In May we attended the Whitman Nashville Coin Expo. We loved the city! The location of the convention center could not have been better.  We were a block from the Ryman Auditorium, and just 2 blocks from Printer's Alley and numerous restaurants and tourist attractions. Unfortunately for all of us, a massive flood nearly destroyed Nashville two weeks before we arrived.  Needless to say, attendance was very low and collectors were not in the mood to buy.  If you live in the area, please plan to attend next year and stop by our table and introduce yourself.  Nashville is driving distance from so many states, we truly expect a big turnout next year.

 

Long Beach Coin and Collectibles Expo...what can we say about the summer show that hasn't been said already.  The economy in the state of California has not improved since our last visit in February.  We are always optimistic, and look for the September show to be much better.  We did sell some very nice coins at the show, and as usual our "cream of the crop" pieces went first.  We were able to acquire some awesome coins, so please check back later this week for some surprises!

 

There is a lot of buzz in the rare coin market at the present time, both PCGS and NGC are grading coins with the + grade and PCGS is slabbing coins in Secure Plus holders.  Original coins that have been properly preserved are in great demand.  We will continue to offer these coins to you, and as always we strive to offer top quality rarities that will stand the test of time. If we could acquire enough CAC stickered coins to supply our clients with, we would certainly do so.  Unfortunately there aren't enough of those coins to satisfy all our clients.  As always, we do our best to offer nice, eye-appealing coins for the grade.  If you notice a coin on our site that is not CAC stickered we will send it in for you. 

 

After attending the Nashville Coin Expo, I took a little side trip to visit my Great Aunt in Kentucky.  Visiting with her and her son I was reminded that my Great Uncle Bill Larkins was a coin collector for many years.  Not only was he a collector, but also an artist, musician and poet.  In 1971 Vantage Press printed a book of poems that he wrote entitled "Somewhat to Say".  In this book is a poem that spoke to my heart, I thought I would share with my fellow collectors.  Bonnie Sabel

 

The True Coin Collector 

 

Let my coins show the mark of time

Let every dent, scar and crevice truly rhyme,

With the pain, sorrow and tears of yesterday

Of generations gone forever on their way.

 

For who wants a rose that never blooms

To me a bright new coin just takes up room,

Unless it is struck by th' mint of time

Rub not the blossom of age off my dime.

 

For when I see an old coin's face

I see the date and history in its place,

Of people and the life they may have spent

It's written there upon your Indian Cent.

 

So when you save a coin remember this

You may save but never be a numismatist,

For if I had a coin of every kind

I'd prefer the ones that show th' mark of time.