So-Called Fellowship Gathering 2021: Trip Report

The Eight Annual So-Called Fellowship Gathering was done in Reno in November 2021.

Jeff is a great organizer. Jeff and I had been conversing for some time on So-Called Dollars so when he asked what I wanted to talk about I quickly came up with some example topics including So-Called Dollar Store Card mules, Encampment medals, and others. We quickly setlled on the store card mules due to how close the topic is to So-Called Dollars.

I arrived in Reno around 2am and wrapped my presentation at 5am. I showed up at 9:30am for breakfast and. The lines for the retaurants were huge so I picked up some pastries and drinks at Starbucks.

Presentation: My presentation was interesting. The biggest part of it was the pairs of large images on the screen to which people debated whether the same or different dies were used. When we wanted closeups, I brought up Stack’s Bowers photos and zoomed into details including machine doubline and die cracks. When I gave my presentaiton, a huge part of it was showcasing the CU Forums along with a bit of Cert Verification and PCGS Coin Facts. People said PCGS didn’t have much a few years ago and were amazed

New Discovery: Later we looked at his leather HK-28. Bob asked me if I thought it was leather or wood. He said eh thought it was wood but recognized the leather from my presentation. I examined it for a moment and immedlatey said leather due to surfaces (no grain) and edge, split grain. it also felt like leather when compared to wooden nickels. Inerestingly, it was also on reserve for sale to Scott, but after we discussed it Bill jumped into line. I like it a lot but I’m just happy to be there and chat with fellow collectors.

Purchases: During lunch, I was getting ready to head out with the group with a number of people including Bob Jesinger, Bill Hyder and Scott Safe decided to stay back in the room at which time I decided to join them. It was at this time I went through Bob’s for sale box and found a 1883 GAR Encampment medal in PCGS MS62 which was reserved for Scott. Scott came over and said it would be ok to sell.