By William Shamhart – Numismatic Americana ……
A lot has happened since I last sat down at my computer to do a show report. In a word: Sandy. I’d like to take this time to thank all of our customers, clients, and friends who inquired about how we weathered the storm. Everyday I see trucks from all across the U.S.A. working feverishly trying to restore power to the residents of the East Coast, as well as helping to just clean up the damage. I know that not everyone would agree with me, especially those still without power, but I for one am impressed with the progress made in the wake of this disaster. Thank you to those who are working around the clock over here, it is greatly appreciated.
The first major show after Sandy was Whitman’s Coin & Collectibles Expo held in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It was a little hectic getting ready for the show, but once Christine and I arrived in the Inner Harbor (as the locals call it) it was almost as if Sandy had never happened. After checking into our hotel we immediately welcomed our first appointment. I know that I keep talking about our relationships with dealers and collectors alike, but the reality is that without them our business would be a fraction of what it is. In this case it was with another dealer who we do a lot of business with throughout the year. Our purchases were, well, great. Christine is busy imaging them (as well as all of our other NEWPS) and getting them ready for your consideration. After a few hours of business in the hotel, it was time for dinner and getting ready for Thursday, the first day of the show.
Set up was an early 8:00 in the morning. We barley had time to get to our table when we were inundated with fellow dealers wanting to see our coins, as well as ask how we survived Sandy. We did some wholesale selling, and looked at many dealers boxes. As has been the case lately, the boxes of coins we looked at were the usual tired stale inventory. We were lucky if we found one or two coins after looking at hundreds. But as with anything in life there are always exceptions, and we were very happy that three other dealers came straight to us (first) looking to sell fresh, new to the market, deals. Of course both Christine and I did everything in our power to buy those coins. These, along with the aforementioned deal, are among the new purchases being offered this week.
Around noon on Thursday the public was admitted to the show. Again many customers and clients stopped by to see how we fared with Sandy, exchange pleasantries, and also to BUY coins. I must confess that the retail aspect of the show was greater then I had expected. A good many coins in our inventory found new homes among their other high quality pieces. There were a few of our clients that had asked for our opinion on some of the auction lots being sold there, we advised them as if we were buying them for ourselves. Some were successful, some were not, but each and every one of them came away with a little more insight to the market.
I must confess that I am a little rusty with my show reports. I promise that the next one will be more in depth. In the mean time Christine and I, would like to give thanks to each and everyone of you for your support throughout the year. We hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and get to enjoy some time with your families. But if you find yourself in a position this weekend of either going holiday shopping (really?) or spending some time at home, might I suggest you get some of your coins out of the bank and enjoy them. After all isn’t that what this hobby is all about? And if you find a coin in our latest offering that might fit into your collection, give us a call.
Remember, we love to talk coins.
