Coin Shows or Bust

BSHINC

I am new to the Forums,only in posting. I have been reading them for months. I figured if anyone would be able to help, It would be all of you.
I have multiple sets that I have been working on for quite sometime. Many coins that I am seeking are low pop coins that you normally do not find on some of the auction sites. My question is this:
1-Are Coin Shows a better option to pick up the better coins that are low pops?
2-Which coin shows have you all been to and would recommend?

I do live out on the West Coast area.
Any comments would be more than welcome.

Bill
BSHINC COLLECTION

Stooge

Well, I havn't been to the west coast to any of the major shows, but I hear the Long Beach show, which seams to be held quite frequently, is a GREAT show and PCGS is usually there. I usually go to the minor or local coin shows around the N. Illinois area. There are usually 1 show w/in 100 miles of my house every w/e. I would get a CoinWorld issue and check the coin show listings in the back, or post on the U.S. Coin Forum and ask about shows in your area.

As far as the coins at the shows: I hold a rule of thumb that the more "Major" a show the better the coins. I go to the Rockford, Il. show and usually have to settle for Raw stuff. It has about 30 tables or so. Its an OK show, and beats not going to a show at all. I've been to the Chicago midwest coin expo and look forward to that show. It has about 100 tables, and is really nice. A.N.R. (American Numismatic Rarities) usually holds an auction at this show.

I drove across country to get to the major A.N.A. show in Baltimore back in 2003 and stayed the w/e. It was GREAT! If you can't find what you are looking for at an A.N.A. show, well it just may not be up for sale or auction.

Hope this helps and again WELCOME TO THE BOARDS!

Later, Paul.

Parkekal

I have only been to a few shows, but I can tell you that the Long Beach show and the big ANA shows always have some interesting coins. I personally watch the Heritage Coins website and R&I coins depending on what you are looking for. Ask people that have or are collecitng the same issues who they deal with. Edson Santos, a big collector of Kennedy halves - and Lou DiCoccio, another big NGC collector lead me to some great relationsihps to find coins that were difficult to find anywhere else.

Keep asking around and let people know more specifically the kinds of things you are looking for. Then it is easier to help.

Best of luck to you.