Greens' FUN Show experience

The FUN show in Orland Florida is one of the most anticipated coin shows of the year and it was one that I'm glad I was able to attend. It's a mega event, and one that every collector should have the opportunity to experience, if for but only once. For me, it was my second show.

I began my journey south (along with my wife Lina) on January 8. We hopped a freight (Amtrak) out of Penn Station and a few short (24 ) hours later we were in sunny, warm and stickey Orlando. You guys might think the wife and I are nuts but we love train travel. There are so many interesting people you meet along the way and the scenery is always charming. Upon arrival we picked up our rental car and headed for International Drive to check into our lodging. Once settled, I told the wife that I was going to reconnoiter the show for a few hours. Heck, it was around 3 PM and there was still plenty of time to check things out, so off I started on my stroll down International Drive, however, I miscalculated the distance from hotel room to the show. Shoot, it only looked to be a few inches away on the map I had. Well, it took me half an hour to get to the convention center, but hey, I need the exercise. Once inside the convention center I registered with the FUN folks and received a tag (upon which to scribble my name) and a really nice tote bag and and neato FUN medal! Fun folks is always generous in my experience. Then it was off to the bourse and the mayhem. Man oh man the place was packed! I'd never seen so many people at a show so late in the afternoon! Collecting, buying and selling seemed to be alive and well.

The first scout about for me was to find a buyer for some of the items I had brought with me to sell at the show. I had brought an 2009 UHR set along with a proof ($50) gold buffalo that were supposed to get me some seed money for my possible purchases. I inquired with a few dealers and hit upon one that was agreeable to my asking price. I told him I'd be back tomorrow with the goods.

Next, I started walking the floor to see if there was anything interesting and appealing. Classic Commems are my passion and I wanted to see who had what. The surge and sea of people was profound. It seemed as though every dealers table had three or four people looking over the sellers’ wares. After a while I stumbled upon a dealer who had a nice Robinson (Arkansas Centennial) and Elgin (Illinois, Centennial). Now, I don't really need these two coins because I already have them but my Robinson is raw and ungraded and my Elgin is a little mushy in strike on the reverse. These two coins are definitely an upgrade. I make an offer and tell the dealer I'll be back tomorrow. He graciously agrees to hold them for me.

More aimless wandering and meandering and then I see it! I've never seen one before at all the shows I've attended and now I'm seeing triple! Cincinnati Music Center P, D and S. Raw, but they look sweet indeed. The dealer and I agree upon a price and I tell him I'll be back tomorrow. He tells me he can't guarantee they'll be there the next day but I'm thinkin' I'll hazard the chance that they will be.

With that, it was time to head back to the lodging, but there was a slight change in the weather. A cool and steady rain pelted me all the way back home. A shower and some dinner and I was fast asleep by 10 PM.

The next day dawned bright, sunny and warm. I checked my CT alerts and noticed that Larry (Idhair) had messaged me on the overnite with his phone #. Gave him a buzz when I reached the convention hall and low and behold I had the pleasure of meeting this fine collector of whose photographs and opinions I've always admired. We had a marvelous conversation and then parted ways as we entered the bourse arena, promising to contact one another if either of us made contact with Doug (GDJMSP). Have always had a hankerin' to meet the Sherriff.

My first order of business was to sell the items I had brought with me. No problem with that. Next (flush with a few bucks) I headed for the dealer with the Cincinnati’s. Uh, oh……….the price marked had changed from the previous day…….by $50 and not downward! The dealer explained that he had changed the price because he had undervalued the coins but he was quick to tell me that he would honor our agreed upon price from the day before. Whew! Dodged that one. J Next I picked up the Robinson and Elgin and after that I visited Charmy (Penny Lady) who had a few ungraded Flying Eagle cents for me to look at. I picked out one that I liked and then it was time for a smoking break so I headed for the out of doors. It was warm and muggy outside and I noticed that the crystal of my watch was beginning to fog up. Heck, I thought, they’re freezing back home and I’m complaining about a little humidity. Warmth in January…….so foreign for a guy from the northern climes. And then I spotted this beautiful young lady with red hair. Could it be, I thought? I approached and inquired and sure enough it was CT’s Amanda engaged in conversation with a fellow (whose name escapes me at the moment) from NGC. We all had a brief conversation and then they had to get back to work. It was lovely meeting you Amanda.

Soon after that I got a phone call from Larry who said he had spotted Doug over at a dealer table where Tom B was working. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting them both. I mentioned to Tom that I had perceived him as being much older to which Doug responded that he had perceived me as being much younger. Wonder what he meant by that?


Well, time for some pics and sorry for being so long winded. I’ll tell you about day number three in another thread as that was the day my wife accompanied me to the show and we picked out some things that she liked.

 

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Nice report Green!

 

It was great to meet you at the show and you did well by scoring a complete P, D, S set of Cincinnati commems that having matching looks.

 

Ken: Wow, great pick-ups! Love the eagle on the reverse of the Arkansas. You were quite bold carrying all that gold on Amtrak. Nice report. TC

 

Great report Ken , I gotta meet Doug one day too .

 

Nice report I'm hoping to make it to a major show in the next year never been to any coin show actually has to be on the east coast or Midwest at the farthest as I won't fly not afraid to drive a wYs tho

 

Thanks Vlaha.

Since these sold originally as three coin sets it's quite possible that I scored an original purchase. The dealer mentioned that he got the coins from an estate sale in the Chicago area.

The Arkansas eagle is one of my all time favs TC. Glad you liked it. As for the bullion, I had nary a worry carrying it on the train.

He is quite an amiable sort in person.....

Hop a freight like I did Bill. Chicago in August is most lovely indeed I hear.

 

Was a thought to go there actually to Chicago I mean I'd drive my truck (which has been compared to a freight train by some) as I may be able to combine it with a buying trip for my antique business would depend on the dates as the second week of August is my biggest antique show of the year (New Hampshire dealers) which I'd say would compare to something like fun after that I always am totally burned out with furniture and have a pocket full of extra money is a thought early spring (march/April) and fall are the times of year I buy the most coins tho mostly cause it's my busiest time of year

 

Heck. The train goes to Balto too. Whitman shows........

 

Another thought I think Chicago is the same time as nh as I was driving home from there last year and bidding on some stuff at ha at the same time missed a killer toned Morgan cause I lost reception

 

If things go well the next 2 months I been thinking of doing a coin show road trip I'm sure it'll be a total new experience and have no idea what to expect

 

Switch to Verizon......

 

Hop a freight like I did Bill. Chicago in August is most lovely indeed I hear. [/quote]

So does that mean your coming to Chicago this year?

 

Lol they don't work so good out in the country up here either and nothing works in Vermont!!

 

So does that mean your coming to Chicago this year?[/quote]
Who knows anyone know the dates?

 

Great meeting you Ken. You didn't show me the FE. Really nice.
It was fun meeting all you guys.

 

Good report Ken. Sounds like you had a great time. You did good. I can't wait to read about what your spouse bought. In my household, one buyer is enough to keep my budget at the max.

Dave