How is EAC Different From Other Coin Shows?

Coinosaurus

I'm headed to my first EAC in a few short weeks. What should I expect? Is there a secret "copper code" that I need to know about? Will I look wierd if I'm not carrying around a dog-eared Sheldon book? Will everyone laugh at me if I don't know all the NCs by heart?

RYK

I spent a couple days at the EAC show when it was in my hometown a few years ago. If I can get through it without being ridiculed, you will have no problem (so long as you also purchase a Chain cent while you are there ).

TheRegulator

At a typical coin show, most of the copper you see at every table sucks.

At an EAC convention, there will be table after table of nothing but copper that makes you say "wow".

MidLifeCrisis

<< <i>At an EAC convention, there will be table after table of nothing but copper that makes you say "wow". >>


Although I haven't been to one yet, I suspect most of the copper will also be raw.

Bochiman

<< <i>

<< <i>At an EAC convention, there will be table after table of nothing but copper that makes you say "wow". >>


Although I haven't been to one yet, I suspect most of the copper will also be raw. >>




Heh....I went to LakeSammman's favorite dealer in downtown Seattle last week. Was asking what half-cents he had. We got talking about plastic and the fact that much of the early copper is "freed" from the plastic tomb whenever an EACer gets hold of it....almost like a zealousness

TwoSides2aCoin

It's possible to see a camel hair brush. It's standard equipment with any serious EACer.




I'm just rallying the troops.

airplanenut

Every grade will make you think "instant upgrade" at the slab factory

Shamika

Why is it EAC'ers hate plastic? I'm not disagreeing with them, but it's a curious difference.

COALPORTER

<< <i>Why is it EAC'ers hate plastic? I'm not disagreeing with them, but it's a curious difference. >>



I think they like to be able to weigh the coin and/or see the rim? and they like to oil, bush, and wisper to it

MidLifeCrisis

<< <i>Why is it EAC'ers hate plastic? I'm not disagreeing with them, but it's a curious difference. >>


I think the biggest reason must be that EACers don't agree with TPG grades. EACers are much more conservative/critical.

Also, slabbed coins are hard to brush.

okracer

Some even "grade" coins with a different scale.

I asked one prominent EAC'er...."Whats the grade on that coin?"

He replied "$500"

I asked "I meant the 'grade' "

He said, "yes , I know...the grade on this one is '$500' "

....the ultimate in market grading!!!

ocon4008

I see the convention is in Annapolis, Maryland in April but there are no other details; where is it being held?

ElKevvo

The 2010 EAC Convention is April 21-25 and at the Doubletree Hotel Annapolis 210 Holiday Court, Annapolis MD 21401, 410-224-3150.

I have only been to one, 2 years ago when it was in Irving Texas (got a small travel budget!)...it was a great show and I really enjoyed the people and the coins. If you like early copper you will like the EAC and the convention!

K

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>

<< <i>At an EAC convention, there will be table after table of nothing but copper that makes you say "wow". >>



Although I haven't been to one yet, I suspect most of the copper will also be raw. >>



I would say it was about 50/50 last year.

bidask

Actually the idea of grading coins by the price one asks has merit imo.

BillJones

I've been to more than dozen EAC shows, and I've spoken at four or five of them. This year I will give a talk on collecting the early half dimes from 1792 to 1805. Why am I talking about silver? The EAC now holds their convention with the John Reich Society collectors as well.

For its size the EAC show spends more time on education than any other convention. Collectors bring items that they have purchased and new varieties that they have discovered. There is a “happening” night at which collectors bring coins of certain die varieties to compare grades. You will see some amazingly rare and high grade coins at these events. In the world of copper there will be world class copper to see. But you will see a lot of “collector grade” coins as well. Very few EAC people are snobs.

The EAC show is different from any other show that you might attend. The dealers go there with the attitude that they are going to spend a lot of talking with collectors and exchanging information. Yes the dealers are there to make money, but it’s also a more relaxed atmosphere. Selling is important, but it’s not the ONLY thing.

The size of the show will disappoint some people. The bourse is usually about as large as good sized local show, BUT the quality of the material will be MUCH higher. There will be far more early U.S. coins offered as a percentage than at any other show. Sure there will be a few modern coins offered, but if you are looking to buy common date Proof sets and the like, you probably will not find them.

I’ve bought items other than copper at EAC shows. Years ago I bought this 1838-C quarter eagle an EAC convention. I’ve also purchased some pre-Federal coins as well.



There is an EAC auction, but you MUST be an EAC member BEFORE the convention to participate. The grading at that auction is more conservative that you will ever see in an auction, but the prices are usually quite strong. You can bid with confidence on most anything and know that it is graded properly, but things usually don't sell cheaply.

As for why many EAC people don't care for slabbing, there are three things that come to mind. First EAC grades are more conservative for the most part. Second, EAC people don't like plastic holders because they think that they are moisture traps. Third EAC people like to handle their coins and examine them "in the buff." They want to look at the edge and the surfaces without the plastic getting in the way.

quickwing

<< <i>Why is it EAC'ers hate plastic? I'm not disagreeing with them, but it's a curious difference. >>



I think there is a strong preference for a coin in a kraft envelope with small notations written in green ink.

shorecoll

The difference? There will be more G-MS copper coins dated 1793 and 1794 at this small local show than most of the big shows you've heard discussed on these boards. That's actually only likely true when the big shows aren't auctioning an EAC set (think Holmes).

Quarternut

The main difference I noticed when I went to my first EAC show, was the way it was much more laid back and less hectic.

It seemed that it was much nicer to just look at and study coins with no pressure to buy, buy, buy...

There are neat presentations (such as yours) and rooms dedicated to a particular coin/die marriage/error/etc. for collectors to study. The dinner that they put on is free to everyone and wonderful as well.

I wish I was able to go this year, I know you will enjoy it!

QN