Setup was on Wednesday and everyone noticed that there were a lot more empty tables especially up front, but that the back of the show had more occupied tables than ever! Some of the dealers who had left the show due to high table fees came back because they had the option to set up at one of the much less expensive tables in the back of the room. It looks like PCGS/Collectors Universe is really trying to do what they can to appease both the dealers and still put on a good show. So the show opened to the public on Thursday and soon the aisles got very crowded. I actually forgot my cell phone/camera at home (I left it on the charger!) so I wasn't able to take any photos on Thursday but I made up for it on Friday and took photos of several familiar people, exhibits, etc. However, due to the florescent lighting in the show, all my photos have these shadow stripes that I couldn't get rid of so I apologize for that. Mike/Illini put together a wonderful exhibit on San Francisco Copper Coinage of 1909. I also stopped by Mike Byer's table to view the amazing Indian cents struck on gold planchet errors but he wasn't there, so I just took a photo of this sign he had on display... Here's Darryl the Pirate's booth - he does the kids' treasure hunt on Saturday, and he also sells some amazing artifacts and gorgeous pieces from China And I have to give credit to the supply folks since they do a heck of a job setting up tons of wares which makes it quite convenient to find all the coin supplies we need! I had several people stop by to sell some very nice coins that I just couldn't resist, some were trading/upgrading, others were "vest pocket" dealers who know I love nice copper. So I purchased and took on consignment some wonderful coins and, of course, quickly took them over to Todd to photograph! Here's an idea of how many newps I've acquired so far, including a beautiful 1877 PCGS MS64 RB and a rare 1856 Flying Eagle PCGS PF63.... Here are photos of some of the folks I've seen at the show, many of whom will be quite familiar! Our great PCGS folks! Cute Matt/Renomedphys who joined us for dinner last night and has some of the most beautiful coins Matte Proof Lincolns, not to mention many other gem copper pieces! Bob/Watersport who I haven't seen in quite a while and is always charming Jeff who works really hard for the ANA! Scott who is a consignor expert at Stacks Bowers Rick Snow who is always busy And of course, Todd/Blu62Vette! Rick and I both picked up some pretty toned proofs, which coincidentally was discussed in the last issue of the Fly-In Club's Longacre's Ledger. I met up with Stephanie/Coinsarefun and bought some of her beautiful Conder tokens (Todd was photographing them so I didn't get a chance to take a picture of them with my cell phone). Also found some FANTASTIC and AMAZING Conders from Kyle Knapp Of course, we had some very yummy wine! Thanks to Wei for bringing me a wonderful bottle of 2005 Heitz Cellars cab that we quickly consumed (I'm sorry I forgot to take a photo of the bottle). But here are a couple other bottles several of us managed to consume over the past few days! It seemed like this show came and went pretty fast! Even though Thursday and Friday were quite busy, Saturday was surprisingly slow. In the past Saturdays seemed to have more public, especially more kids. But today looked more sparse than usual. However, my table is in the middle/back of the room, but our area seemed more full and crowded with public than the rest of the room for most of the show probably due to the new lower cost tables. I think our hosts need to do something about the high price of tables in order to keep this Long Beach show going. It is still a great show for us west coasters, and I always seem to have a pretty decent show no matter what time of year. And as I mentioned, I did quite a bit of buying at this show but I also did a lot of selling. I can't speak to gold and silver, dollars, halves, dimes and nickels, or paper money, but I think quality copper will always be in demand, especially Indian and Lincoln cents as they seem to be a staple that collectors continue to be drawn to. Here are some more photos I took today (Saturday) at the show: Me and my little "team" who like to help me out at the Long Beach shows (Rich, Roger and Ron) The bourse on Saturday Logan of VAMS & More and his beautiful daughters! Logan and me Dennis88 My favorite Italian friend Frank who also loves a good glass of wine! Darryl the Pirate in his "uniform" and his sidekick! Darryl was helping out the kiddos after the treasure hunt The Long Beach Coin Club kids' table So that's about it for this show report. I really enjoy this show and will continue to support it as long as we both are around! My next show report will most likely be from the ANA Summer Seminar next month - stay tuned!
Great report & photos as usual Charmy. Look forward to seeing the conders. I did attend thursday but kinda stayed away from the U.S. section, I was only focused on world and ancients this go around. Did do better then Feb so I was happy.
Great photos, Charmy! Glad to hear you enjoyed the show. Also, I saw you at your table on Thursday! I was with my mother, and when I arrived at your table after exploring the rest of the show floor, she asked "Oh, Brian, What are these coins". I replied with "These are copper coins, Mom". Soon after you heard me, you remarked with "BEAUTIFUL coppers. You forgot the 'BEAUTIFUL'". I didn't say much after that because you started a conversation with one of your customers... -Brian
Nice, Charmy. We always appreciate and enjoy your reports. I missed the show...work interfered again. But your posts help ease the pain. Nice photo of you and the three R's. And Mike/Illini is a star! Lance.
Brian, I do remember you and your Mom - next time, please introduce yourself and I will be sure to make some time to chat! Lance, sorry you couldn't make it - it's always a pleasure seeing you at the shows. And Green, a coin show just wouldn't the same without a nice bottle of wine in the afternoon!!!
Charmy, Great report! I am drooling over that 56 FE!!!! That is something to see! Hope to see it and hold it in Chicago! Could never afford it but it would be cool to see!
