A night at the movies and a countdown in a Wellesian sort of way. This week Somer tells of some death-defying activity at Southgate Coins.
War or Peace? Only the Coin Show Will Tell
By Somer Athari
On Friday of last week, Southgate Coins' crew took an early out and went to the movies, and I have to tell you, this wasn't just any movie, but War of the Worlds. The very same movie that grossed over $100,000,000 in its opening week alone, breaking the previous records. The plot itself is actually based on a book written by H.G. Welles in the late 1890's. A prank performed by Orson Welles in 1938 adapted from War of the Worlds and broadcast over the radio airways created absolute terror and heart attacks in some people across the United States and rocketed the book to notoriety.
For all of you who haven't seen the movie, I won't ruin it for you, but this blockbuster hit got me thinking. Just like Tom Cruise had to prepare when aliens attacked, we have begun our preparations for the ANA coin show in San Francisco and there are so many things still to be done. We have to make sure that all our T's are crossed and I's dotted. If even the tiniest thing is forgotten, CHAOS MAY TAKE OVER OUR LITTLE WORLD!! Ok, so I am being just a tad dramatic, but there is so much to prepare for in the next two weeks.
First and foremost, is inventory! What on earth are we to bring that would represent us accordingly? With over 3,500 items processed, priced, and currently on display, we have to decide, what coins, currency, and other collectibles are going to accompany us on the 4 hour trip to San Francisco and which will be left behind to perish if Reno is suddenly invaded by alien forces. We have been precise and detailed in our steps toward organization, so that everything goes smoothly when we are ready to close up shop and take the long hike over Donner Summit.
Luckily we will not be alone to fight the shopping wars with all the collectors that will be there searching for that one single coin or other item that is perfect for them; the coin that may very well save their lives... or their collections. With over 1,000 dealers and hundreds of tables there to join us, it will be easy for collectors to find exactly what they are looking for.
That's not all though, we also need to make sure that we have all the basics necessary to survive five whole death defying days of coin show combat. All our company signs and paperwork, inventory, office supplies, display pieces, books, lamps, magnifying glasses, invoices, yummy snacks, and of course our same delightful selves, with our impeccable customer service. I will even be keeping a journal in order to make sure that nothing is forgotten while we’re there, so I can file an intelligence report when we return. Rusty will be in charge of all the incriminating photos. Things like events, and some of the people that I recognize, like CCCCOA members, new and old customers, and even some people that I have never met, but that Rusty and Marie have known but haven't seen for over 20 years, will be recorded in my journal. Rusty and Marie have even arranged luxurious hotel accommodations and we recently found out that we will be dining at some of the best restaurants that San Francisco has to offer. The bosses have also blocked out time so that us girls can run wild through the streets doing some super sightseeing. Frightening!
In addition to all of this preparation, if you remember, we are still counting down until the end of the world in a Wellesian sort of way, or our 1000th positive eBay feedback, whichever comes first. We have 20 feedbacks to go, and we'll be experiencing something non-catastrophic when we reach that milestone as well. Rusty and Marie are keeping it a surprise. With all this intensity and excitement in the air, it's hard to keep from screaming with... anticipation, that is.
In the mean time, keep clear of all dreadful acts of Mother Nature, like the earthquake that we experienced a couple weeks ago and any mysterious signs in the sky. As for us here at Southgate Coins, I am sure by the end of July and our time in San Francisco we will have come through much more unscathed than Tom Cruise and family in War of the Worlds... and have many lasting memories of an ultimate coin show experience.
Your dreadfully un-frightening war correspondent,
Somer
On a personal note: life can be far more frightening than anything Steven Spielberg could elaborate on in a science-fiction movie; and all of us here at Southgate Coins wish to express our condolences to all those who were affected by the tragedy in London this week.