National Battlefield Coin Show---Gettysburg, PA

tombr

What a great time! Good traffic and lots of very nice coins. It's on for Sunday too, so if you are in the area stop in. Mike Dixon has done a wonderful job----hats off to him and everyone who helped make it possible.

CoinZip

The last count I saw was 973 registration forms......

GBurger717

Like I said in another post. Its a good show. My kid won the 4pm drawing for the limited edition print. She had a blast along with I. Kudos again to the BEP folks for my kid made more friends.

Unknown

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ricko

Sounds as if it was a busy show......Cheers, RickO

ScarsdaleCoin

Funny we must have been at a different show...... in fact we pulled out along with several other dealers as the show IMHO was a mixed bag and completely unorganized.... the location is c- totally disgusting..... people complained about everything from flies circling the tables all day to food that left several people sick to hotels that had dogs running thru the halls to complete mixup on set ups and parking....lack of security, etc etc etc... by 3 oclock just a few people were wondering around and at 5 oclock we pulled out rather then sick around for another day... Sorry doubt this show will survive as many of the dealers I spoke with are not returning next year....

GBurger717

I spoke with you at the show. I gotta say you are correct on the buyers and hotel/food quality but I liked it since it finnaly brought coins to this town and to me. I liked the fact I did not have to fight to see a coin. I herd dealers talking and know exactly what you mean. I will be honest here and tell you the quality in this town in lacking big time and is all about the fast buck from the tourist. I knew what to expect from shows in this town either civil war, coin or gun shows. I would bet the number of locals that showed up was slim to none.

As for security you were dealing with CT cops which is about the same as mall cops and quanity not quality and I can say that since I come from a LE family


All and all I was happy. It gave me something to do but I totally understand why dealers may not be.

GBurger717

I also seen a guy later in the day in the back starting to unpack antique type items. He would have been in your section but one the other end. Did he reserve a table or come in later for fill?

FunwithMPL

I had a great time at the show.

Gettysburg had a lot going on this weekend. And in York PA that is very close had its bike week. Thing were alittle nuts around the area.

GBurger717

Town is always nuts due to tourist that like to drive looking sideways or the horse and buggy rides that go from one end of town to the other going 2mph. As a local you learn to avoid it or use the alleys. It was really crowded this week due to the WWII event at the Eisenhower Historic site. Show was nice but the local economy does not support dealers who set up at shows.

ebaytrader

<< <i>Funny we must have been at a different show...... in fact we pulled out along with several other dealers as the show IMHO was a mixed bag and completely unorganized.... the location is c- totally disgusting..... people complained about everything from flies circling the tables all day to food that left several people sick to hotels that had dogs running thru the halls to complete mixup on set ups and parking....lack of security, etc etc etc... by 3 oclock just a few people were wondering around and at 5 oclock we pulled out rather then sick around for another day... Sorry doubt this show will survive as many of the dealers I spoke with are not returning next year.... >>



Thank you for your candor, Jon.

GBurger717

Anymore feedback from dealers who attended? I stopped in today around 3 and place was empty. Did any public attend today?

PTVETTER

Today (Sunday) was a bust.
However, the public did show up on Saturday.
Dealers walking the floor made the show OK for me, not the buying public.

This was the first show and some kinks need worked out. All in all not too bad.
I'm going to cal Mike tomorrow and talk about some issues.

ScarsdaleCoin

The public did not show up on Sat... here is a pic on Saturday.... 100 dealers 20 public

WTCG

Thought about going to this show initially but the fact there was a bigger show within a 15 minute drive from me strongly influenced that decision.

GBurger717

Let's play. Where is waldo. Can you find me?

PTVETTER

One picture does not tell the story. Its like an edited recording.

Looks like (from the photo) only twenty dealers were there.

If a dealer relays only on retail sales at a show, then that dealer MAY have lower sales than a dealer that does both retail and wholesale.

I will admit that the building is in great need of repair and upgrades.

$3.00 hot dogs? Sheets has 2 for $0.99.

I am sure that things will get better.

One BIG fact is that there is NO sales tax on coins and bullion in PA.

Washington and Baltimore are only 2 hours away BIG benifit and draw for those folks.
Both Maryland and Virginia have taxes.

ScarsdaleCoin

you are correct, one picture does not tell the whole story... but that was the best and nicest pic that I had.....trying to be positive and I always have good show because with little public there, I had more time to spend buying from dealers..... but this show was a dog... you may try to spin it anyway you want.... and if you have pics that show 1,000's of people that I missed....then by all means please post em!

1Mike1

I was hoping for a report including photos that we usually see.

PTVETTER

Good thing you mentioned Dogs.

The Dog show was the day before, and had one in the room next to me.
Why let dogs in rooms? they bark!

TwoSides2aCoin

<< <i>Good thing you mentioned Dogs.

The Dog show was the day before, and had one in the room next to me.
Why let dogs in rooms? they bark! >>



We let coin dealers in and they btich…
Isn't that the same difference ?




Six in one. Half dozen in the other.

TPRC

I had planned to attend and was excited about this show, but unforeseen events kept me away. The reports sound generally disappointing. I do hope the organizers stick with it, and I hope it improves.

GBurger717

I will agree the food was NASTY and way over priced. I purchased a drink for the kid and it was filled halfway and when I brought it to the attention of the worker I was told that "boss only allows us to fill it that much" at that point i askes for my money back and stated that if any restraunt tried that they would be out of business in a week. Food looked like food from a prison and probably tasted like it. If I had that show I would have had it on the hotel on the square where a lot more traffic is.

Broadstruck

Well glancing at the pic there's far more collectors on the floor then the final CoinFest show where you could hear your voice echo when talking to dealers.

kevinj

I though the show had class

Before the doors, opened, a tall gentleman wearing a top hat read the Gettysburg Address, then a woman sang God Bless America and hit every note perfectly,
no one rushed to get into the show, everyone was polite.

Biggest laugh was one of the tubed air vents that every 20 minutes or so would cycle the air using a some type of pulley system, everyone joked that it looked like big rats were running through.

Dealers were laid back and friendly, no one seemed upset or negative. I was able to see many new coins from dealers not normally at Baltimore or other more eastern shows.

They planned this show Sat and Sun, I believe next year they will schedule it for Fri - Sun. Parking was free and easy, and it was only a 2.5 hr drive from Phila.

I was at Larry Briggs table, and wound up helping Larry as he had many collectors wanting to view coins, and Larry was a little overwhelmed.

Most dealers preferred to order out for food, such as pizza. I never eat at any of these shows as the food is normally expensive, always stop at some place on the way home.

I saw a bunch of families there with kids, and heard them announce YN programs during the show, which is always enjoyable to see.

I was there from doors open till 4, did not see a fly or anything else that would make me believe it was not a clean facility.

Overall, I see room for improvement, but I would go again, it was not a bad show, especially for the first time.

Kevin

blu62vette

<< <i>Well glancing at the pic there's far more collectors on the floor then the final CoinFest show where you could hear your voice echo when talking to dealers. >>



We have a local show like that. Makes it almost uncomfortable to talk to dealers it is so quiet.

CoinZip

<< <i>The public did not show up on Sat... here is a pic on Saturday.... 100 dealers 20 public >>



Jon I'm sorry you did not have a pleasant experience. I encourage corrective criticism, I even agree with you on several issues that were substandard, however to insinuate that there was no public is outright ridiculous.

We required everyone to fill out a registration card, and show photo ID to enter the show. This was done primarily for security, it also gives us an accurate count of how many people walked through the doors. The total on Saturday was 1006.

I was busy, very busy and I could make a pretty good argument that either Larry Briggs or I had the worst table location possible. Here is a photo someone emailed me.




edited to add

PTVETTER

I am still fat.

OH well I enjoyed the beer when I drank. ( drink, drank, drunk)

Where are my royalities for my photo.

WTCG

Are there other alternative locations in Gettysburg to host a coin show? Fairground type metal and cinder block sheds are not ideal locations for coin shows. The lighting in that shed looks absolutely atrocious.

JasonRiffeRareCoins

I felt that the show was quite busy and was pleased with the outcome. I did quite a bit of both retail and wholesale business and could barely get away from my table on Saturday. My wife participated in a demonstration of the spider printing press and she had a great time as well. I chatted with several forum members and all seemed to be enjoying themselves. Sure, there were things to improve upon, but it would be preposterous to expect everything to be perfect, especially for a first time show. Overall the show was a success and I look forward to participating in it again next year.

1Mike1

So far it sounds like if certain dealers can move in to the hotel(s) and dictate whether you can have a pet in your room, have their reserved parking space next to the door at the show, walk past fully armed SWAT teams posted at all entrances/exits, have all food catered at less than cost by Wolfgang Puck, have ¾ of the population funneled directly to your hermetically sealed table that is set up to be the first at the entrance to the hall, require each customer to spend no less than $500 on your coins – it would have been EH ok.

sparky64

I generally have an uncluttered schedule and planned on going to this show 11 months ago.
Since then, everything landed on that weekend. I had about 6 things I could have done but my parents 50th wedding anniversary topped the list. Happily btw.

Usually show reports here are roughly the same about any particular show. Everyone has the same conclusions.
I don't recall people having such opposite views. It's like two completely different events.

I'm going with those who are positive and admit to some shortcomings that can be fixed.

I'd also keep in mind that this show was put together by a member(s) here, who I'm sure would welcome any suggestions and/or help.
Seems that would be more productive rather than announcing that many dealers will not be returning.

ScarsdaleCoin

Sparky, I hate to be negative... I tried to make light of a bad situation and listen to dealers around me complain all day long...but I was set up right next to the press (photo above) and that was the 4 oclock big draw which had the biggest crowd of about 25 people and you can count for yourself and note that many of those 25 people were dealers not the public.....

I dont know what or why people are saying 1,000 plus attended...heck you can say 5,000 people attended ...but I was there and I took a count several times and the show did not have nearly that number of people..... it was not a great show SORRY but Im not going to represent something that wasn't .....

Yes truly I am happy that the few people that were there enjoyed themselves....but I will say for sure that myself and many dealers I know are not returning! I feel bad for Michael as Im sure he tried....just a combination of bad location, bad facility....

Paddy54

Sounds to me like sour grapes... first of all I snapped that photo and it was not taken at the four pm drawing. It was taken Saturday at noon so get your facts straight before posting. Next I had several close dealer friends whom were set up at the show of which none complained to me about the set up or traffic. I drove up from Annapolis with a friend of mine and both of us enjoyed the show! We did not come up for the food we came up to buy and sell coin and shop new dealers from other states. Never once did I or my friend hear a negative word......just the post here.
Mike Dixon and company did a great job for a first time event.
A few times I walked away from a table and then returned later as I couldn't get up close to shop the dealers inventory. Between my neighbor and myself spent around 2 k in coins and supplies at the show. We were there from open at 9:30 til 3 pm.
My suggestion to those whom go to a coin show is eat before YOU Go in 53 years of collecting never once have I been server food like you would find in a five star restaurant.....nor have ever purchased coins in one.
Facts are it was a nice fall weekend with lots going on in the area. The show was fun and very enjoyable by this collector.
I will be back next year and plan to attend other shows hosted by Mike and company. Paddy

GBurger717

I will admit that was DURING the drawing. They had one at noon and one at 4. I was present and sitting next to where that pic was shot.

GBurger717

I spent plenty of time at the show. Actually about 80 percnt of the total show I was present and talking with people and I also herd lots of bad things from the dealers. Mind you I liked the show and would go again next week if it was in Gettysburg but I will say that scarsdale coin is telling the truth. The noon raffle had around 40 tickets in the entire raffle with 25 winners each time and the 4pm raffle had around 30. Most of the raffle entries were dealers and I know that for a fact since I spent almost 3 hours total at the press table talking with them. From a dealers side I could see why some are pissed. Cost money for tables, cases, food, hotel and more. From what I know going to shows in this town the crowed was normal but just cause someone walks in the door does NOT mean they will spend money.

If I had to run this show I would host on the hotel on the square in town. More traffic and right in the middle of it all.

BLUEJAYWAY

<< <i>

<< <i>The public did not show up on Sat... here is a pic on Saturday.... 100 dealers 20 public >>



Jon I'm sorry you did not have a pleasant experience. I encourage corrective criticism, I even agree with you on several issues that were substandard, however to insinuate that there was no public is outright ridiculous.

We required everyone to fill out a registration card, and show photo ID to enter the show. This was done primarily for security, it also gives us an accurate count of how many people walked through the doors. The total on Saturday was 1006.

I was busy, very busy and I could make a pretty good argument that either Larry Briggs or I had the worst table location possible. Here is a photo someone emailed me.




edited to add

>>

Is this common practice at most Coin Shows to require a photo ID to enter? As I only attend our local show this is the only barometer I can use as a gauge. I've never had to show photo ID to attend. Just what is the reason (s) for doing this or not requiring this?

MICHAELDIXON

I found the statement that 20 people attended to be absolutely ludicrous. There were attendees from 17 states, the District of Columbia and Canada. The total was 1323 attendees, which included 37 who attended both days and 19 who refused to provide an address, but showed a photo identification. If you take out the 37 who attended both days, the total would be 1286. I do not know what show Scarsdale or GBurger717 attended, but it must not have been the Inaugural National Battlefield Coin Show™ in Gettysburg on September 20th and 21st. For verification, call a dealer who doesn't have an ax to grind: Al Johnbrier, Reeded Edge, Jason Riffe, Lopez & Associates, Butternut, Gemini Numismatics, David Kahn, Argent, Main Line Coin, C.E. Bullowa, etc. A major dealer told me on Saturday evening: "Whenever the doors opened, it was like black Friday in the mall; it never stopped!"

95% of the dealers said they would be back. Larry Briggs had a fantastic show and said he would return, except he was committed to Tinley Park (Chicago) on the same weekend next year. Larry, in my opinion, had the worst table on the floor. He was the last dealer on the right hand side facing the wall. Another said he had more retail sales in Gettysburg than he has ever had in Baltimore, but his dealer to dealer was only about 75% of Baltimore. He rationalized that to be the high collector turnout which did not provide him with enough time to go dealer to dealer.

Monday through Friday there was a dog show in the convention center, which prohibited us from setting up on Friday. The crew at the center did the best they could to get it cleaned and arranged by 6am on Saturday morning. Next year there is no dog show prior to the coin show. The hotel wasn't four star, but I have no complaints with my room.

The food at the Event Complex was costly, but not bad overall. I personally ate the cheeseburgers and pizza, both of which I normally do not eat, but I found them palatable. The complex did not provide epicurean delights! (LOL)

The 2015 show will be bigger and better, and Alan, Bill and I personally invite you. We have dealer applications with deposits for next year from good, solid dealers. 2 dealers who did not come to the show and told me it would be a bust showed up Saturday morning and both congratulated Bill, Alan and I on putting on a successful show. Both said they regretted not setting up at the show and said they will be setting up next year.

I made a response in October 2013 to GBurger717's post in my thread about the Gettysburg Show which read: GBurger717, You make it sound as if the sky is falling in Gettysburg. Thanks for the downer! I frequent the outlet shoppes often and find them to have decent prices. Decent, not yardsale prices. So the negativity which he exhibited in this thread was expected.

The naysayers will be out there, and there is nothing you can do about it. Come to the show and see for yourself on September 10-12, 2015. Please plan to attend, and you will be delighted like the majority of those who attended this year.

tombr

I guess it's time to chime in. I am the one that started this thread and I really meant what I said in my first post. I was at the appraisal desk on Saturday with a gentleman named Paul. While we did not have a lot of traffic at the appraisal desk we did see a few nice things. One man had several key dates, 1877 Indian, 1909-S Indian, 1909-S Lincoln, 1916-D Mercury as well as the 1921. They were circulated and we were happy to see them. Another man had an interesting 1922 Peace Dollar with a great strike and a 1878 Morgan that was fake---he knew this and was testing us I think. There was a gentleman that searches through rolls of pennies and showed us some minor striking errors. This is what collecting is all about. On the bourse I saw THREE--that's right THREE 1892 micro O Barber halves. I did buy a V-Nickel from a very nice lady in a red dress and some silver eagles from a Delaware dealer. This was the inaugural show and while it wasn't perfect a great effort was put into it and Mike and his partners will strive to repeat and improve next year. I'll be there--that's for sure!

CoinZip

Here is a show report from Reeded Edge.

CoinZip

duplicate post

msassin

I think this years show opened today...any reports? (# of tables)

I was unable to attend last year, but I might try to stop out this weekend.