from the plane.

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I ran into the Bruders at the airport so we shared a taxi to the convention center so we could unload our inventory at security before heading to our hotels. (It’s funny, because I also ran into the Bruders a couple weeks ago at the Baltimore airport – unplanned – and we shared a taxi then as well!) I’ve never stayed at an Embassy Suites hotel before and was nicely surprised to see that I had a full living room, kitchen, and separate bedroom – all for just lil ol me!

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Here is the view of the convention center from my room at night and in the morning
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After I got settled in my room, I went back over to the Hilton to meet some friends – the Hilton is right across from the convention center and next to a very pretty park that is already decorated with lights.
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In the morning I walked over to the grocery store to pick up some supplies, including of course a nice bottle of wine!
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Here’s the park in the daytime
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Then I headed over to the convention center which is HUGE! Set up was from 9am to 1pm.
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Here is the Greater Houston Coin Club’s table – note their really cool table cover!
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These guys at AOCS are the ones who created my copper Coin Card, and they are set up just up the aisle from me. Here is their pretty 1 oz. Christmas round, as well as their own Coin Card.
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When the show opened, there were probably 50+ people waiting in line to get in. When I took this photo, the crowd of people were already entering and spreading out in different directions.
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Here are the PCGS and NGC tables which were both very busy on Thursday afternoon.
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One of the first people to stop at my table was Al/HardTimes – a local from Texas – he wanted to make sure I tried some of their yummy Texas wine so he brought me this wonderful bottle of Malbec from Fredericksburg, Texas. I opened it to let it breathe for a couple hours, and Al and I shared a cup together!

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Several more forum members stopped by!

Christian/CMerlo1
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Wade/FrankieFanatic (formerly MorganHunter2)
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Joe/JoeFro
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Edwin/Edix (who actually sang “Red Red Wine” so he could get one of my Coin Cards)!
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Glen Holsonbake/PonyExpress
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Carl and the rest of the Houston Coin Club volunteers do a great job putting on this show. They are very friendly and accommodating to both dealers and collectors, they spend a lot of money on advertising including several large freeway billboards, and are always walking the floor interacting with the dealers. Here are a few of the volunteers.
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They even put on a bbq dinner with live music for the dealers at the end of set up day.
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Even though I’ve heard the bbq dinner is very good, a few of us opted out and went to The Grove which is just across the street. The atmosphere there is wonderful, with hug open windows that look out on the park which had huge Christmas ball decorations and green floodlights.

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Ron chose this absolutely wonderful bottle of 2008 Italian Ca’Marcanda wine, one of the best bottles of wine I’ve had!
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I also tried some quail for the first time – and it was actually very good!
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After dinner, we headed over to Sambuca’s where we heard they had a band playing.
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There also was this interesting character (Charles) who apparently is a fixture at Sambuca’s
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Parked outside the club was this wonderful horse and buggy.
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Here’s is what the bourse looked like around 11:30 on Friday.
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As far as how the show is going, though it was quite busy yesterday with good attendance, and in spite of the tremendous amount of advertising the Greater Houston Coin Club does to promote this show, most dealers are reporting that sales are very slow. And so far, unfortunately, today is not much better, and attendance is down quite a bit today. Hopefully, things will pick up, but most dealers are not holding out much hope for huge sales at this show. But we’ll see as the day goes on. I’ll post more later!
Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®

Comments

  • shorecollshorecoll Posts: 5,445 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Charmy, do your prices get lower after people come by with bottles of wine? So...if I want to buy something expensive, I should arrange to have 2 or 3 people "coincidentally" show up with bottles an hour or so before I come to buy? image
    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
  • Great stuff! You are the best advertisement for the Money Show of the Southwest!
  • jesbrokenjesbroken Posts: 9,151 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks again, Charmy, for the wonderful tour guide of another coin show i will never get to see.
    Jim

    When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln

    Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
  • erickso1erickso1 Posts: 1,705 ✭✭✭
    Hopefully people stick around tomorrow when I get there. Fingers Crossed.

    Great report Charmy.
  • EagleEyeEagleEye Posts: 7,676 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You can tell when its a busy show when Charmy can't post until its over. Not this time, though.

    Sorry I can't be there, but my wife's Birthday is tomorrow, hitting the big 5-0. Some things are more important than a coin show.

    Carl put on a great show and promotes it well. I hope the local collectors appreciate his efforts.
    Rick Snow, Eagle Eye Rare Coins, Inc.Check out my new web site:
  • etexmikeetexmike Posts: 6,794 ✭✭✭
    Glad that you made your way back to the Lone Star State Charmy. I wish I could have made this show again as I have missed the last 2 now.

    I always enjoy your reports and the pics that you include.

    Hope the show picks up for ya'. image


    Mike
  • cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 7,890 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It was nice meeting you, Charmy, and the show ended up being a good cherrypicking excursion. I picked TWO 1981-S proof sets w/type 2 Anthonys!!!
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
  • TURBOTURBO Posts: 494 ✭✭✭
    BRAVO!! image
  • This show is dead and has been for some time, people in Houston don't feel comfortable parking in the dark garage and trekking all the way over with anything expensive and most won't buy expensive stuff either especially with all the robberies that have been going on in the Lone Star State for some time.
  • What crowd? I see a few people who look like they are tire kicking.

  • Thanks for the report and the "tip" about the CA'MARCANDA... If it's one of the best bottles you've ever had, I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for it.

    Sounds like you really need to "watch your back" down there, Charmy. All that advertising may be a double-edged sword. Stay safe.
  • mustanggtmustanggt Posts: 2,621 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Thanks for the report.....
  • Yellow is your color. image Thanks for the report!
    Let's try not to get upset.
  • joefrojoefro Posts: 1,872 ✭✭
    Thanks for writing all of this up. It was nice to meet you yesterday! I'll be returning again tomorrow morning with a couple of friends who want to buy some 90% bullion. The hotel you stayed in is a nice one. They have a huge party in the park (Discovery Green Park) down there every New Years Eve and there are always people partying up in those rooms looking down on everyone. I did end up finding an 09 S-VDB and completing my Lincoln set that I've been working on since I started collecting in 2004. Hope you enjoyed your stay in Houston, you definitely saw one of the nicest parts.
    Lincoln Cent & Libertad Collector
  • MFHMFH Posts: 11,720 ✭✭✭✭
    Always a pleasure seeing your travel threads, Charmy.

    Also nice to see that PonyExpress8 has the BCCS Banner
    being prodly displayed... funny thing how Glenn's shirt is
    the same color as the banner... how'd you manage that Glenn ? LOL



    edited for a typo...image
    Mike Hayes
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Coin collecting is not a hobby, it's an obsession !

    New Barber Purchases
  • goldengolden Posts: 9,017 ✭✭✭✭✭
    That place looks more deserted than the 2009 ANA!image
  • pennyanniepennyannie Posts: 3,929 ✭✭✭
    I quit going because the last 2 times i went it was a ghost town, once i arrived friday afternoon and there were plenty of dealers already packing up and the last time i arrived fairly early on saturday morning and you would have thought the show was closing in 10 minutes. I never truly felt unsafe with the parking but i always just parked right across the street in the open parking lot.
    Mark
    NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
    working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!

    RIP "BEAR"
  • dizzleccdizzlecc Posts: 1,111 ✭✭✭
    They have a brand new parking garage across the street that is underground with a live in person attendent working the entrance and exit.

    The show also features security cameras, guards, etc. Even then you still need to be aware of your environment for your own safety.

  • erickso1erickso1 Posts: 1,705 ✭✭✭
    I remember being next to the show two years ago when I took CFA level 1. Should be the same this year.

    There is CFA level 1 there.

    A gun show

    A coin show
  • Unless the parking attendant has a Uzi and walks me form my car I fear the video camera will just record ones death instead of preventing it. As for the security guards I have only ever seen them at the show and just outside, no cruising looking to do some bruising.
  • dizzleccdizzlecc Posts: 1,111 ✭✭✭
    A guard with an Uzi at a public parking lot, reminds me of a trip to Israel.
  • JCMhoustonJCMhouston Posts: 5,306 ✭✭✭
    It was nice to see Charmy today, the show looked pretty slow while I was there but I did manage to pick up a couple of newps so all was not lost. As for crime I'm not aware of any around the convention center in the daylight, I parked across the street in the underground garage and never have felt like there was a problem., when I came out of the garage today their were 2 cops I talked with as they strolled down the front of the convention center.

    Of course I do wear this everywhere just to be on the safe side.

    image


  • << <i>It was nice to see Charmy today, the show looked pretty slow while I was there but I did manage to pick up a couple of newps so all was not lost. As for crime I'm not aware of any around the convention center in the daylight, I parked across the street in the underground garage and never have felt like there was a problem., when I came out of the garage today their were 2 cops I talked with as they strolled down the front of the convention center.

    Of course I do wear this everywhere just to be on the safe side.

    image >>



    I've always been curious about one thing, when a creep sticks a gun in your face and says "gimme the dough," what is the game plan?
  • joefrojoefro Posts: 1,872 ✭✭
    Are you allowed to bring a gun into the show as long as you have your CHL?
    Lincoln Cent & Libertad Collector
  • MoldnutMoldnut Posts: 3,082 ✭✭✭✭
    Thats a good question yellowkid. Some think they can shoot it out like the wild wild west.
    Derek

    EAC 6024
  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,284 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>It was nice to see Charmy today, the show looked pretty slow while I was there but I did manage to pick up a couple of newps so all was not lost. As for crime I'm not aware of any around the convention center in the daylight, I parked across the street in the underground garage and never have felt like there was a problem., when I came out of the garage today their were 2 cops I talked with as they strolled down the front of the convention center.

    Of course I do wear this everywhere just to be on the safe side.
    >>



    I've always been curious about one thing, when a creep sticks a gun in your face and says "gimme the dough," what is the game plan? >>



    Wet your pants? image

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • WTCGWTCG Posts: 8,940 ✭✭✭
    Considering the mentality of some posts here I'm surprised people actually leave their house at all.

    Here's a new way to stay safe...anybody who walks up to your house you should shoot them first then worry about it later. I'm sure uncle Carl wouldn't mind taking a bullet to the chest for the sake of you having the sense of preemptive security.
    Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup
    Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
  • JCMhoustonJCMhouston Posts: 5,306 ✭✭✭
    Must be a lot of Kalifornians posting tonight huh?



    << <i>I've always been curious about one thing, when a creep sticks a gun in your face and says "gimme the dough," what is the game plan? >>



    I spent 6 years in the Navy back in the early/mid 70's, four of those years in the Beachjumper teams which is where I learned how to shoot. I still shoot IDPA and IPSC 3 gun frequently although I'm older and slower now, but I can draw and fire reasonably well from concealment. I was also trained pretty well to be aware of my surroundings whether on foot or in a vehicle, and I must be neurotic because I still practice all the things we were taught before going overseas.

    I think WCTG's suggestion is pretty sickening/disgusting/creepy, I can't believe someone would even say that on these boards. You may be willing to turn the safety of yourself and your family over to whoever accosts you on the street or in your home, but my family is more important than that to me. The idea that wanting to protect your family is in any way related to randomly shooting people walking up to your house just fills me with loathing.
  • shorecollshorecoll Posts: 5,445 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Give them the dough, then shoot them? I thought TX didn't have as much street crime, because the bad guys all expect to get shot, not so?

    Haven't seen parking attendants with Uzis, but there were a bunch of FBI guys with M-16s at DC Metro stations during the DC sniper thingy. Looked like cold war footage from East Germany, but I was glad they were there.
    ANA-LM, NBS, EAC
  • EagleEyeEagleEye Posts: 7,676 ✭✭✭✭✭
    This thread has been hi-jacked..... by a gun no less!
    Rick Snow, Eagle Eye Rare Coins, Inc.Check out my new web site:
  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 12,873 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I only get to Houston Sunday so I'm missing this show by a whisker dagnabbit.

    Thanks for another great report Charmy.
    You are the epitome of a 'faithful reporter'.


    .
  • SeattleSlammerSeattleSlammer Posts: 9,953 ✭✭✭✭✭
    While Bochi is busy washing his drawers, and JCM is busy filling up with loathing, and WTCG is busy shooting the milkman, I'm just minding my own business, and as usual, enjoying Charmy's report and pics! image




  • I can't share the deeper security precautions and protections of the Houston Money Show, but they are significant. Also, there have been no security issues of note this year so far. The Brown Convention Center, where the show is held, also happens to be the base of Special Operations for the Houston Police Department. Another thing y'all might like is that today there is a Gun Show in the Exhibit Hall right next door to our show.
    Of course you always have to be careful, but in Houston we do take security very seriously.
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The Embassy Suites are a great place to stay... when I was traveling a lot, they were a favorite (nice happy hour each evening). The wine selections were very nice Charmy, I will try the Marcanda.... as far as security, most know my opinion. It is up to the individual. If you are trained the 'gun in the face' will not happen. Cheers, RickO
  • HighReliefHighRelief Posts: 3,654 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Great show report and pictures Charmy.
  • SNMANSNMAN Posts: 1,401 ✭✭✭
    thank you for posting, I am not going to be able to make itimage
    Positive Transactions with: justindan; Drunner; Segoja, Dragon, fivecents, Connecticoin, WTCG, gsa1fan, abitofthisabitofthat; commoncents05;Broadstruck; and ......more
  • SaorAlbaSaorAlba Posts: 7,466 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have some bottles of Ukrainian champagne and wine that I will bring by, for a mere 1909-S IHC in BU. Just counted, I currently have five bottles with the tryzub tax stamp on them in my wine case. They are worth that IHC.
    In memory of my kitty Seryozha 14.2.1996 ~ 13.9.2016 and Shadow 3.4.2015 - 16.4.21
  • ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Part 2:

    Let me start by saying that I feel completely safe here at the convention center. Security is quite prominent, and the show people take security very serious. Most dealers who travel a lot have learned to always be diligent, but there is only so much we have control over when it comes to thieves. In any event, let’s get back to the show and wine report!!

    The weather here in Houston has been wonderful! Very mild and pleasant, similar to Southern California (though I hear we had pretty heft winds back in Orange County on Wednesday night!).

    Friday at the show was a pretty slow day for everyone it seems, though surprisingly sales for me did pick up later in the day. I’ve talked to a few dealers and everyone was very disappointed that there was no auction here, and they felt that probably helped curtail attendance at this show. When a show is slow, it does allow me the opportunity to shop around and buy a few nice pieces for inventory, including a beautiful 1872 Indian in PCGS MS65 RB and a pretty toned 1910-S Lincoln PCGS MS65 BN.

    Here are a couple tireless people who work hard to put this show on – Patty Fenner and Carl Schwenker
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    I also walked around and viewed the exhibits – they had quite a diverse selection of exhibits that you could tell people put a lot of time and effort into creating.

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    So after the show on Friday a group of us walked up a few blocks to Three Forks for dinner – wow! Now that is one amazing steakhouse, with superb service and wonderful food!! And they had a stunning selection of wine! We ended up having three bottles of this wonderful Napa Starmont Cab (we had a large group of people who also love wine)!

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    After we rolled ourselves out of the restaurant, a few of us went to a small club outside of Houston called The Spot Club to listen to a local band. You can’t beat the atmosphere in a locals bar! The band was really good, and we even played a few games of pool.

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    On my walk over to the show this morning, I spotted this cute tiny little fog hopping on the sidewalk so of course I just had to take its picture!
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    Saturday has been pretty slow again, though I did make a few sales. There have been quite a few scouts and kids running around. I saw a couple forum members today, but they didn’t want their photos taken. It’s afternoon here and several dealers have left or are packing up to head home, including me in a couple hours.

    Even though the show has been slow and not as well attended, I did ok buying some nice coins and I've had a great time here in Houston. My next show is in Ontario, then I'm off to the PCGS Las Vegas show for a little business and a lot of casino-ing!
    Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®
  • littlebearlittlebear Posts: 1,431 ✭✭✭✭
    Once again, a great report for those of us who could not be there. Thank you!


    Larry L.


    image
    Autism Awareness: There is no limit to the good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit.
  • ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
    So I'm sitting here at the airport bar having my customary preflight beverage, and relieved as always to make it safely to the airport, then quickly through security! The actual traveling part of being a dealer is definitely the most stressful and worrisome for me. But luckily, the wonderful folks at PCGS happened to be on the same flight as me so I was abe to ride to the airport with them, and their security team, and will have them as flying companions on our way home!

    I just wanted to say that I really appreciate all the forum members who make their way to my table during shows. Sometimes I am busy and it's hard to sit and chat with you all, but other times it's a welcomed "distraction" especially when a show is slow as this one was.

    I can't wait for the FUN show - it seems like that show is NEVER slow! See you there....
    Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®
  • ThePennyLadyThePennyLady Posts: 4,439 ✭✭✭✭✭
    bump for the Sunday morning browsers image
    Charmy HarkerThe Penny Lady®

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