In article ,
Jud wrote:

ANA in Chicago was great, as usual. Got to see some old friends, like Ron
Landis, John Wilson, Jim Higby and Jeff Starck, but although I got to see my
friends from the Royal Canadian Mint our schedules didn't coincide for going
out for drinks as we usually do. Next year.

Notable absences were the British Royal Mint and the BEP. (That could explain
the absence of Ken Barr!) Wonder why they didn't set up.

Hi Jud,

The one-and-only BEP hand-pulled proof souvenir card this year was
issued at the ANA National Money Show in Atlanta in March. I think even
the BEP is getting quite tired of Chicago ...

The Kennedy gold half dollar was a hit, as the line started forming at 3am to
get in line to buy them. Of course the bourse dealers were paying a premium
so many people bought them just to make a quick profit. Noticed a lot of
orientals with folding chairs in line. It got so bad that the Rosemont police
put an end to it because of 'public safety'. I also understand that sales
were also suspended at other places as well.

Quite a few threads on this gold JFK "exercise" on the PCGS US Coin
Forum, including links to a video of the stampede at the Denver Mint ...

I also attended a few lectures and meetings as well as the TAMS banquet at
Gibson's where the food was OUTSTANDING! Plans in order for next year there
as well.

Bought a few early commemoratives, updates for Canadian coins and a few
tokens, but the pickings were slim for tokens.

That's another reason I didn't go this year ... at the past few ANA's in
Chicago and Milwaukee I've bought much more during my Midwest "buying
tour" before/after the ANA than I did at the show itself ... I paid for
the entire trip to Milwaukee in 200whatever from the profits from buying
Library of Coins albums from local Midwest shops and selling them on
eBay upon my return ...

One more year for the ANA in Chicago, and then Anaheim for 2016.

Will probably be in Chicago next year if the BEP returns, otherwise not.
Will definitely be in Anaheim once the show finally gets back to the
Left Coast ...

--
Ken Barr Numismatics * * * *email:
P. O. Box 32541 * * * * * * website: *http://www.kenbarr.com
San Jose, CA *95152 * * Coins, currency, exonumia, souvenir cards, etc.
408-272-3247 * NEXT SHOW: Fremont Coin Club July 26 - 27