PCGS Members Only Show “Steaks” A Claim in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the city of the United States’ birth in 1776. Historically and geographically, Philadelphia was the most important city in the nation during its colonial period before and during the Revolutionary War and thereafter into its federal era. Many of us know a little bit about Philadelphia from our history lessons in school, but it goes so much deeper than that.

The name “Philadelphia” is a Greek word for “philos” (loving) and “adelphos” (brotherly) and literally means “the city of brotherly love,” which has been its English nickname for ages. Although there had been early Swedish settlers at the mouth of the Schuylkill River from as early as 1643, William Penn was granted land by King Charles II in 1681 that became Pennsylvania. Philly didn’t receive its city charter until 1701, but it was already the largest and most important city in the U.S. enjoying a booming trade with the West Indies.

Personally, I’ve always loved Philadelphia. I lived near Philadelphia, in Vineland, New Jersey, for nearly a decade working for a major East Coast coin dealer. Not only did I visit frequently, but I was also a frequent visitor to Philadelphia International Airport. Oh, my gosh, there are so many amazing things to do and see in Philly.

And one of the most amazing things that you’ll be able to see there is the PCGS Members Only Show, being held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown from February 28 to March 2, 2024. Dealers from all over the U.S. will be attending to buy and sell coins. PCGS will be offering onsite grading. Because the show is open for four days, I suggest you visit the show early and submit your coins, and then visit the many dealers who will be buying and selling at the show.

If you have the luxury of time when you are visiting Philadelphia, be sure to do some sightseeing!

Over the decades I was blessed to have attended dozens of shows both in Philadelphia and throughout the entire Northeast. When I was first offered a numismatist job in New Jersey in 1992, I realized the endless opportunities the location itself might offer. One of the most significant of all numismatic landmarks anywhere is the Philadelphia Mint, where virtually all U.S. coins, medals, and tokens were produced prior to the official opening of branch mints in 1838.

Although some engraving work was done at branch U.S. Mints in the 19th century, for the most part all our early U.S. coinage was designed in Philadelphia. If you don’t have time to visit the Philadelphia Mint you can’t venture far in the city itself without encountering a historic site or venue. History is everywhere in Philadelphia.

There’s also a lot of other fun stuff! Whether it’s sports, entertainment, food, or all the above, you can’t beat Philly. If you’re a foodie, you’ve got to check out Reading Terminal Market, where food from every corner of the globe is served up by dozens of vendors. FYI, roast pork sandwiches at DiNic’s are amazing.

If you’re on the go, you can’t beat a “steak” they named after the city. As you may gather by now, I’m talking about Philly cheesesteaks, and Pat’s or Geno’s are the most well-known places in the city to get one. And there are dozens of other places that make a great steak hoagie. Regardless of your craving, your options are nearly endless.

OK, between all the eating what are we going to see?

Two of my favorite landmarks in Philadelphia are the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the adjacent Rodin Museum just down the street. Be sure to take in the beautiful views around the art gallery of the nearby Schuylkill River. And take a picture on the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps that Rocky Balboa (portrayed by Sylvester Stallone) triumphantly ascended during a training montage in the iconic 1976 film Rocky. One of my favorite pieces at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Gallery is Diana, which some consider as Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ best-known work.

Hop across the Delaware River via the Walt Whitman or Benjamin Franklin Bridges to see the massive battleship USS New Jersey, BB-62. This World War II-era battleship continued to serve our country through 1991 when she was finally decommissioned. The USS New Jersey earned more battle stars than any other Iowa-class battleships built during World War II, serving 21 years in the active fleet.

One of the most amazing statistics I recall from my tour of the battleship was the ability of the three main guns of the “Big J” to fire 2,700-pound projectile armor piercing shells 23 miles. Additionally, the “Big J” also sported 20 secondary five-inch guns, dual mounted, capable of firing accurately at targets more than nine miles away.

When I toured the USS New Jersey, our guide made the point that the weight of a single 2,700 pound shell from one of the big guns was equivalent to that of a Volkswagen Bug. Shooting a projectile the weight of a car 23 miles is impressive!

In addition to visiting the USS New Jersey, visit the nearby Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey, on the Delaware riverfront. The Adventure Aquarium is home to more than 15,000 creatures great and small.

By the time you’re done sightseeing, you’re going to want to head back to the PCGS Members Only Show to pick up your onsite submissions, which can be made if you’re a PCGS Collectors Club member. Not a member? Don’t worry! You can join online or when you go to the show speak to PCGS Customer Service Representatives, who will be onsite to assist with your submissions or to help you start or renew PCGS Collectors Club membership.

Please come to the PCGS Members Only Show in Philadelphia February 28-March 2, 2024. We would love to see you!