Grades are back and the local coin show was much more than I had expected!

Well, it took about 5 more attempts at the order status button to finally receive that all so important - finalized/imaged/shipped. I sent 2 1958 Wheat cents - both came back MS 66 RD ( I had hoped that I might get lucky on a 67) - they were the 2 best from 2 rolls, I think. I also sent 3 modern Memorial Cents 1987, 1992 & 1994 D - all three came back MS 67 RD - too bad as I thought that 2 of these had 68 potential. It seems that about one out of thirty or so coins with 68 potential actually achieves the grade. I'm happy, as these are still very solid coins for the grade.

On to the coin show - I had set the bar low for the winter show here in Charleston, but alas I was pleasantly surprised. I have several "favorite" dealers that I like to deal with when at all possible.

One of these dealers allowed me to peruse his collection of mint sets and thus I was able to find a couple of modern Roosevelt's that might have a good shot at MS 67 FT designation. Very cool! In fact, I purchased a 1981 set, which seems to be an easy year to find FT's, that is absolutely awesome on both P and D mints. The P coin is so fully struck that the bands actually appear to be rounded. I spent $25 on 4 mint sets and was thoroughly excited about my purchase! But wait...

I met a new dealer to me and was very impressed with his business acumen, wide selection of raw and NGC/PCGS certified coins, prices and his overall demeanor towards me, a small fish in the sea! I asked the dreaded question "Do you have any MS Roosevelt dimes, preferrably in FT..." Expecting a hearty laugh and an emphatic no. What I received was actually quite enlightening. This dealer said he had a few and produced about 30-40 brilliant MS Roosie's, most of which were either FT or very close to it. I examined every coin in the box and picked out a very nice 1948, which appears to be FT, paid a paltry sum for such a gorgeous coin and was elated!!!! I also bought my first certified Walker from this dealer a 46-S NGC MS 64 - nice brilliant white coin.

So, now I'm back into "Submission Fever". I couldn't resist sending this 48 Roosie immediately to NGC on Saturday. I'll be checking order status religously for the next ten days or so, as I await that comforting Finalized/Imaged/Shipped, which means I'm one click away from knowing what my latest find will grade.

Good luck to you all as you pursue this magnificent hobby!

Todd