Knight event grand

Many of the nation’s top paper money dealers helped Lyn Knight open his new office building/auction gallery in the suburban Kansas City town of Lenexa, Kan., during four days of activities.

The 14,000-square-foot building hosted an opening day party Aug. 29 followed by an inaugural paper money auction during the following three days that realized a total of $7,033,000, including 15-percent buyers’ fees.

Also as part of the event, there was a mini-bourse that featured more than 20 dealers who set up at tables to do business Aug. 30-31.

In addition to the national dealers, many regional dealers from surrounding states joined in the festivities.

Dealers in attendance offered their congratulations to Knight.

“It’s one of the most awesome buildings in the industry and yet I feel at home here,” said Jess Lipka of Currency Grading and Authentication. He added that the building was “comfortable, useful and very large.”

Illinois dealer Tim Kyzivat said, “It’s a wonderful facility and the whole experience has been wonderful. Lyn takes great care of us.” He added that Knight and his family were “making the dealers feel very welcome.”

Oklahoma dealer David Koble said, “I think that he’s done a marvelous job on his building. It’s been his dream for a long time. He keeps us fed and happy and ready to pay him back on the auction floor.”

Richard L. Horst of Colorado also enjoyed the event. “I think it was great, a great idea and a great place. It might be the wave of the future,” he said.

Horst pointed out that hotel ballrooms as so expensive nowadays that other firms might follow Knight’s lead.

John N. Rowe of Dallas, Texas, said from his bourse table, “I thought it was a very beautiful facility for this. It takes time to get used to it. The decor makes it a lot easier than a hotel.”

Jason Bradford of PCGS Currency, a new paper money grading service, said, “I congratulate Lyn on his wonderful new building. It is an accomplishment in itself getting the building together.”

Allen Mincho of Heritage’s Currency Auctions of America said, “I’m thrilled we were able to be here and participate in the dedication of his building and wonderful party.”

At one session of the auction, Iowa’s Earl Peterson remarked, “Lyn Knight started with nothing and has most of it left.”

Lyn and Deb Knight personally escorted Numismatic News on a tour around the building. Workers were on the roof at the time and finishing touches were still being made.

For the most part though, Lyn said it took four months from getting the permit to gut the old building on the site and remodel it. He placed two metal sculptures out front and plans were in the works for more in the back. Also at the back of the building is a secure warehouse area, though the six-foot fence and electric gate had not been installed by the time of the open house. The outside also has security cameras.

The artworks are by a Kansas City artist named Stretch, Lyn said. The artist also did railings, counters and desks.

Lyn said that his building is not open to the public except during auctions. The next one is scheduled for Oct. 21.