Las Vegas Coin Show

[spy88]

Thought I'd give everyone a short synopsis of the doins at the Mandalay Bays Las Vegas Antique Gun and Coin Show.

 

First thing I noticed that was different was having to pay $10 to get in! But before I could enter, two plain clothes security guys to both sides of the entrance were checking all packages and purses of customers, asking if carrying any guns or knives. They perused my camera bag and I walked in. Here's what the bourse looked like as you walk in. The gun show was to my left from here.

 

 

By my guess, I would have to say this show was smaller then the one held at the Plaza 2 months ago---40 to 50 tables. Got there right at noon. Spent two hours covering it all---came away with only two purchases, both PCGS FS Jeffs (I know, you never would have guessed!). Did find a extremely attractive set of 1936 P-S/1937-D Oregon Trail commems. All three were toned to the max! The owner, David Weygant of David Weygant Rare Coins out of Florida, was kind enough to let me photo the S. Did the best I could under those nasty lamps they all use.

 

 

Just couldn't do it justice! All three were PCGS MS66. Asked for price (it was a set)---$25,000! I think I said "wow" but I didn't hear myself say it! Must have just mouthed it.

 

Went by the NGC tables but all were very busy with customers submissions so kept wandering. Stopped at Legend tables and talked with Laura (shes been getting a lot of chaff from the other sides members---too long a story for here), and gave her my congratulations for holding her own with the "children". Teletrade was there as was Bowers & Merina.

 

NGC seemed to be the busiest of all and I never got to chat with any of them. Most tables had customers but rarely did I have any trouble finding a chair to peruse Jeffs. Lots of gold, lots of Morgans, lots of stuff, but slim in the Jeff department.

 

Speaking of gold, there was one dealer (for lack of a better term), that had nothing but nuggets found with metal detectors in Australia. As this was two of my first loves (MDing and finding raw gold), I was so fascinated by her displays, I forgot to take any pics! Absolutely georgeous ashtray-sized nuggets from all over the continent. They go down every 8 weeks or so for 8-10 days. What a life!

 

Thats about it. Didn't meet anyone else wandering around and my sciatic was acting up, so I called it quits after two hours. Have to work tomorrow (Sat) so doubt I'll stop by again. Will probably be much busier then today.

 

Oh yea, on the way out, got checked again by security.

 

 

 

 

[Hoot]

That's some crazy tab toning on that OT David! Cool. What were the Jeffs you picked up? Given your eye, I'll bet they were cherry!

 

Hoot

[spy88]

Hey Mark!! Flattery will get you nowhere---unless you come here for a visit again! Dinner will be on me!

 

Just picked up a PCGS 94-P SMS MS69FS for $110 and a PCGS 42-D MS65FS for $30. Believe it or not, these were the only slabbed FS Jeffs I could find anywhere. One dealer had a 3-ring binder book with a fairly extensive raw FS stash but found nothing better then I have or hole fillers and prices were IMO a little on the high side.

 

It was basically a nice way to enjoy a day off from work. Did sit and talk to one dealer about the entry fee. He seemed to feel it might hurt future shows. We were both of the opinion that it was primarily for the gun show security and staff for taking the fees. A necessary evil I guess.

 

David

[Wihlborg]

Thanks for the report David! That Oregon Trail looks pretty nice. I wish I could have seen it in person.

 

John

[truthteller]

I believe the oregons came out of the recent CSNS auction. Fox Valley Coins bought the coins over the counter and sold them through the Heritage auction.

 

 

 

TRUTH

[Hoot]

Nice pick-ups on those Jeffs, David! And I know what you mean about the raw FS Jeffs. They are often priced pretty steep. I've found that if you don't pick up MS66 or better pieces, you're nearly always paying too much (depends on the coin, of course).

 

Can't wait for that dinner! Maybe a place a bit more quiet than the Pink Taco?

 

Hoot

[Wihlborg]

Can't wait for that dinner! Maybe a place a bit more quiet than the Pink Taco?

 

 

You know Hoot, I think you may be letting too much out of the bag. After all, don't you know that what happens in Vagas, is supposed to stay in Vagas?

 

John

[Hoot]

Can't wait for that dinner! Maybe a place a bit more quiet than the Pink Taco?

 

 

You know Hoot, I think you may be letting too much out of the bag. After all, don't you know that what happens in Vagas, is supposed to stay in Vagas?

 

John

 

 

Suggestive name? The sad part is, the Pink Taco is a very tame place - noisy but tame, and great southwestern food. Vegas is only a necessary evil for me, due to my work in the desert. So, I have to do the best I can to find the great places to eat that don't charge an arm and a leg!

 

Hoot

[DonHeath]

[michael]

a great show report david!!! thanks

 

 

michael

[spy88]

Hoot, the Pink Taco was tame compared to the food! My stomach gave me fits that night! Never told you 'bout that, did I!

 

Anyway, it'll be steak and taters next time! You can order Mexican if you want, but at least I'll have a choice. John, you're invited too! Anytime!

 

Thanks Michael! Did you get my PM? Email me if you would please!

[berylcoin-migration]

I was at the show on Saturday. Unfortunately, the dealers weren't.

 

BC

[michael]

hi there spy88 i did not get your pm

 

man thisis the first time this has happened i tyink?

iwonder if anyone else has pm me and then i not get it aqnd then they think idid not respond to them??

 

man

 

also with my hotmail account i usuaklly do not get half of what is sent to me also

 

well such is the power of the internet

 

michael

[golfnut99-migration]

Thank you for the show report.

I love show reports!

Thanks guys.

[EZ_E]

Thanks for the report, David. I'm sorry that I didn't make it in time. I cruised into Vegas at 3:00 pm on Friday after driving 1500 miles in 27 hours. Unfortunately, I didn't make it Saturday, either since I was with family, etc.

 

Oh well, there is a show in Tacoma in a couple of weeks that I can make.

 

Maybe a raincheck some year?

[TomB]

Thanks for the report. The $10 entry fee is a bit steep, do you think they will split the gun and coin shows next year?

[spy88]

Tom,

 

This was the first time for this coin show. Although the one dealer I spoke to wasn't to happy with the entry fee, we both agreed it was a necessary evil being in conjunction with the arms show. So not sure if this will become a annual event. It seems logical that its easier for everybody if they are together, but what do I know about hosting an event(s) like this! NOTHING!

 

Will try to find out from my local coin club and post any info I get.

 

David

[Strat-migration]

Hello everyone,

 

I attended the show too, most of the day on Friday and a few hours on Saturday. Q. David Bowers gave a talk on Saturday morning, and I was glad to have a chance to hear him speak, and even more fortunate to ask him a few questions. He kindly autographed the two books I bought at the show, his new book on Morgan Dollars and the new Pattern reference.

 

It was a good show for me, as I was able to finish my set of proof Washingtons with a PCGS PR65 example. I also picked up some toners, an 1885 $ PCGS MS66 and a Cleveland in PCGS MS64 (yes Truth, I'll be sure to show you this coin at LB!). The admission price was a bit steep, but I received an invitation postcard in the mail, brought it, and got in for $5. If you filled out a card at the show, I'm sure they will extend that courtesy to you. Like I said, a good show for me, but rather quiet overall.