Which coin show sponsor has the better chance of increasing hobby interest?
RogerB
Posts: 8,852 ✭✭✭✭✭
Coin shows fall into two categories: ANA sponsored and privately sponsored.
Personal observations of ANA sponsored shows are that they have much more attractive displays and participant variety. However, they are also archaic, hide-bound and lacking in innovation. Maybe it's the oppressive bureaucracy of ANA?
Privately sponsored shows seem to be stark, bland affairs closely related to funerals held in a parking garage than anything interesting. (The PCGS show seems a little more convivial - but it's members-only kind of like Mar-a-Lego Club in Florida.) But, private sponsors are not bound by tradition, inertia, or rapid change to meet new markets.
What do members think?
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Comments
Experience in many other areas, shows me that the private shows can be more innovative - except they generally are set up as business endeavors. If large shows, such as FUN, Long Beach, Baltimore, would get innovative, they could start a real change and create a dynamic that would foster growth in the hobby and attendance at shows. Cheers, RickO
Are US Mint displays and releases mostly at ANA shows, like the gold Kennedy?
I am not a fan of the ANA shows at all. When I thought about exhibiting at the Mid Winter show last year, I found out I had to have a hole drilled into my case to participate. Forget it! FUN gives out bigger prizes, and you don’t have all the games.
The ANA is a totally hide bound organization that has tons of rules for dealers and contribution system for table space that borders on extortion. It’s no wonder that some many dealers seem grumpy at the ANA. You have to pay a fortune and follow the rules for what is billed as the “best show of the year” … NOT so far as I’m concerned. The last Mid Winter was total bust for me so far as the material that was on the bourse floor. I’m sure the big ANA is better, but usually I have sit on a plane for hours to get to it.
The FUN shows are FAR BETTER. They are really dealer friendly, and I can speak for that from experience.
The Baltimore show is privately run, and it seems okay to me. There have been meetings and lectures by top experts, and the dealers generally seem to be happy.
Honestly, I’ve been to both and haven’t noticed much of a difference. I’m there to look at coins in the auction and peruse the bourse. If socializing or educational activities/meetings are more important to you, there’s probably a bigger difference.
I haven't been to any of the shows referenced. I did go to CoinFest in Connecticut one year and really loved it. Unfortunately it ended. I've been to the Danbury show once and a small local show in Fishkill, NY. Both were fun but small. I am hoping to get to Danbury again but the Fishkill show was a one and done. Aside from the size I really don't know what could be improved on.