Charmy's March/Apil 2016 BALTIMORE SHOW REPORT w/lots of pics!

[The Penny Lady]

This Baltimore show seemed busier than the last November show, though it still wasn’t quite on par as previous shows. Overall, it was a decent show, probably a C+ attendance-wise and sales-wise, but a B for buying.

 

I left a beautiful sunny Orange County around 11a.

 

 

 

 

I spent all day on Wednesday traveling, including a 3-hour layover in Houston where I was able to pass the time at the United Club Lounge (as a United Airlines credit card holder, I receive a couple club passes each year). They offer free drinks and snacks, as well as a quiet area to do work or just relax. So of course, I had a nice glass of wine!

 

 

The 3 hours passed quickly and soon it was ready to board the last leg of my flight to Baltimore.

 

 

 

I arrived to brightly lit Baltimore just around midnight, checked into my hotel, and promptly fell asleep.

 

 

I headed over to the convention center bright and early since the show opened at 8am to dealers for dealer set up, which came all too soon for this west coast gal!

 

 

While I was setting up, a friend dropped by just to show me this really cool deep die cap error he was considering buying.

 

 

 

 

After I was set up, I stopped by Rick Snow’s table to say hi. He showed me this amazing 1792 half disme that was in his case. Rick explained that on July 11, 1792, Thomas Jefferson deposited $75 in silver at the Mint. Two days later, he picked up 1,500 half dismes and spent them during his trip from Philadelphia to Monticello.

 

 

 

Rick also showed me this other amazing piece he had in his case

 

 

 

My booth neighbor had some very interesting items in his cases, and behind his table!

 

 

 

The lobby was full of people waiting for the show to open.

 

 

At noon, the public was let in.

 

 

 

As usual, I did most of my buying on set up day, and ended up with quite a few new coins.

 

 

After the show ended, we went to one of the restaurants that is a favorite of many dealers, G & M. They are known for their very yummy crab cakes! They don’t take reservations, so we waited in the bar until our table was ready.

 

Rick, Matt, and Ron

 

 

We all ordered their double crab cake dinner, so we could eat one there and have one for lunch the next day. They’re crab cakes are very big, with hardly any fillers. This is my leftover crab cake.

 

 

After dinner, we headed over to the Horseshoe Casino to play some cards, and I’m happy to report that we all did very well and left with extra money in our pockets!

 

Friday started out cloudy but was unseasonably warm for Baltimore, in the mid-70’s.

 

 

Here’s a view of the lobby from the second floor.

 

 

Friday was exceptionally busy for me and many of the other dealers I spoke with. There was lots of public, and the bourse was crowded for most of the day. I didn’t even leave my table until sometime in the afternoon.

 

Then of course, it was time for some wine! I brought this nice cab from home and was able to enjoy a cup before I had to share it!

 

 

Friday night at the Baltimore show is reserved for an evening of fine wine and dining in the wine cellar at the Black Olive with a nice group of folks from “the dark side.”

 

 

This is a partial list of their wines

 

 

We started off with this refreshing and delicious Santorini white wine in their small bar area.

 

 

After everyone had arrived, we headed down to the cellar to be seated for dinner.

 

 

 

 

The menu

 

 

We ordered several appetizers to start off, this is (what’s left of) a mixed seafood platter.

 

 

The most popular item on their menu is their octopus, which I actually liked too, even though I’m not a big seafood lover.

 

 

I started off with their cream of asparagus soup, which was very tasty.

 

 

Followed by this Mediterranean Bronzini fish, again, I’m not a fish lover but I’ve been trying to learn to like fish, and this one was very light and I really enjoyed it.

 

 

Mike always gets the seafood kabob

 

 

These are some of the other wines we had, all of which were very good!

 

 

 

And dessert! They are known for their baklava ice cream.

 

 

 

And dessert wine!

 

 

Dinner lasted about 3 hours, so afterwards I was glad to head back to my room for a good night’s sleep. This is the view from my room.

 

 

 

Saturday there were lots of public throughout the morning, but I was able to get away for a brief time to pick up some coins at PCGS and drop off my Conder tokens to be graded at NGC.

 

 

 

Soon, once again, it was time to pack up and head to the airport. I had enough time before my flight to catch a drink and a snack. This was mozzarella caprese, and I enjoyed it immensely.

 

 

This is me tired but happy to be headed home, it would be another long day!

 

 

Bye-bye Balto!

 

 

This time I changed planes in Denver. I love flying over the Rockies, they are so beautiful and majestic!!

 

 

 

Hello Orange County!

 

 

And of course Penny!!

 

 

 

Next up: PNNA Tukwila/Seattle and Central States.

 

 

 

[Raisethis2]

Nice report as usual.

 

See you at Central States.

[johnny9434]

love the chain cent

[Nutmeg Coin]

Thanks for the report! I have a couple friends who are shut-ins for whom the internet is one of their few chances to see these shows.

[RWB]

Maybe next time you can catch a photo of the "graders" being let into the sunlight for their daily exercise?

[Coagman]

Charmy--Thanks for another excellent report!