Put numismatics in its place

Is it just me?

Last week I had lunch with Clifford Mishler, former president of the American Numismatic Association and Krause Publications.

We talk about various topics of the day at our weekly get-togethers.

He was doing his advance planning to go to the Michigan State Numismatic Society show.

The show, according to its long tradition, is held Thanksgiving weekend, Friday, Nov. 29 to Sunday, Dec. 1. It will be held at Macomb Community College in Warren, Mich. The address is 14500 E. 12 Mile Road.

I have attended a couple of these shows over the years. Usually good business is done and it is always a interesting to talk to dealers and attendees.

Anyone who is able to go, should attend. It is worthwhile.

But you won’t see me there anymore, at least not voluntarily.

For me Thanksgiving is for family dinners and personal travel rather than coin shows and business travel.

One year I got so very close to a nice turkey dinner, but I had to give it up to get on a plane in the middle of Thanksgiving Day. The flight arrangements had changed. Originally, the departure had been set for later in the day. I don’t remember what I had for supper that night at the hotel. It was probably turkey, but it just wasn’t the same.

Fortunately for me, Clifford very much enjoys going to this particular show and has done so for many years. He is from Michigan. He has ties to Michigan. He has covered the show for Numismatic News for virtually my entire career. I am grateful.

If the time ever comes when I have to choose again between attending the Michigan show and a turkey dinner with family, the turkey dinner will win.

I hope Michigan collectors won’t take offense. I wish them success, but sometimes numismatics has to take a backseat.

For me, Thanksgiving is one of those times.

When does numismatics play second fiddle in your life?

Buzz blogger Dave Harper is winner of the 2013 Numismatic Literary Guild Award for Best Blog and is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."