FUN 2008: Chapter 2 - Where is everyone?

[cpm9ball]

I made a vow to myself that I would not park in the "cow pasture" on Saturday. So, I got there two hours before the bourse opened to the public and was duly rewarded with the 10th parking space nearest the stairs and elevator. I sat at the base of the stairs on the ground level near the entrance to the bourse and passed the time going over my notes of the things I wanted to do. I called Mike (elbesaar) to find out what time he would be there, and he told me that he was completely worn out from the last two days at the show. He said that he had pretty much achieved what he wanted, and he was going to leave for home. Then I called Richard (ibuyandsellsmith) to see what he was up to, but I had to leave a message. I still hadn't seen Lou (IGWT). Hey, Lou, are you here?

 

Like I said, uniformed and plain clothes deputies were everywhere. I would imagine that they were very much aware of the robberies that took place last year. One, in particular, caught my eye. She was a very attractive blonde, and I just couldn't stop looking at her. When they finally allowed the public to enter, I walked straight toward her, held out my hands and said, "Arrest me!" She asked why and I said, "It doesn't matter. Just take me anywhere." She smiled and as I turned to walk away she asked, "Did you do something wrong?" At that point, I wanted to turn back and tell her that she would have to be the judge of that, but I decided that I'd better quit while I was ahead. After all, I was still a free man!

 

I went to the NGC table to pick up my 1888 Morgan that had been in an NGC MS64 holder. It now resides in an 1888 Top 100, VAM11A DDO Ear & Clash, MS64 holder. $10 for one-day service. Fantastic!

 

My next stop was the Scotsman table. I told them that I thought James Garcia (EarlyUS) was doing a great job on the descriptions, and that he did not bribe me with any Doritos to get me to say that. (James, feel free to jump in if you want.) According to Rick Raaf, they were very aware of your descriptive ability from your website and eBay listings. Rick told me that he said, "Hey, why don't we get this guy to write our descriptions? He's better than any of us." While we were making "small talk", I spotted an interesting, raw 1893CC they had in the case. It was only in Fine conditiion, but it had a real neat cud on the rim at 9:00 o'clock. Much of it had been worn away, but the price was right so I bought it.

 

I guess you could say that I was multitasking as I continued to scour the bourse for railroad medals that Rey might like, tall ship medals that jackson might like and, of course, a few medals and Morgans that I might like. Well, Rey, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but the only railroad medals that I saw were terrible. Two identical ones were made of brass and appeared to be no more than 10 years old, but they were in really bad shape. Another that I saw was heavily corroded. But, don't despair, because I think I have something you might enjoy. I'll post a picture of it at the end, and you can tell me if you want it or not. Jackson, I was able to find one tall ship medal at the Paris Mint table. It isn't old, but I think it is very nice. I will also post a picture of it, and you can PM me if you're interested.

 

Well, that is all I'm going to cover for now. I'm going to save some of the best for last, and I'll try to finish it tomorrow. In the meantime, here are a few pictures for you.

 

Chris

 

 

 

[MorganMan]

What? No pix of the blonde cop?

 

MM

[jgrinz]

What? No pix of the blonde cop?

 

MM

 

[IGWT]

Hi Chris -- Nice report and pictures. I arrived in Orlando Wed. afternoon and left early Sat. morning. How was the NGC luncheon?

[cpm9ball]

Hi Chris -- Nice report and pictures. I arrived in Orlando Wed. afternoon and left early Sat. morning. How was the NGC luncheon?

 

The luncheon was great. As I'm sure you did, I had so many things to do that I just ran out of time. I hope I get to see you next year. Who knows, maybe I will be at the Money Show in Baltimore in July to see what happens in the Stack's auction. Are you going to be there?

 

Did you have any success in the auctions at FUN?

 

Chris

[James_OldeTowne]

My next stop was the Scotsman table. I told them that I thought James Garcia (EarlyUS) was doing a great job on the descriptions, and that he did not bribe me with any Doritos to get me to say that. (James, feel free to jump in if you want.) According to Rick Raaf, they were very aware of your descriptive ability from your website and eBay listings. Rick told me that he said, "Hey, why don't we get this guy to write our descriptions? He's better than any of us." While we were making "small talk", I spotted an interesting, raw 1893CC they had in the case. It was only in Fine conditiion, but it had a real neat cud on the rim at 9:00 o'clock. Much of it had been worn away, but the price was right so I bought it.

Unfortunately, it took them so long to remove all the Dorito Dust fingerprints from some of the coins that I've been demoted to "Case Cleaning Specialist". I'm only allowed to carry around a bottle of Windex and some papertowels when I'm in the Scotsman shop.

 

GREAT REPORTS, Chris! Easily the best seen in quite some time!

[IGWT]

I only attended one auction session (Friday afternoon) and decided against bidding on the only coin in which I had an interest . . . I just didn't like it enough. I sold five Shield varieties for decent money and bought two coins for my collection: an 1872 5c TDO and minor RPD in choice BU and an 1882 5c struck about 20% off center in EF-45. I also have a line on another coin, and we'll see if that works out. I had a great time, but missed seeing you and our forum buddies at the NGC luncheon.

 

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the ANA show in Baltimore.

[cpm9ball]

:devil:

[rbrown4]

Another excellent status report. Good thing those cops were not like the TSA and airport security. Otherwise we may not be reading these updates.

 

Rey

[DC Dawg]

Chris... I like that B&O Railroad stock certificate!

 

I have the "Monopoly Set" of stock certificates (Penn, B&O, Reading, and NY & Hudson Central that managed the many "short line" railroads), but none are made out to a well known person or company like Bear Sterns. Having a cert like that is very cool!!

 

Scott

[stinkycheese1]

 

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the ANA show in Baltimore.

 

What about the national ANA Money show in phoenix, at the convention center? I'm going there.

 

Can someone please explain to me what the FUN is? I've heard alot about it but am a bit confused as to what it is.

 

[harvey8542]

Great report Chris and nice coin's

[cpm9ball]

 

Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the ANA show in Baltimore.

 

What about the national ANA Money show in phoenix, at the convention center? I'm going there.

 

Can someone please explain to me what the FUN is? I've heard alot about it but am a bit confused as to what it is.

 

It is the acronym for Florida United Numismatists. The show has been staged every year since 1955.

 

Chris

[cpm9ball]

Chris... I like that B&O Railroad stock certificate!

 

I have the "Monopoly Set" of stock certificates (Penn, B&O, Reading, and NY & Hudson Central that managed the many "short line" railroads), but none are made out to a well known person or company like Bear Sterns. Having a cert like that is very cool!!

 

Scott

 

Then I guess you will be surprised to learn that I didn't even realize I had it until I got home and started leafing through some of the brochures. It was in one of the freebie handouts.

 

Chris

[DC Dawg]

Chris... I like that B&O Railroad stock certificate!

 

I have the "Monopoly Set" of stock certificates (Penn, B&O, Reading, and NY & Hudson Central that managed the many "short line" railroads), but none are made out to a well known person or company like Bear Sterns. Having a cert like that is very cool!!

 

Scott

 

Then I guess you will be surprised to learn that I didn't even realize I had it until I got home and started leafing through some of the brochures. It was in one of the freebie handouts.

 

Chris

I am surprised... aside from the Monopoly Sets being popular, a well known name adds a few bucks to the price. I wonder if that dealer had more than a few in order to give them away!

 

It's still cool!!

 

Scott

[cpm9ball]

Chris... I like that B&O Railroad stock certificate!

 

I have the "Monopoly Set" of stock certificates (Penn, B&O, Reading, and NY & Hudson Central that managed the many "short line" railroads), but none are made out to a well known person or company like Bear Sterns. Having a cert like that is very cool!!

 

Scott

 

Then I guess you will be surprised to learn that I didn't even realize I had it until I got home and started leafing through some of the brochures. It was in one of the freebie handouts.

 

Chris

I am surprised... aside from the Monopoly Sets being popular, a well known name adds a few bucks to the price. I wonder if that dealer had more than a few in order to give them away!

 

It's still cool!!

 

Scott

 

What do you think it is worth?

 

Chris

[DC Dawg]

Wow... the prices have gone down! A 1950s common stock made out to a major brokerage should be going for $10-15. I found one on eBay for $3.99! It must be the economy.

 

Earlier dates sell better. I purposely bought 1920s-30s for the Monopoly set. They are selling for more at this time, but those prices are also down.

 

Scott

[cpm9ball]

Bumping this to the top for Jackson64.

[jackson64]

wow..that medal is sweet..PM sent Chris..