All things considered, it was a great show. I had never been to a show this size before - and, to be honest, it took me a while to get my wits together (which normally doesn't take long, since I don't have that many). All told, there were upward of 400 or more tables to see - and I only planned to attend one day. Besides 400 tables, there was a LOT of people. I figured that today would be the most crowded day of the show. Apparently, they knew I was coming. To the north side of the convention hall was a big banner that read BUDGET AREA 499.00 - or something to that effect. Since I didn't even have that much in my pocket, I figured that was the place to be. So I walked the floor, and looked over all the tables. I turned in my card, for a free entry to the drawing. I met Allen Berman, and I thought that was pretty exciting. As far as purchases go, here are a few examples. I am particularly happy with the half reales.
I am glad that you had a good time. I have been to half a dozen or so ANA conventions. I cannot recommend them highly enough. I think that collectors would be much happier in the long run if they saved their money for ANA conventions instead of blowing it $20 at a time all year long on junk. Allen Berman is always worth talking to. I find him fascinating. If you go to a few of these, you begin to build relationships with major dealers. That never hurts.
It was definitely a good experience. Particularly for the parents out there - if my boys were a little more interested in the hobby, they would have had a GREAT time at the show. When I first walked in, though, I had to fight the urge not to just turn back around and go home - so it's a good thing it was an hour drive, or I might have. It was just so crowded, I thought for certain I would never get close enough to a table to see what was for sale. Fortunately, with a little patience, I had an opportunity to see a lot of coins.
Boy I envy you being able to go to the show Rick - perhaps one of these days I'll be able to make it. A major national show is something I have yet to experience. Nice group of new additions to your collection too
Thanks! I felt very lucky for being able to attend the event myself. It was also a great time to update my ANA membership - which I am afraid I was a little negligent about. It had expired last year, and I never got around to renewing. I met a lot of nice people, who were very friendly. As far as the coins go, it was (of course) overwhelmingly populated with domestic stuff, but I was lucky enough to find six or eight dealers who had plenty of good stuff, right in my narrow vision. Funny thing I did notice, though: It's hard to think of those 'rare' coins as being rare, at a show this size. It seemed like every table had one.
