Baltimore Coin Show

Matt04

Going to be headed to my first regional show in Baltimore this upcoming week!
For those of you who've done it before, looking for recommendations on Parking & Food!!

Also in regards to the show or shows in general any advice as a first timer?

Thank you!

MsMorrisine

what's your food budget?

what day are you going?

Matt04

@MsMorrisine said:
what's your food budget?

what day are you going?

Thursday, I've been told by dealers first day is the best day. No budget in particular, would love to try something good in the area! Headed from NJ so would like to head down and stop by some spots.

TomB

Stay hydrated, bring comfortable shoes, bring your own snacks and get there plenty early. I always stay at the Hilton, but if you are driving in for the day you can park there, as well. It offers an elevated, covered walkway from the hotel to the convention center so you can avoid bad weather and anything else you might not want to encounter on street level.

There are plenty of food options nearby for lunch or dinner and they are often populated by the coin folks you see on the bourse. I would not walk around alone through the city, but that is not a specific dig at Baltimore, rather it is just a good security precaution.

If PCGS is there then you can expect them to be hopping and have to wait on a long line unless you submit coins right away. If doing so, try to have all the paperwork done prior to submitting as it keeps the line moving faster for everyone else. On the bourse, bring multiple inexpensive loupes in case you lose one, don't just take a chair from one dealer table and drag it to another and never, ever attempt to do business as a walk-in with another walk-in while blocking any dealer access. If you need to do business in such a situation then there are plenty of outer walkways in the convention center where you can sit down and get things done.

WQuarterFreddie

@TomB said:
Stay hydrated, bring comfortable shoes, bring your own snacks and get there plenty early. I always stay at the Hilton, but if you are driving in for the day you can park there, as well. It offers an elevated, covered walkway from the hotel to the convention center so you can avoid bad weather and anything else you might not want to encounter on street level.

There are plenty of food options nearby for lunch or dinner and they are often populated by the coin folks you see on the bourse. I would not walk around alone through the city, but that is not a specific dig at Baltimore, rather it is just a good security precaution.

If PCGS is there then you can expect them to be hopping and have to wait on a long line unless you submit coins right away. If doing so, try to have all the paperwork done prior to submitting as it keeps the line moving faster for everyone else. On the bourse, bring multiple inexpensive loupes in case you lose one, don't just take a chair from one dealer table and drag it to another and never, ever attempt to do business as a walk-in with another walk-in while blocking any dealer access. If you need to do business in such a situation then there are plenty of outer walkways in the convention center where you can sit down and get things done.

Excellent advice! 😎

Matt04

Yes agreed, wonderful advice. I'm really excited to get to be able to see and have in hand so many coins! Do dealers usually accept cash only? Or do they also accept Zelle?

lkenefic

This is my "go to" show, but work commitments are going to take precedence for Thursday and Friday... I should be able to make Saturday morning but I'm sure most of the dealers I frequent will likely be gone by then. ...but that's ok. My main goal is going to be to sell some 90% silver... hopefully, those vendors will still be buying!

Catbert

Be sure to take advantage of auction lot viewing whether you are interested in a lot or not. Excellent way to see a lot of coins and test your grading acumen. There are several collector's club meetings throughout the show, although on Thursday, the Early Amercian Coppers and Colonial C4 club meetings will be having their meetings where visitors are welcome. Check the show schedule. Most of all, have fun!

ad4400

It’s a really big show. If you are looking for particular material or particular sellers, game plan and figure out where they are on map in advance. If you see something but aren’t ready to commit at that moment be sure to note table number.

If you show up as doors open figure giving yourself at least until a late lunch to do first pass of floor.

Enjoy , I’ve had many great days at the Baltimore show over the years!

MsMorrisine

distances to places are longer than they appear on a map. though, personally, if it's a day trip, i'd just walk for food. it's been a while since i've been to whitman. i can't say where to eat in the area that's special. the thing from md is maryland blue crab cakes. i wouldn't walk more than a couple blocks north, btw.

if you have time, there is a rather large aquarium in the area. a long walk right next to the water.

WQuarterFreddie

@Matt04 said:
Yes agreed, wonderful advice. I'm really excited to get to be able to see and have in hand so many coins! Do dealers usually accept cash only? Or do they also accept Zelle?

YMMV but most dealers accept electronic payments.

JohnF

@TomB said:

If PCGS is there then you can expect them to be hopping and have to wait on a long line unless you submit coins right away. I

PCGS will be there!

Coins3675

@Matt04 said:
Yes agreed, wonderful advice. I'm really excited to get to be able to see and have in hand so many coins! Do dealers usually accept cash only? Or do they also accept Zelle?

Some will accept Paypal or Zelle but I would just bring cash.

epc

I have always paid by cash or check. Some (few) dealers also have signage indicating they accept credit cards.
I've been going to Baltimore shows since 2004 (when I re-started collecting). My wife works for Univ of Maryland Baltimore, so I've been able to park in their garages and then walk to the convention center. Recently, I've been street parking closer. I've never had any issue walking in the city (beyond being approached by beggars many years ago), including more than two blocks north of the venue. That said, there is street crime in downtown Baltimore, sometimes violent. Be alert and confident; don't attract attention to yourself. And as others have written, enjoy the show!

lkenefic

I typically don't carry lots of cash. It's been my experience... maybe it's just me... that the dealers accept a personal check as payment when you show a driver's license too.

epc

@lkenefic said:
I typically don't carry lots of cash. It's been my experience... maybe it's just me... that the dealers accept a personal check as payment when you show a driver's license too.

And some dealers will ask for a numismatic reference if you are new to them.

logger7

How is this show now? Last I went was probably 15 years ago. Even did a round-trip in one day once from the NY area.

PhillyJoe

Pretty extensive dealer list.

https://expo.whitman.com/dealer-list/

MEJ7070

Some great advice here……most importantly……Have Fun!

Baltimore is a hour away from me and is the easiest national show for me to attend by far. This time around I’ll be going Thursday by myself to be “serious”, and again Saturday with my daughter to hunt for Roosevelt dimes and silver bullion rounds with animals on them

lkenefic

@PhillyJoe said:
Pretty extensive dealer list.

https://expo.whitman.com/dealer-list/

When I was working downtown, I could walk down Pratt St. from UMB over lunch on Thursdays... all of the major copper dealers typically show up, at least to the Fall and Spring shows. Summers are a little more hit-or-miss...

7Jaguars

Isn't it called "Mike's"? They have the best crab cakes, really big and just perfect IMHO. I have never found any issues with safety but admit to not going out of my way to find the worst areas and I have been coming since they were in Landover Maryland about 30 years ago I think.

lkenefic

I haven't been in a couple of years but Pratt St Ale House used to serve a decent burger and they're right across the street from the Convention Center. If you don't want to walk, a quick Uber gets you to Phillip's Seafood and some good crab cakes. If you go a block or two further (across President's St.) you end up in Little Italy and there are several restaurants to choose from.

ambro51

Currently awaiting herniated disc surgery and cannot really walk so…. No show

Sweetpie

FYI Maryland just this year imposed a 6% sales tax on bullion and coins...but:

Sole Exemption: The only exception that remains is for qualifying purchases made at events held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

JohnF

@Sweetpie said:
FYI Maryland just this year imposed a 6% sales tax on bullion and coins...but:

Sole Exemption: The only exception that remains is for qualifying purchases made at events held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

This is correct. We got a miraculous carve-out exemption for the show or it would have killed the event here in Baltimore.

coastaljerseyguy

Next the government will be charging tax on breaking large bills into smaller denominations. Cash for 'cash' should not be taxed.

MsMorrisine

@Sweetpie said:
FYI Maryland just this year imposed a 6% sales tax on bullion and coins...but:

Sole Exemption: The only exception that remains is for qualifying purchases made at events held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

does that include the sidewalk?

Aegis3

@Sweetpie said:
FYI Maryland just this year imposed a 6% sales tax on bullion and coins...but:

Sole Exemption: The only exception that remains is for qualifying purchases made at events held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

More accurately, the exemption to the general sales tax was repealed, and that's just WRT totals over $1,000. Below that amount they were already taxed (or, if we want to be fully honest, taxed at stores. We all know how sales taxes at shows really work.)

And actually, an interesting question arises. Is the Baltimore show exemption for all numismatic items, or still just for those who can go in the deeper end of the convention center?

coinandcurrency242

@Sweetpie said:
FYI Maryland just this year imposed a 6% sales tax on bullion and coins...but:

Sole Exemption: The only exception that remains is for qualifying purchases made at events held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Another reason to bring cash.

For parking, I always use spot hero to save on parking and have a spot

Sweetpie

@MsMorrisine said:

@Sweetpie said:
FYI Maryland just this year imposed a 6% sales tax on bullion and coins...but:

Sole Exemption: The only exception that remains is for qualifying purchases made at events held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

does that include the sidewalk?

Only if there are no CCTVs around...I was told of course

JohnF

Today was one of the best opening days I can remember at Baltimore. The line was out the front door for the public this morning!

coinkat

Good crowd
Nice coins, tokens, medals and currency
Well run

Attend if you can

Matt04

For my first big show, it was a great Show!!

I got to see one of these up close! So awesome! Didn't pick anything up but glad I got to learn more & see so many coins in hand I'd only ever seen in photos!

MEJ7070

Had a great day yesterday…..picked up 3 great coins and met some really nice people I didn’t know.

Excited to head back tomorrow with my daughter.

Heubschgold

"Pictures or it didn't happen"... LOL !!

OnlyGoldIsMoney

I attended today. I did not find anything to add to my main set but fortunately found one book I needed.

An extruded Engelhard 100 oz silver bar I lugged into the show proved easy to sell. The dealer who purchased my Engelhard bar had just told a prospective seller that he was not purchasing any 90% silver and doubted if any else at the show was buying 90%.

Raufus

Raufus

@epc said:
I have always paid by cash or check. Some (few) dealers also have signage indicating they accept credit cards.
I've been going to Baltimore shows since 2004 (when I re-started collecting). My wife works for Univ of Maryland Baltimore, so I've been able to park in their garages and then walk to the convention center. Recently, I've been street parking closer. I've never had any issue walking in the city (beyond being approached by beggars many years ago), including more than two blocks north of the venue. That said, there is street crime in downtown Baltimore, sometimes violent. Be alert and confident; don't attract attention to yourself. And as others have written, enjoy the show!

Closest, cheapest parking I've found is opposite the federal courthouse across from the convention center. It fills fast.

The garage just past it, which faces the convention center doesnt fill. Just a bit more expensive.

Be alert walking of course. Its Baltimore.

Sweetpie

@Raufus said:

Nice pickup!
😉

Raufus

@Sweetpie said:

@Raufus said:

Nice pickup!
😉

Thanks!

Definitely a bit more than I was looking to spend. However, when the right coins become available sometimes you have to did a little deeper and buy.

Matt04

Anyone have any other Coin Show Recommendations on the East coast? Near NY/NJ/CT?

lkenefic

This was the first Baltimore show I've been to on a Saturday in over 10 years. We got there around 11:30. I was there to sell some 90% silver and I accomplished that task but all of the major dealers I typically go to were either gone or packing up by 12:30.

For early copper... Col Ellsworth was still there. He had a nice F12 Fugio Cent that was realistically priced... if I hadn't spent all of my money over the summer on a $3 Princess, I'd have taken her home. Tom Reynolds was also still there but he was in the throes of packing up and all of his higher end material was packed already... he did say that Thursday and Friday were quite busy.

PCGS was done accepting coins for certification by noon... I had considered bringing a few coins but I'm just going to wait for my yearly submissions over the summer. I'll be able to use my vouchers and get a few more coins certified.

All in all, I'm glad I went. Sales for 90% were still happening (obviously) but the vendors I typically deal with were long gone. I was looking for 90% of spot, but settled for closer to 80%. For me, and the little amount I had (~$25 face) it was worth it to be at the Convention Center... deal face-to-face, and not have to calculate in shipping charges and insurance. Razor-thin margins, but everyone was happy....

MEJ7070

Had an awesome time today with my daughter.

Really have to commend the folks running this show on the job they’re doing with outreach to YNs. There were TONS of free stuff that had my daughter genuinely excited. She was even given a free Red Book, and we had a “Red Book quiz” in my truck for the hour plus ride home.

Additionally, many of the dealers we stopped to check out were very generous with their time and cool gifts that were perfect for getting a 9 year old excited about coin collecting.

We came to today’s show hoping to finish her silver Roosevelt Dansco album (no eBay purchases at all for this……I’ve made her inspect every coin in person before we buy it). She had 3 holes at the beginning of the day, and I was certain we’d be able to find all 3…..but after locating a crisp blast white 1960 P we struck out on the last 2.

She was genuinely happy to find that 1960 and fired up about all the cool stuff in her Kid Bag. Genuine thank you to the show organizers and all of the volunteers who made this a great experience, and to all the dealers who stay for Saturday. I know it doesn’t always make the best business sense but it sure is appreciated!

lilolme

@Sweetpie said:
FYI Maryland just this year imposed a 6% sales tax on bullion and coins...but:

Sole Exemption: The only exception that remains is for qualifying purchases made at events held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

The Whitman website for the upcoming March Baltimore show is indicating that the tax 'carve out' is for sales at convention center and at/above $1000.

Link and go to Click here to download Dealer booth application.

https://expo.whitman.com

"Maryland Sales Tax
Whitman Expos is required by law to provide the Comptroller of Maryland the names and addresses of all dealers who are show exhibitors. Each exhibitor is responsible for the collection, reporting, and payment of taxable sales made during each Baltimore Expo. In Maryland, as of November 1, 2025, there is no sales tax on transactions of coins and bullion over $1,000 as long as the sale occurs in the Baltimore Convention Center. Sales under $1,000 are subject to sales tax. The Maryland Department of Revenue sends out temporary sales tax forms to all exhibitors that do not have a Maryland sales tax number. If you are unable to attend or are a wholesale only exhibitor, you are still required to sign and return the form. If you fail to return the form, the Comptroller of Maryland will not issue you a future temporary sales tax number and you will not be able to do business in Maryland. Any exhibitor who does not comply with the laws of the State of Maryland will not be allowed to exhibit at future conventions."

johnny9434

@MsMorrisine said:

@Sweetpie said:
FYI Maryland just this year imposed a 6% sales tax on bullion and coins...but:

Sole Exemption: The only exception that remains is for qualifying purchases made at events held at the Baltimore Convention Center.

does that include the sidewalk?

Here in CT that makes sense 😆

BillJones

@Matt04 said:
For my first big show, it was a great Show!!

I got to see one of these up close! So awesome! Didn't pick anything up but glad I got to learn more & see so many coins in hand I'd only ever seen in photos!

I wish I could afford one of those. Mine is only an EF-40. Finding that type coin with that much hair detail is very hard. Some varieties were flatly struck and didn’t have that much detail from the beginning.

Catbert

Wonder how the new tax will affect attendance.

Russell12

@Matt04 said:
Anyone have any other Coin Show Recommendations on the East coast? Near NY/NJ/CT?

Just don't go and buy the coins I'm looking for . . .

https://www.coinshows-usa.com/

https://www.coinzip.com/

Russell12

@Raufus said:

@epc said:
I have always paid by cash or check. Some (few) dealers also have signage indicating they accept credit cards.
I've been going to Baltimore shows since 2004 (when I re-started collecting). My wife works for Univ of Maryland Baltimore, so I've been able to park in their garages and then walk to the convention center. Recently, I've been street parking closer. I've never had any issue walking in the city (beyond being approached by beggars many years ago), including more than two blocks north of the venue. That said, there is street crime in downtown Baltimore, sometimes violent. Be alert and confident; don't attract attention to yourself. And as others have written, enjoy the show!

Closest, cheapest parking I've found is opposite the federal courthouse across from the convention center. It fills fast.

The garage just past it, which faces the convention center doesnt fill. Just a bit more expensive.

Be alert walking of course. Its Baltimore.

I park at my daughters, and she drives me over. it's a 10 minute drive and she does not charge me for parking.

OnlyGoldIsMoney

@Catbert said:
Wonder how the new tax will affect attendance.

I commonly purchase coins for less than $1,000 at shows. Applying sales tax to coins will likely keep me away.

LeeBone

@Russell12 said:

@Raufus said:

@epc said:
I have always paid by cash or check. Some (few) dealers also have signage indicating they accept credit cards.
I've been going to Baltimore shows since 2004 (when I re-started collecting). My wife works for Univ of Maryland Baltimore, so I've been able to park in their garages and then walk to the convention center. Recently, I've been street parking closer. I've never had any issue walking in the city (beyond being approached by beggars many years ago), including more than two blocks north of the venue. That said, there is street crime in downtown Baltimore, sometimes violent. Be alert and confident; don't attract attention to yourself. And as others have written, enjoy the show!

Closest, cheapest parking I've found is opposite the federal courthouse across from the convention center. It fills fast.

The garage just past it, which faces the convention center doesnt fill. Just a bit more expensive.

Be alert walking of course. Its Baltimore.

I park at my daughters, and she drives me over. it's a 10 minute drive and she does not charge me for parking.

Nice.
Then I need to catch a ride.
Sheraton was $36 last time.