The disease is called Copper Numismaticitis

Although EAC is, I think, the largest numismatic specialty club, the "show" aspect of its annual convention is on the small side. What would draw me back to Annapolis for a third day? Well, for starters, the bourse is dominated by copper, and more quality copper than can be seen at one of the mega-shows. But more than that, the overall program is full of interesting and informative events, and there is a personal element that makes a day/night contrast with other gatherings.

For me, Saturday morning started with more lot viewing. I had seen the 1816-1829 Holmes cents on Friday, and my 1830s are already about as good as they're likely to get. But I wanted to see the rest of the Holmes coins. The catalog cover coin, an 1834 N-7 (proof only variety) graded PR 64 RB is quite a coin! Seeing great collections like this, built with care over many years, is quite a treat. Dan showed up again, adding to the experience.

One thing that struck me is that PCGS did not seem to overgrade the Holmes coins as they did many of the Naftzger coins, in my opinion. If I'm not successful with my primary targets, I may try for one or two that seem undergraded.

After I finished viewing lots, I went back to the bourse. On Friday, I was (again) unsuccessful trying to sell my 1832 duplicate cent. I tried another dealer who offered me $50 less than I was asking, and I declined. In subsequent conversation, I mentioned that I'm trying to build up cash for the Holmes sale. To that, he responded by purchasing the 1832 at my asking price. He said that Dan is a personal friend, and wants to help him any way he can - even by helping me to have the cash to spend in the auction. Such are the relationships among copper folk.

I continued around the floor, stopping at Walter Husak's table, where I had chatted briefly with his daughter on Friday. This time both were present, and Walt was eager to talk copper and specifically about the fabulous handful of coins he had on display. (A little over two years ago, Heritage sold his finest-ever collection of early date large cents. The catalog for that sale is the best I've ever seen. And I use one of those coins as my computer wallpaper.) After more enjoyable conversation, I moved on to the remaining 'seminars'.

After catching the end of a talk on collecting early half dimes by Redbook variety (recall that JRCS has joined EAC for recent conventions), I thoroughly enjoyed a humorous presentation by a psychologist & first-time EAC conventioneer. He described in great detail the malady he calls Copper Numismaticitis. Despite the fact that most collectors' spouses don't understand, and don't want to have anything to do with our hobby, he explained how it can actually help a relationship. By our careful study of differences in Miss Liberty's hair in different varieties, we can similarly actually notice when our wives get their hair done... I don't know if the empirical evidence backs him up, but he also explained that copper collectors have a preference for redheads. In the end, there is no cure for CN.

The final talk was given by Mark Borckardt, who spoke about the Original Boys of '94. EAC has group of collectors, known as the Boys of '94, who are devoted to the 69 varieties & sub-varieties of 1794 cents. Mark gave a well-researched and interesting talk, not about those who collect 1794 cents, but about those who made them. He included many details about the known suppliers of the copper used and all known mint employees.

I had planned to stick around for the EAC auction/sale Saturday evening. But after the sale of my 1832 cent, I feel committed to holding back until the Holmes sale. So I avoided temptation and went home, having thoroughly enjoyed three days of copper and copper people.