The following was written by Dotty.

I am quite new to the numismatic business and the FUN show this year in Ft. Lauderdale was my first major numismatic event. So, what words do I come up with to describe my experience at the show? Overwhelming…huge…hectic…busy…fun…exhausting! I had been forewarned that I would be on my feet and busy most of the time. Was that ever the case! It was very interesting to observe the coin dealers deal with each other as well as with the thousands of customers who attended. You numismatists truly love what you do and are incredibly single-minded in your pursuit to buy, sell, and trade coins. Now I know just what goes on at these coin shows and I look forward to my next one!

On a personal note, it was surprising and disappointing that the convention center offered few food selections and almost no water. By 8:45 in the morning, even complimentary coffee was unavailable inside the exhibit hall. I need my coffee! My issues with the food and coffee aside, and despite the horrible tragedy that occurred at the Ft. Lauderdale airport, I did discover some unexpected beauty on my early morning walk before the show began one morning. PEACOCKS! About 30 of them roaming freely on a side street. To protect them I will not reveal their location, and I am certain the residents of this quiet neighborhood will appreciate this gesture as well. Take a look at some of the pictures I took during my walk.

Readers of our blog may recall our November 23rd post about a group of Silver Eagles we came across in our office that had toned quite nicely. We listed a handful of them raw and the rest we sent off for grading. These are now back and listed on our website. In addition to the Silver Eagles, we also came across a Dansco album containing a Jefferson Nickel set. Many of those toned while residing in the album. Some are just kind of so-so and others are rather pretty. These have all now been listed on our site, too! You can view them by clicking on the Rainbow Rarites icon to the right.

Stay tuned - we will be posted two FUN show reports on our blog.

Tom very generously threw a Northeast Christmas party at a fantastic local restaurant, Woods Hill Table. Great food and fun! Here are some pics of the event, along with a couple entries in our office's Ugly Sweater Christmas Cookie Contest.

Marne excited about her skull head scorpion bowl.

Dotty, who is our most recent hire, and Marne.

Marne and Christy and their beaus Chad and Michael.

That's one scary looking beverage!

Tom, his wife Nancy, and their son-in-law Chris.

Brian and his better half, Kim.

A couple entries in the contest.

To those of you who are celebrating Christmas this holiday season, we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

We'd like to take this opportunity to wish our customers who celebrate Hanukkah a very Happy Hanukkah!