2021 ANA convention Who's Going?

You are correct. I wish I could have seen some of the other collections.
They are what the Smithsonian aspires to, if only they had the money.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

I'm looking forward to going this year. I went in 2019 and it was my first major show. I had a lot of fun just walking around and observing the first day. I mainly was in the ancients and world section the next 2 days and bought quite a few beauties. The dealers were very nice and patient but I stayed away from the big dealers (intimidating). The dealers buying from other dealers was an new concept for me (shouldn't have been). I only met one person from here (I asked most folks).

 

I've only been to one ANA show previously, and that was the smaller Spring show. Although I've previously wished, and planned, to attend the World Series of money, it never panned out. This year, I think it's going to happen. I'm planning to go to the biggie in Chicago.

 

I’ll be there, albeit I’m not sure which days yet. I am very much okay with the idea of meeting up with some fellow ancient collectors those days. Feel free to PM me.

 

I'm going with a friend. The last one I went to was 2011. Been 10 years and after not going to any shows last year due to Covid, I was like yeah, it's time.

If there was no coin show and no other exhibits, Id drive over to see the Tyrant collection alone. This collection is insured for 100 million dollars. Including the unique type set from Andrew Jackson to the King of Siam, present day Thailand, as a diplomatic gift. The owner is unnamed and this collection is not presented to the public very often. I think they said it's been 10 years?
The size and scope of the place is overwhelming. Being an ANA member I will enjoy the free admission but will lose it back to the parking garage.

 

For everyone coming in from outside of Chicago, I’d recommend using ParkWhiz, a parking app, if you feel like wandering outside of the show. I prefer it over SpotHero because SH will sometimes send you to some really odd one-off spots in some places I am not comfortable in and I am certain people from out of town would be even less comfortable in. Occasionally spots under the L train which may leave your car covered in grease.

PW in my experience has all well lit lots or garages in easy to see spots.

The difference in price for parking using PW versus posted rates is substantial. Prime locations in Chicago are about $40 per hour. With an app usually more like $12. Also, depending on day and time, the app will extend your time paid for for free. Some places have a monopoly on parking and will not have deals through PW but they are the minority.

 

@tibor where is the concession area? cant' find it on the convention's floor plan

 

I hope you're wrong about all the dealers packing up and leaving Saturday. Being the only weekend day you would think that would be the hottest sales day for foot traffic of the event. Floor was only open 1 to 6 today. Seems like they'd be cutting themselves short.

 

The concession area is at the end of row 1400. Bring a fistful of money. Hotdog, chips and a fountain drink $15. The show has a medium buzz. Gold and silver being down doesn't help.

 

$15 for a hot dog, chips, and pop? That's nuts.

 

will be there tomorrow

 

If you have to ask, don't go.

 

I'm going to pass this year, altho it is killing me.

I really wanted to go, but the new variants are too much, being at high risk.

Perhaps Winter Whitman show.

Supposed to be as big as the ANA

 

I cancelled this trip and am bummed (family reason). I hope you all have fun and find great finds. I'm looking toward the Central States show next year instead.

 

Chicago charges a 10% tax on top of the state tax and already inflated prices. Think if you go out somewhere nice to eat and need to add a tip on top of it all.

Gas and tolls to get there. Pay to park, pay for hotel. Everybody's been fleeced before they make it into the show. Not to mention the crime statistics for the area (horrendous). That's the reality of it. It's an awesome sight to see but it's difficult for the average collector to justify going to it annually. Personally, I'd like to see it hosted somewhere else. Take it to Wisconsin or Iowa City.

 

I will be attending tomorrow. Anyone who wants to have lunch at not the concession stand can pm me and maybe we can talk ancients.

 

Was there today for many, many hours. Most of the time in the Ancients section, though I did take a look at other sections too.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to cross paths with any CT'er, but being so crowded, it was quite impossible to.

Spent a long time and had a delightful conversation with Perry (Herkules Numismatics) at his table, where I bought 4 coins that I like very much - don't have pictures yet...

Also tried to find Frank Robinson, but didn't. Marc Breitsprecher's table was there, but was told that he is in California; maybe he will be there one of the next days. Don't know.

There is an excellent gallery of exhibitions, where attendants are asked to vote for the best. In my opinion all of them are awesome - I voted for 3 , but all of them are "best" - took some pictures. Will share soon.

 

Had lunch with Bob Levinson and his wife today. Showed some of my coins that I thought would interest him. He showed me some of his show purchases. Really enjoyed talking Early Dated coins with him. Künker and Schulman were denied visas even though they were fully vaccinated and showed proof. Disappointing since I wanted to talk with them and discuss future business. Hope to meet with @messydesk Thursday. I would like for him to image about 70 coins. I'll post another report Thursday evening. If @cmezner and @nicholasz219 would like to meet and talk coins let me know. Between 1-2 pm would be good. Just suggest where at the show.

 

@tibor you definitely had a great morning at the show. I won't be going today, got a blister on my foot from too much walking yesterday, so today I am taking it easy

Sharing some pictures of the show, just to give you an idea.

This is why I couldn't find any CT'er - one can not go around and ask if someone is a CT'er:


Bad Hair exhibition, loved it:





One of the exhibition was about the Roaring Lion of Meggido - a jasper seal dated to the reign of Israelite king Jeroboam II from 793 to 753 BC - had never heard about it before. Amazing! The lion is also used on Israel's paper money:

 

My first two buys at the show:
almost an Octobol, but not quite. I was bidding on one at AMCC 3, but I was outbid.
Ptolemy III Euergetes, AE Drachm, Alexandria 246 - 222 BC
72.05 g
Ob.: Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon to r.
Rv.: Eagle with closed wings standing left on cornucopia, XPmonogram between legs
SNG Cop. 171




Seleukid Kingdom, Antiochos VII Euergetes, Antioch on the Orontes, 138 - 129 BC
16.59 g
Ob.: Diademed head to r. filleted border
Rv.: Athena Nike SC 20161phorus standing left within laurel wreath




Will share the other two later...