January 23, 2011 Show
by Michael E. Marotta (MSNS 7935)
In a hobby where knowledge is king, it is appropriate that when you walk in the door, the first person you see is Chuck Avery and his books. But we are not here for intellectual abstractions, and the next thing you see is the certification providers, Michigan Masters Numismatic Services.
The Chelsea show is local for me, and I attended often. Twice, I rented a table. It makes the buy and sell a little easier and you can relax and chat with your neighbors. This is a show where personal relations count and this time, I was happy to meet some new faces as I walked the floor.
Joe Persuski and Don Moore from Monroe each had a table. Joe specializes in paper, especially local issues, but the broad range, as well. I watched as he apologized for the history lesson, while explaining the story behind the story to a mom and her daughter who were curious about their hometown nationals. Don does business as Working Man Coins and he lives up to the name. In addition to being an officer in the Monroe club, he is in Central States and the downriver Lincoln club. Making the rounds, I introduced myself to Domenic Grossi, who has a local shop in Rochester Hills, and Beau Ulichen Radloff who is easy to find online as MS63Coins.com and TonedMorgans.com, among several other domain names. Newbie Chad Wakefield was set up across the aisle from Ron d/b/a "Black Hat" a show regular who sets up to sell off his Morgan dollars. Ron brought his cousin Shirley, a retired gun dealer.
Of course, it is always nice to greet old friends. Fred Beksa and I know each other the Livingston County Coin Club We talked about the good things they were doing to support the hobby in their community. I brought U.S. 90% to show organizer Rich Michalewicz who turned me over to Nicole, the architect of his dreams. MSNS convention regulars would easily recognize the security here at Chelsea, provided by Mike Vernier.
The Chelsea Coin Show for May 23, 2010
by Michael E. Marotta (MSNS 7935)
Typically, a couple dozen dealers come to Richard Michalewicz's Chelsea Coin Show. Month after month, you greet familiar faces and make new friends. Most people in America collect American coins and you find a lot of that here. But we find other interests, so world, ancients, paper, tokens, and more are always bought and sold. Books are big here with Chuck Avery and Joe Falater present. Among Joe's wares was the new book World War II Finance: Canada and Newfoundland by Dick Dunn, Dan Freeland, and Harold Kroll.
Chuck Avery of Grand Rapids is a regular at MSNS conventions. |
Joe Falater of Allen, Michigan, is a second-generation dealer. |
As a writer, my collecting interests tend to be broad and shallow, but I was able do business with Richard Michalewicz, Chuck Sharpe and Fred Beksa. Even so, I enjoyed meeting Hanna Reid (New York City Coin Exchange and hostess for the Redford Coin Shows). I also met Ron from Black Hat Coins, a former collector who now buys his dealer table to find new homes for his silver dollars. I had to wait to say hello to Larry Swisher and Rich Parsons as they were fairly busy most of the morning.
What Do Chelsea and Coins Have in Common?
Answer: The Chelsea Coin Show
by Diana Jellinek (September 9, 2009)
Chelsea has always been known for its many city attractions. Now the Chelsea Coin Show can be added to the list. Whether you are just rolling into town or just like rolls of coins Chelsea is the place for you.
For those of you who already know the Chelsea Coin Show was formerly the Jackson Coin Show and now it’s held at the Chelsea Comfort Inn Convention Center, right off the highway.
Attendance is always free for all coin friends. Kids are welcome too because we need more youths involved with numismatics. Ask any of the coin dealers at the next scheduled show questions you may have regarding your coins or ones you may be interested in collecting.
If you prefer to trade some coins that is the coin dealers specialty too. Most dealers have a variety of coins, world money, banknotes, tokens and curious items to keep you coming back for more.
Coin dealer, Larry Swisher from Great Lakes Rare Coin said, "This show compared well to Grand Rapids show yesterday. Between the two shows I had an OK weekend."
As far a youth responses, Adrian Jellinek from The Coin Compass said, "I would go back for the food and more Peace dollars." So whether you are just getting into town and into coins or have already dipped into the coin world come by and check out The Chelsea Coin Show.
Top: Customers meet dealers at the Chelsea show.
Bottom: Glenn Lyons helps a customer with an important acquisition.
Photos by Mike Marotta