Why even go to coin shows?

DollarAfterDollar

I just got back from the Palatine Illinois N.O.I.S.E. monthly coin show. Now granted, it's a small local monthly show with maybe 20-25 local area Dealers but, the offerings are low end, common date, barely BU dreck or slabbed coins that have minimal eye appeal in many cases. There's a significant offering of type coins in circulated grades too but that's not why I go.

I realize that there are costs involved in table fees, travel and time that a Seller should be able to recover but a 1955 "S" Lincoln in a stapled 2x2 isn't worth $15.

I've never seen a member of the public walk in to sell more than a few coins. Why do these guys even bother?

/end rant

DIMEMAN

Small coin shows are usually are just a gathering of friends with no expectations of finding anything worthwhile.

But you never know when you will find that variety that has eluded you for years. I know this for a fact.

Cougar1978

I enjoy going to coin shows with a set amount to spend and come away with coins. It gets my mind off things that could be stressing me and directs my money in a positive direction - coins not some entertainment venue that once the money is spent, its gone forever.

ElmerFusterpuck

A bad day at a coin show is better than a good day at home mowing the lawn, fixing a faucet, cleaning the bathroom... etc.

DaveG

Are you asking why the dealers go to a small, local coin show or why collectors go to a small, local coin show?

In the case of the dealers, while it may not look like much is happening, there's a lot going on under the surface that a casual collector will never see. The dealers trade among themselves and the wholesale dealers make the rounds, too. The show may also provide an opportunity for the dealers to see each other and exchange market intelligence and gossip.

There's also the possibility that a member of the public will bring in some interesting coins.

DennisH

Why do people choose to spend time, money and effort on all of the various things they choose to do?
To each our own, and it doesn't have to make sense to anyone else.

Wabbit2313

I thought the same thing at the last small show I was at. Then I found a bunch of Redfield's and all was good again!

Dkillett

One reason I like going to coin shows is the opportunity to add coins to my collection. It's so much better to actually hold a coin in hand than to look at pictures of the coin. I don't always find something I need at shows, but then I also have the opportunity to interact with other collectors and dealers. I guess I'm saying a coin show is a more personal experience.

Just my 2 cents.

BillJones

While it's true that most small shows don't yield very much, sometimes you get a surprise. I am trying to collect an English coin for as many kings or queens as possible. A year or so ago I was stilling looking for a Queen Elizabeth II gold set for not much over melt. I had seen a few, but the boxes and capsules were usually messed up and even the coins were sometimes not very nice with dirt and junk in capsules, spots and hairlines.

I was at a local show that my local club holds about four times a year when I ran into a 1986 United Kingdom set that very nicely preserved. The box was absolutely pristine; the coins were very nice with no marks or spots, and it even came with the original plastic protective sleeve. The price was pretty close to melt, so I bought it.

I think that at lot of collectors who never go to shows, are not grading experts and think they are getting good deals over the Internet are rising for a fall. Grading from pictures is dicey to be with, and not knowing how to grade or spot problems increases your risk. When you go to a show, you might run into so expert dealers or collectors who can help you learn how to grade coins and see if you have bought to not so obvious problems. That's how I learned many years ago.

Buying stuff on the Internet can be like buying coins from ads through the mail years ago. Unless you get some solid knowledge about spotting problems you might be burying yourself deep in a lot of stuff that is not worth anything like what you are paying for it. Contact with experienced people can help you learn and avoid that.

BillJones

<< <i>Are you asking why the dealers go to a small, local coin show or why collectors go to a small, local coin show?

In the case of the dealers, while it may not look like much is happening, there's a lot going on under the surface that a casual collector will never see. The dealers trade among themselves and the wholesale dealers make the rounds, too. The show may also provide an opportunity for the dealers to see each other and exchange market intelligence and gossip.

There's also the possibility that a member of the public will bring in some interesting coins. >>



When I was working the small shows, I made contacts with collectors and worked on the want lists. Would you think that you could buy an 1895-P Morgan Dollar in PR-63 at a small show? I sold one at a small show to a want list customer. Of course he had asked for it ahead of time so no one knew I had it because it was not offered in the case, but it was there. I have grossed as much as $60,000 at a small show, mostly from want list work, but not all of it. There is often more going on at coin shows than meets the eye.

SaorAlba

Ah come on, where is the fun? Where else will you find a bunch of anti-social, obese, and smelly middle aged or older guys?

LindeDad

<< <i>A bad day at a coin show is better than a good day at home mowing the lawn, fixing a faucet, cleaning the bathroom... etc. >>



Your Angie's List items right.

SeattleSlammer

<< <i>It's so much better to actually hold a coin in hand than to look at pictures of the coin. >>




+1

JJSingleton

<< <i>A bad day at a coin show is better than a good day at home mowing the lawn, fixing a faucet, cleaning the bathroom... etc. >>

+1

ricko

I always enjoyed coin shows...large and small. Now that I live where there are NONE, I really miss them....Cheers, RickO

Type2

I like going just to kick the tires. Look BS pick a bit see what's coming up for auction and so on. But I'm a bit off as well.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>I just got back from the Palatine Illinois N.O.I.S.E. monthly coin show. Now granted, it's a small local monthly show with maybe 20-25 local area Dealers but, the offerings are low end, common date, barely BU dreck or slabbed coins that have minimal eye appeal in many cases. There's a significant offering of type coins in circulated grades too but that's not why I go.

I realize that there are costs involved in table fees, travel and time that a Seller should be able to recover but a 1955 "S" Lincoln in a stapled 2x2 isn't worth $15.

I've never seen a member of the public walk in to sell more than a few coins. Why do these guys even bother?

/end rant >>



To see the "wholesalers", duh!

golden

<< <i>A bad day at a coin show is better than a good day at home mowing the lawn, fixing a faucet, cleaning the bathroom... etc. >>

TwoSides2aCoin

I tell Jackson from J+J every few weeks when he buys from me or stops in to deliver something …, "Man, I'd rather be at the shows, John".
Edit to add: I tell Tom Reynolds the same thing, on the rare occasion he visits.

bosco5041

I feel that way. I get up, travel 60 miles one way to the show, eat out and then go home. It shoots a half day and usually do not buy much at all because there isn't much to buy except low end stuff or stuff that I can buy just as cheap on the internet. I still like to go every couple of months or so because like someone said you just never know. The larger shows are a different story.

coinkat

Some coin shows can produce unusual material... And you will not know unless you look and even ask.

rhedden

I prefer local/regional shows, as long as there are at least 15 dealers present. I find larger shows like Baltimore to be very "picked over" by the time the show opens to the general public. I have gotten most of my good buys at smaller shows where there is less competition.

leothelyon

<but a 1955 "S" Lincoln in a stapled 2x2 isn't worth $15. >

Not much has been said about this? Heck, it could be worth $200, depends how it grades.

WaterSport

Did you check to see if that 55 S was an S/S/S. ?...I would easily pay $15 if it was....Thats why I got to ANY show. Heck, I came back from Long Beach with nothing to show. But I was sure hoping!

WS

Coinosaurus

I've been to this show as well. Last time saw a raw 1853-O A&R 25c in "AU" with a $2K price tag. That coin will sit in that case for probably ten years before any is even serious about buying it.

It's better than *no* coin show, but I probably won't be going back anytime soon.

coindeuce

Sometimes, going to a show just to pay attention to the other patrons is more worthwhile and beneficial than paying attention to the dealers. Have you never heard of networking, or are you a total introvert ? Whaddya think being here in this forum serves ?

Mellamobradley46

I got just to get a few hours away from my nagging wife and the punk kids.

DollarAfterDollar

The 1955 "S" lincoln is just a $2 or $3 coin. That's the point, there's nothing really special. Just overpriced widgets. If I were a Dealer I'd just buy in at a bigger show and mow the grass on my Sundays.

Walkerfan

I love going to shows, even when I don't find anything. It is a fun way to spend an afternoon, while having good conversations, looking and networking.

ksuscott

I went to my local show today and have to agree. Most of it was low grade, overpriced, and common date. Every once in a while you find something good though. I guess that's why I still go...just for the hunt and thrill of a good find. I ended up picking up a couple of toners today and think I got a very good deal.

Icollecteverything

I think coin shows are great and one place where I can see many thousands of coins right in my greedy little hands.

I always encourage new collectors to go to shows because you can learn a lot about collecting and the business of buying and selling.

LanceNewmanOCC

<< <i>Why do these guys even bother?

/end rant >>



what you see and what happens behind the scene are separated by light years of distance/time.

if you know people, are knowledgeable, know how to dig, etc.... it is astonishing what can happen for you/others. you KNOW what i mean?

there is much more to be said but the archives already have said it more and better than this post.
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