Contemplating going to Baltimore

laxmaster92

Im thinking about going to Baltimore if my dad would take me. For all of those who have been to a maj ANA show, can you please give me your insight on going to a show like this? Like to do I need to register? PAy to get in? Buying techniques? Basically everything to know about going to the ANA Baltimore show.

Thanks

ambro51

1000 Zillion Gold Coins

No Prices On Anything


You will love the internet a lot more afterwards.

doh

The largest shows I've been to make you register when you get there and they give you a nametag. I don't mind this as it helps establish relationships with dealers. The best part about large shows is that you'll meet people you've dealt with online. I have bought from a number of online dealers and when I introduced myself in person most of them remembered me. They showed me their NewPs and just seemed a lot nicer because they knew me (and knew I had money to spend I guess, haha). It's a great experience to visit a big show at least once a year IMHO.

yellowjacket

I'm always like a kid in a candy shop when I go to Baltimore. Come with the thought of meeting people, looking at a LOT of coins, and learning much! There's no charge and you register at the desk before entering the bourse.

If you like coins, do come. You'll enjoy the experience.
Garrow

RickMilauskas

Go...it's mind boggling and sensory overload but quite a fascinating experience.

Overall...a great opportunity to meet people you have dealt with here and elsewhere on the internet.

kranky

Entire convention schedule is at this link at money.org. There's a lot more to it than just the dealer area. You don't pay to get in but you have to register there to get an admission badge. I think there is a charge for the all-day classes on Monday and Tuesday. When you get to the show they will give you a convention program with more details.

Make sure you check out the exhibits, and allow enough time to enjoy them.

FullStrike

Very interesting and Educational.

Observe the Dealers very closely - that would be the most interesting and Educational aspect in my opinion.

Some are very friendly and helpful. A few are sneaky, shifty and remind one of a used-car salesman.

Watch out for the ones that try to run shell games on you. The New York Guy will be on my personal list for a long time ( don't want to put his name out in public ).

Quarternut

Can't recommend a better show to attend! A Baltimore ANA is not to be missed! Luckily my first ANA was a Baltimore show, I have been hooked ever since. Even though I live 3000 mile away form there I will not miss one if at all possible.

As to the answer to your questions, Yes, you will have to register and get a name tag to get into the show. No, it doesn't cost anything to get in (unless you wish to pay for an "early bird" pass). Plan to spend at least a full day and preferably two as there are around 500 or more dealers tables to visit (someone please correct me if I am wrong about that #), and many meetings of different societies and clubs as well as many programs and presentations to listen to on multiple subjects. I would recommend either Thursday/Friday or Friday/Saturday.

Can't tell you about buying techniques as it depends on what you are interested in. One thing a lot of collectors like to do is make a quick run by all of the tables to try to score that great coin before someone else does, and then go back to spend more time with the 4 or 5 best tables that have the items you are looking for. After you go to a few of these shows you will learn what dealers to hit first as they will have more of the items you want.

Go, experiance it, and enjoy!

YaHa

A few things if I may, no guns, bite your lip when taking to the dealers and lastly have a fat wallet. Unless you have a rare coin or gold don't bring coins to trade dealers are nasty old crows that think you are a wussie and will take avantage of you.

Other than that, it's a wonder place to add coins to your collection and see all of the different type of coins in the world. Enjoy.

Raufus

The only things the I can add to the previous posts are:

1) I have to take issue with the no guns comment. If you're a sworn public LEO, feel free to carry as Balto. City PD does security at the show and has no problem with it at all.

2) The food is a total rip off. Take some time to run down to Harbor Place for lunch, esp. if it's nice out. The Balto. Inner Harbor is great. If you have the time Aquarium is NOT to be missed!

3) I always enjoy looking at the ultra-high value stuff that I'll never be able to afford (i.e., Ultra High Relief Saint, Stellas, MS grade Continental Dollars in silver, brass, etc.....). I've always been pleasently suprised at how the sellers of these coins are happy to let you look at these coins and to discuss them with you.

GREAT SHOW, highly recommend that you go!

thisnamztaken

When you register, they usually have a raffle/give-away for a nice coin that you can enter for free. There is usually a lot of other freebie stuff being handed out at major shows, such as free sample slabs at the TPG's tables (if you don't see them, ask about them, and they'll usually dig one up for you) free copies of the various coin and paper money publications, etc.

Unless you have a photographic memory, be sure to take a good pen and a small note pad that will fit in your shirt pocket. That way you can make notes as to which dealer/table number had good examples of the coin series/price range you're looking for. After you've made a fairly quick walk around the hundreds of dealers, you can then easily go back to the table #'s you wrote down.

Try to avoid the temptation of getting bogged down at any one dealer's case for very long until you've made a general survey of the entire bourse floor first.

bronze6827

I HIGHLY recommend any Baltimore show, especially with the ANA. The show has become enormous in the past few years. You won't be disappointed.

DaveG

You'll find the ANA show overwhelming, unless you've been to a major show before.

Either know what you want and focus on it, or, spend a lot of time browsing up and down the aisles.

As far as buying technique goes, just ask the dealer for his best price. Once he gives it to you, either pay it or say you need to look around some more.

Also, don't pass up the opportunity to go to some of the specialty clubs and see the exhibits.

Goldbully

The Lexington Market.......225 years in business!!!

Must goto establishment for lunch.............6 or so blocks away from the Baltimore Convention Center.

You can also jump on the Light Rail if you are in a hurry!!!

Incredible food choices, and amazing free live music at lunch time!!!!

Lexington Market Link

LeeBone

I`ll be there on Sat. June 7th.

Hope to find something "special".

Good show to attend, IMO.

mrearlygold

Crabs crabs crabs ummm ummm ummmmm

TavernTreasures

the wharf rat brew pub

If you or dad are old enough to like good beers...try the Wharf Rat Brew Pub and Restaurant (which is diagonally across the street from the convention center). Nice.........brews made on the premises and good food.

RedTiger

Make out a list and research pricing before you go. Have high priority items and backup items if it seems likely that you won't find the primary wants.

Look up some of the tables from forum member dealers and chat about coins if it is not busy. Talk about the series you are most interested in. Information and contacts will do you more good than buying a few coins at a single show. By going to forum member tables, you'll likely be treated better than the average teenager walking up to an average table at a huge show.

/edit to add: if it is slow, most dealers are more than willing to chat, especially with a young person that shows an interest in learning. If it is busy, that is another matter, come back when it isn't so busy. Table activity is one gauge of how competitive the pricing is. Of course, high end dealers with very expensive coins aren't going to have as much traffic as others, but it is one measure. An observant person that sees a consistent crowd with money changing hands at certain tables might pick up on it.

rhedden

The Baltimore show is overwhelming due to the size and number of dealers. Have a gameplan before you go- know exactly what you're looking for and the most you will pay. You will find very few coins on the bourse priced less than full-blown retail, due to the high expense for dealers to travel to these shows and get a table (what is the going rate on a small table at Baltimore- I'm guessing $900?). Also be prepared to pay 5% Maryland sales tax on purchases under $1000, unless the rules have changed recently; and reputable dealers will not overlook the tax. I'd say that 75% of my purchases at Baltimore shows came from the auctions, and I even paid high prices for those (while bidding against mostly dealers, mind you). This is still a great show to attend, to meet people and talk coins. Just don't expect dealers to sell you their wares straight off the greysheet, or you'll be going home empty-handed.