Yesterday around noon I went in to start my 19th century type set by purchasing a Flying Eagle cent and two Indian cents (one cu-ni, one bronze). I also put together a mini starter coin collection for a friend's nephew (Indian, BU wheat cent, Buffalo, WHL dime, Standing quarter and Walking half). It was raining really hard, and I was running late for something, so I quickly put all nine coins (or so I thought) into two paper envelopes. I put these under my jacket and made a mad dash for my car (which was only parked some 20-30 feet away). Once I got in the car, I put the envelopes in the back pocket of the passenger seat. Around 7 p.m. I went to retrieve my coins, and found five of the six starter coins in one envelope, and the nine cardboard 2x2's I had bought as well in the other. Missing was the WHL dime, and my three coins (on which I spent a good $40). I called the store, but they were already closed, and they won't be open again until Sat. I'm almost positive that I left those four coins at the store, and just never put them in the envelope, but I'm also worried that maybe I did, and they somehow fell out on the way to the car. This is going to make me crazy until Sat. when I know for sure if I left them there or not. Tonight I'll at least drive by the store and see if they fell out (and no one picked them up - very unlikely). I really hope I left them at the store, though.
I do hope that they turn up ok for you, having lost stuff in the past i know just how bad it feels So fingers crossed it all turns out for the good De Orc
Yea probably you lost them in the mad dash to the car, prolly some unsuspecting person gonna pick them up and say oh man some one dropped some perfectly good peso's
Yes, I too hope you can recover them. I misplaced two very nice bust halves when when attending an organizational dinner a year or so ago. I placed them in my sport-coats pocket, after a few whiskey sours and subsequently showing them off to friends who don't and never will collect I thought I'd put them back in the pocket. The next day I realized they were gone when I was hanging up my jacket. I was just sick and retraced my steps even searching the building where the banquet was held, nothing. One month later my wife found them in the bottom of her purse where I'd put them so as not to lose them, LOL. What a relief but the grey hair is here to stay. Bone
Thats funny!!!!!! I've done similar with money (Non collectable) and have been to embarrssed to say anything, next thing my wife comes back with a truck load of grocerys, and she said oh I got this with the money you left for me in my purse!
I just wish this coin store was open more often. Luckily, though, it's on a very secluded street, and it's been pouring all day yesterday and today, so not many people have been out. At the same time, I have the two envelopes upright under my jacket, and I was holding them against my stomach, so I feel like they would have had a hard time falling out if that was the case. I guess I'll see Sat. morning.
In regards to protecting yourself at coin shows (lost goods, theft), here are some of the tips I gotten years ago... First, cash is king at shows as you will be able to negotiate better deals instead of using checks or credit cards. If you use a wallet like most guys, keep it in your front pocket or well secured. Pick pocket artists realize that most collectors have a good "wad" of cash on them at these shows and would love nothing more than to steal it. Second, protect your brief case/travel bag at all times (including the rest room). Never sit the case on the floor next to you as you "google" over a coin case. Always place it between your feet (standing) or on your lap (sitting) when you stop to look at a dealer's goods. Never, ever have it detached (via touch) from you! Never, ever! Third, watch your back which also includes the rear-view mirror. When leaving a show, be aware of your surroudings and keep an eye out for people that may follow you. It happened a couple times at the most recent F.U.N. show in Florida (January) as this show is the largest in the world. One guy went to a local restaurant and came out only to find his goods stolen (from his trunk) and another stopped off to eat at a "Waffle House" 3 hours away from the show only to have the same happen to him! So be care ful out there...coins are small, valuable, and attractive to thieves! With millions of dollars display out in tables, it is no wonder that thieves would target coin collectors and dealers. After all, we are an easy mark if you think about it. Lots of cash and lots of "small stuff" worth lots of money!
Which is why I rarely take a handful of coins into or out of a show with me. I lost a couple of franks once someone had kept from Nazi occupied France (as in he got them in early 1940s France), and I've felt horrible about it ever since. They've been replaced, but I learned my lesson.
