I just got back from a couple days at the ANA show in Baltimore. I usually don't bother trying to cherrypick coins at the big shows anymore, since everything has been gone over rather thoroughly, although I did find an 1878 VAM 169 dollar, which is a better variety. I found a very nice California commemorative half to add to my collection. Photo forthcoming, of course. I have some bids in at Heritage's auction. We'll see what becomes of them.

The Stuart Blay collection of copper was on display at the PCGS table. Absolutely incredible collection, including an 1807/6 cent in 66RD, 1919 Lincoln in 69RD, and so on. He was the honored attendee of the PCGS registry luncheon (free food).

The Smithsonian had a display of early proof coins, including sets from 1821 and 1843. There was a nice exhibit of Massachusetts coinage as well. The US Mint had a display of their ultra high relief $20 Saint re-creation. This was a very cool display. They showed the dies used to strike the coin, and several samples with different amounts of striking pressure ranging from 15 to 55 tons. There was also a display case with several of these coins arranged like falling "pennies from heaven." This will be a 1 oz., .9999 fine coin that will probably sell for between $1250 and $1500. As much as I deride the mint for their caricatures of old designs, they hit this one out of the park. They digitized the original high relief plasters to make the design that will be used, so that it is faithful to the original. It will be 27 mm in diameter (rather than 34 mm as the $20 Saints are), and 4 mm thick. The mintage will not be limited. I'm really excited about this and just may have to buy one.

John Baumgart
WINS#51