Silver Eagle set in memory

I haven’t quite finished the process of catching up from my trip to the American Numismatic Association convention in Philadelphia.

My progress through my notes and emails and accumulated souvenirs and business cards has taken me to my Making American History 2012 Coin and Currency Set that features a proof 2012-S silver American Eagle and a Series 2009 $5 Federal Reserve Note from the San Francisco Federal Reserve District with a serial number that starts with 150 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

It is a beautiful set. I had not gone to Philadelphia with any intention of buying one, but in my conversation with Deputy Mint Director Richard A. Peterson I said I would buy a set if he would autograph it for me.

He took me up on my offer. I went to the Mint booth sales counter and made my purchase. It was the first day of issue. One of the little benefits of purchasing a set on site at the convention was the fact that the standard $4.95 handling fee placed on mail orders was not charged.

I happily passed the set to him and he wrote, “Dave, Have a great ANA 2012.”

I thanked him and went on my way. I did have a great convention. There is always too much to do, but I did my best.

Peterson was available to autograph sets and other things for other collectors, so I expect I am not the only one to have one, but that’s not the point.

I am a typical collector. There is a certain pride I take in being able to call the set mine. The proof Eagle is extremely appealing. If it isn’t a Proof-70, I would be surprised, but I will not find out. Of course I will watch what the final mintage becomes and I will notice what the price is on the secondary market. That’s part of being a collector.

However, this set stays as is. It is a memento. It will remind me of a great convention at a great city and seeing many interesting people there.

After attending many conventions, a souvenir of this kind will anchor this particular one in my memory.

Buzz blogger Dave Harper is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."