I managed to get to the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention on
Saturday for a couple of hours. It was overall a good show for me.
Ended up spending more than I had planned, but not more than I could
afford (assuming I eat nothing but ramen noodles for the next few
months). Pars Coins had a table there for the first time, and I spent
a long time looking at their astounding Parthian coins. Lots of
rarities, many in high grade, far more than I could possibly afford.
I ended up buying two coins from them. PBJI had a pair of Sasanian
bullae (clay seals used to secure official documents) that I got a
chance to examine closely. I left after about 2 1/2 hours, on account
of both a previous engagement and the depleted state of my coin
allowance. Final haul: five coins, including three Parthian, one
Roman, and one Seleukid. A couple of observations:
-There were a number of children there, and they seemed to be actually
interested in the coins and not just dragged along by numismatically-
inclined parents. Good to see the next generation of collectors out
there.
-There were also a noticeable number of dealers that had left, or were
packing up, on Saturday morning even though the show doesn't end until
Sunday. I assume they had reasons, but it doesn't look good to the
general public to see so many empty booths.
-I have photographed my coins from the show, and here they are:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23911267@N06/4718700021/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23911267@N06/4718700019/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23911267@N06/4718700013/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23911267@N06/4718700005/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23911267@N06/4718700001/
In summary: I had a great time at the show, and I plan on going to the
next one in November.
-Robert A. DeRose, Jr.
What a great haul, Robert! Each coin is a gem unto itself. I
especially like the Phraates and the Hadrian with the long neck,
although the bottle cap coins are always interesting to me because of
the elephants, which I love. Pars Coins. Top shelf. You got some
good looking coins there! Congrats!
~Anka