The Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention began today at the Baltimore Convention Center with the “Super Bourse” open only to dealers. Tomorrow, the show is open for the general public regardless of the weather (we are expecting snow in the area). The Baltimore Convention attacks dealers from all over the country in all area of numismatics and features two auction sessions from Bowers and Merena on Friday, December 9.

Even with the weather concerns, I am looking forward to this show. Aside from having a complete want-list and a larger budget than I have had in the past, Baltimore is the closest large show to where I live. It is my chance to meet dealers from other areas of the country. This is important because it allows me to talk with learn from numismatists I would never meet otherwise. I also get to see other areas of collecting that I do not concentrate in but are of interest, like foreign coins and old currency.

It also gives me an excuse to drive to Charm City. Unlike others in my area, I like Baltimore. It is a unique city with a hometown-like charm that I think is fun. Also, the Baltimore Convention Center is next to the Inner Harbor which has a lot of great restaurants and, if you get tired of coins, the phenomenal National Aquarium. Enjoy your trip and stay tuned for my report after the show.

Next weekend the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center. Baltimore is becoming one of the biggest numismatic conventions other than the ANA shows. And since it is close to home, I look forward to attending.

When I revived my interest in collecting a few years ago, I went to the Baltimore Convention not knowing what to expect. When I arrived, I was surprised to see two large halls in the convention center filled with table of dealers. Although I had attended technology shows, it was an intimidating sight. Four year later, I prowl the aisles like a veteran but look forward to this convention like an excited child.

This year, I want to attend at least one of the auction sessions. Bowers and Merena Auctions will hold two auction sections on Friday, December 9 at 1:00 PM AND 6:00 PM. This would be my first numismatic auction. Although I probably will not bid on anything, I want to see what they are like and whether I can take advantage of them to better my collection. I have heard that B&M puts on a very good auction. This should be fun.

I spent a few hours yesterday preparing. My want list is up to date, my budget is set, and all I need to do is to create my price guide for my want list. I will be finished in time to be there on Friday. I am excited!

As I looked through today’s mail, a dealer I’ve done business with sent me an advertisement for pre-sales of uncirculated 2006 American Silver Eagle bullion dollars. On the bottom of the page, I saw that I can purchase 2006 Canadian Maple Leaf bullion coins. Then it hit me, 2005 is numismatically over. The US Mint has issued the last of its 2005 coins and most foreign mints are now starting to mint 2006-dated coins telling me that it may be time to close the book on 2005.

Looking forward to 2006, five more 50 State Quarters® will be released to honor Nevada, Nebraska, Colorado, North Dakota, and South Dakota. There will be a new full-faced portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the nickel. And if the Senate passes H.R. 1953, which was passed by the house on November 10, there will be a commemorative coins honoring the Old San Francisco Mint, The Granite Lady. Proceeds will be “paid to the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society for purposes of rehabilitating the Historic Old Mint in San Francisco as a city museum and an American Coin and Gold Rush Museum.” If you like the idea, contact your senators and ask them to support the bill.

It looks like 2006 will be an exciting year for collectors. Happy Numismatic New Year and I hope you have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. I will… the Baltimore Coin and Currency Convention is less than two weeks away! Stay tuned….

On this Thanksgiving I am sure we all have things we are thankful for. But since this is a blog for coins, I would like to thank the US Mint for a few collectibles that have inspired all. My favorite for the year was the Bison design for the Westward Journey Nickel Series™. Although the bison is not the same as the James Earl Fraser buffalo, but it was a great design. Also, the portrait of Jefferson had more character than the original.

I am thankful for the simple, yet elegant design of the 230th Marine Corp Anniversary Silver Dollar Commemorative. The very clean design and with the help of many Marine veterans, this coin was a phenomenal success. This coin has to make it to the classics of modern commemoratives.

And let us all be thankful for the continuing success of the 50 States Quarters® program. In many cases, I have learned something about some of the states whose quarters have been issued, whether it was depicted on their coin or in the stories of their selection. We should support H.R. 3885, a bill to extend the program to the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. That would really be a good end to a great program.