@MasonG said:
My point is that people attend coin shows for various reasons and some people discount some of those reasons because those reasons don't benefit the discounter.
Getting back to the topic of this thread, I'd never have thought that somebody proposing a new show in a location that doesn't traditionally hold one would generate so many complaints.
True.
Not really "complaints." More like criticisms.
TBD whether or not they will turn out the be valid. But isn't that the whole point of the forum? To discuss.
Also, not a brand new show, but a relocation of an existing, popular show to a different, more expensive, less convenient for many location, at a less ideal time. Not just an extra, take it or leave it show.
And the sales tax. I'm surprised no one's mentioned that.
Baltimore has a sales tax on all purchases under $1000.
NY city has a sales tax on ALL non-bullion purchases of any amount.
The ANA has held a few successful shows in NYC, despite the sales tax. I think everyone loved them (except having the bourse floor split up).
@MasonG said:
My point is that people attend coin shows for various reasons and some people discount some of those reasons because those reasons don't benefit the discounter.
Getting back to the topic of this thread, I'd never have thought that somebody proposing a new show in a location that doesn't traditionally hold one would generate so many complaints.
True.
Not really "complaints." More like criticisms.
TBD whether or not they will turn out the be valid. But isn't that the whole point of the forum? To discuss.
Also, not a brand new show, but a relocation of an existing, popular show to a different, more expensive, less convenient for many location, at a less ideal time. Not just an extra, take it or leave it show.
And the sales tax. I'm surprised no one's mentioned that.
Baltimore has a sales tax on all purchases under $1000.
NY city has a sales tax on ALL non-bullion purchases of any amount.
The ANA has held a few successful shows in NYC, despite the sales tax. I think everyone loved them (except having the bourse floor split up).
When? In the 1940s? 🤣
1997 and 2002, I believe.
And before that, 1976, 1952 and 1939. So we're due, right? So where is it?
Maybe, just maybe, the world changed. And, with it, sales tax exemptions for coins and bullion became a thing, and NYC moved on from large national coin shows.
Which makes the statement about "a few successful shows in NYC, despite the sales tax" in a bygone era entirely irrelevant to us here, now, given that no one is holding a major coin show in NYC in the foreseeable future.
@NJCoin said:
The answer to your question is, rhetorical or not, no show at all.
You think there should be no show because YOU don't like the arrangements? Dude- YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO. Have you considered that possibly, other people might have a different thought on that?
@NJCoin said:
The answer to your question is, rhetorical or not, no show at all.
You think there should be no show because YOU don't like the arrangements? Dude- YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO. Have you considered that possibly, other people might have a different thought on that?
Actually, no, so please don't put words in my mouth. I happen to think it won't be successful, but I absolutely don't think "there should be no show," and never said anything of the sort. I will NEVER tell anyone who wants to pour their time and money into a coin show that they should not, just because I won't be going.
I don't go to most shows. And, heaven knows, no show needs me to be successful. That's not the point. At all.
I get why Whitman wants to maintain its cadence of 3 shows, and why it will consequently push this one. Hard.
I won't be going, and absolutely understand that others will. Dealers who have a commitment to Whitman. Dealers who won't be impacted by the sales tax. Anyone proximate to DC.
That will still leave plenty of people who make November in Baltimore successful who need to be convinced that DC in February will be worth their time and money. Again, a month after Orlando and a month before VA Beach. TBD. You already have my prediction.
@NJCoin said:
Actually, no, so please don't put words in my mouth. I happen to think it won't be successful, but I absolutely don't think "there should be no show," and never said anything of the sort.
Me: "What's the better option- being able to go to a show where you can view coins for sale that may be taxed, or not having a show at all?" July 26, 2026 5:56PM
You: "The answer to your question is, rhetorical or not, no show at all." July 26, 2026 6:26PM
@NJCoin said:
Actually, no, so please don't put words in my mouth. I happen to think it won't be successful, but I absolutely don't think "there should be no show," and never said anything of the sort.
Me: "What's the better option- being able to go to a show where you can view coins for sale that may be taxed, or not having a show at all?"
You: "The answer to your question is, rhetorical or not, no show at all."
Right. I wouldn't go to the show at all. Doesn't mean you shouldn't, if you don't care about sales taxes.
We'll see. If the show is great, I was wrong. And, if it sucks, let's see if Whitman keeps going back to accommodate those who want to "view coins for sale that may be taxed."
Again, I would choose no show. Doesn't mean I would presume to tell anyone not to have one if they want to. Sorry if I wasn't clear about that.
FYI… regarding the tax in DC:
The current District of Columbia's sales tax on tangible personal property and taxable services is 6.0%.
Upcoming Change: The rate is scheduled to increase from 6.0% to 7.0% beginning October 1, 2026.
@MasonG said:
My point is that people attend coin shows for various reasons and some people discount some of those reasons because those reasons don't benefit the discounter.
Getting back to the topic of this thread, I'd never have thought that somebody proposing a new show in a location that doesn't traditionally hold one would generate so many complaints.
True.
Not really "complaints." More like criticisms.
TBD whether or not they will turn out the be valid. But isn't that the whole point of the forum? To discuss.
Also, not a brand new show, but a relocation of an existing, popular show to a different, more expensive, less convenient for many location, at a less ideal time. Not just an extra, take it or leave it show.
And the sales tax. I'm surprised no one's mentioned that.
Baltimore has a sales tax on all purchases under $1000.
NY city has a sales tax on ALL non-bullion purchases of any amount.
The ANA has held a few successful shows in NYC, despite the sales tax. I think everyone loved them (except having the bourse floor split up).
When? In the 1940s? 🤣
1997 and 2002, I believe.
And before that, 1976, 1952 and 1939. So we're due, right? So where is it?
Maybe, just maybe, the world changed. And, with it, sales tax exemptions for coins and bullion became a thing, and NYC moved on from large national coin shows.
Which makes the statement about "a few successful shows in NYC, despite the sales tax" in a bygone era entirely irrelevant to us here, now, given that no one is holding a major coin show in NYC in the foreseeable future.
The issue with NYC (and Boston, I believe) is that it is impossible to get large enough floor space to have everyone on the same floor in one room. That was a problem with the 2010 Boston ANA (which I personally thought was excellent) and why they never went back.
The ANA can’t seem to book, for example, the Javits Convention Center, which may be the only venue in NYC capable of holding an ANA show on one floor in one room. Otherwise, it would be multiple rooms in hotel space somewhere, like the NYINC show.
Boston has a new-ish convention center where the international stamp show was just held, so maybe that will allow the ANA to go there, assuming the price is within reason and there is availability.
I very distinctly remember that everyone liked the 1997 ANA in NYC so much that they were clamoring to go back, which is why they did an encore in 2002. The sales tax situation hasn’t changed since then.
@MasonG said:
My point is that people attend coin shows for various reasons and some people discount some of those reasons because those reasons don't benefit the discounter.
Getting back to the topic of this thread, I'd never have thought that somebody proposing a new show in a location that doesn't traditionally hold one would generate so many complaints.
True.
Not really "complaints." More like criticisms.
TBD whether or not they will turn out the be valid. But isn't that the whole point of the forum? To discuss.
Also, not a brand new show, but a relocation of an existing, popular show to a different, more expensive, less convenient for many location, at a less ideal time. Not just an extra, take it or leave it show.
And the sales tax. I'm surprised no one's mentioned that.
Baltimore has a sales tax on all purchases under $1000.
NY city has a sales tax on ALL non-bullion purchases of any amount.
It's already been discussed.
To be honest, it doesn't seem all that difficult to account for the tax when you decide whether or not to buy a coin. You know- like people do with buyer's premiums in auctions? Even if you can't do it in your head, just about everybody has a phone that has a calculator.
What's the better option- being able to go to a show where you can view coins for sale that may be taxed, or not having a show at all?
That's rhetorical, BTW...
Yes. Auctions. Not the same thing. It would be the same thing if most auctions had no buyers premiums. If that was the case, sellers would not consign to those that did, unless their seller fees compensated for the lower bids they would receive.
Here, it's pretty unlikely dealers will happily take a 5.75% haircut in order to make the public whole. As a result, you'll either pay the tax or walk away with nothing. In which case, why bother, when every other major show, Pittsburgh, Orlando, Rosemont, VA Beach, etc., won't have taxes.
The answer to your question is, rhetorical or not, no show at all. Because most other shows don't feature sales taxes. For a reason, not by coincidence. So no one really needs to go to a show to view coins for sale that WILL be taxed. Not may. Unless a dealer is willing to break the law.
So it's not an all or nothing choice. It's a choice of one show no one asked for, or a dozen or so other existing shows.
This almost assumes that all transactions are over $1000. They aren't. And the under $1000 sales were always taxable in Baltimore.
And, again, the New York International has a higher sales tax rate on EVERY non- bullion transaction - which is just about EVERY transaction at that show.
Understood. You keep harping on NY.
Again "International." I've never been. Most people here probably have not as well.
I'll bet a lot of the dealers there are also international. I'm comfortable betting the sales tax doesn't impact most of them. Or their customers. Not to mention, it's a much smaller show, isn't it? If so, it's really irrelevant.
As to Baltimore and >$1,000, that probably also lends itself to plenty of tax cheating, on top of large transactions, where most of the impact would be felt, being exempt. For the record, I have had plenty of sub $1,000 transactions at Baltimore over the years, and no one ever asked me for a penny in sales tax. I honestly thought the Baltimore exemption was a full exemption until I looked it up in connection with this thread.
If DC works the same way, the sales tax won't be the reason the show sucks if it ends up sucking. But who is going to know that ahead of time? DC could also end up busting dealer's chops over it. Who knows one way or the other right now? And who is going to want to deal with it if they subject dealers to audits after the show?
The NY International is a huge show with many domestic dealers. And, I'm pretty sure international dealers aren't exempt in NY State.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
North Carolina exempts qualifying coins and bullion from state and local sales taxes, making it a favorable environment for precious metals investors. This exemption covers investment-grade bullion and coins in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Copper???
North Carolina exempts qualifying coins and bullion from state and local sales taxes, making it a favorable environment for precious metals investors. This exemption covers investment-grade bullion and coins in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Copper???
Copper is an industrial metal, not a precious metal. Besides, you’d need a warehouse to store enough copper to make a meaningful investment anyway, so sales tax would be the least of your expenses.
North Carolina exempts qualifying coins and bullion from state and local sales taxes, making it a favorable environment for precious metals investors. This exemption covers investment-grade bullion and coins in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Copper???
Copper is an industrial metal, not a precious metal. Besides, you’d need a warehouse to store enough copper to make a meaningful investment anyway, so sales tax would be the least of your expenses.
Comments
1997 and 2002, I believe.
And before that, 1976, 1952 and 1939. So we're due, right? So where is it?
Maybe, just maybe, the world changed. And, with it, sales tax exemptions for coins and bullion became a thing, and NYC moved on from large national coin shows.
Which makes the statement about "a few successful shows in NYC, despite the sales tax" in a bygone era entirely irrelevant to us here, now, given that no one is holding a major coin show in NYC in the foreseeable future.
You think there should be no show because YOU don't like the arrangements? Dude- YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO. Have you considered that possibly, other people might have a different thought on that?
Actually, no, so please don't put words in my mouth. I happen to think it won't be successful, but I absolutely don't think "there should be no show," and never said anything of the sort. I will NEVER tell anyone who wants to pour their time and money into a coin show that they should not, just because I won't be going.
I don't go to most shows. And, heaven knows, no show needs me to be successful. That's not the point. At all.
I get why Whitman wants to maintain its cadence of 3 shows, and why it will consequently push this one. Hard.
I won't be going, and absolutely understand that others will. Dealers who have a commitment to Whitman. Dealers who won't be impacted by the sales tax. Anyone proximate to DC.
That will still leave plenty of people who make November in Baltimore successful who need to be convinced that DC in February will be worth their time and money. Again, a month after Orlando and a month before VA Beach. TBD. You already have my prediction.
Me: "What's the better option- being able to go to a show where you can view coins for sale that may be taxed, or not having a show at all?" July 26, 2026 5:56PM
You: "The answer to your question is, rhetorical or not, no show at all." July 26, 2026 6:26PM
Right. I wouldn't go to the show at all. Doesn't mean you shouldn't, if you don't care about sales taxes.
We'll see. If the show is great, I was wrong. And, if it sucks, let's see if Whitman keeps going back to accommodate those who want to "view coins for sale that may be taxed."
Again, I would choose no show. Doesn't mean I would presume to tell anyone not to have one if they want to. Sorry if I wasn't clear about that.
I doubt that I would go to a show that charges sales tax when there are so many that do not. I am sick of paying taxes period.
FYI… regarding the tax in DC:
The current District of Columbia's sales tax on tangible personal property and taxable services is 6.0%.
Upcoming Change: The rate is scheduled to increase from 6.0% to 7.0% beginning October 1, 2026.
The issue with NYC (and Boston, I believe) is that it is impossible to get large enough floor space to have everyone on the same floor in one room. That was a problem with the 2010 Boston ANA (which I personally thought was excellent) and why they never went back.
The ANA can’t seem to book, for example, the Javits Convention Center, which may be the only venue in NYC capable of holding an ANA show on one floor in one room. Otherwise, it would be multiple rooms in hotel space somewhere, like the NYINC show.
Boston has a new-ish convention center where the international stamp show was just held, so maybe that will allow the ANA to go there, assuming the price is within reason and there is availability.
I very distinctly remember that everyone liked the 1997 ANA in NYC so much that they were clamoring to go back, which is why they did an encore in 2002. The sales tax situation hasn’t changed since then.
Connecticut 👍
The NY International is a huge show with many domestic dealers. And, I'm pretty sure international dealers aren't exempt in NY State.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
A few of the international dealers from the UK and now also going to the FUN shows which they had not done before. Slow transition?
I don't know that they'd abandon the NY show. It's THE show for ancients and world coins.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
North Carolina exempts qualifying coins and bullion from state and local sales taxes, making it a favorable environment for precious metals investors. This exemption covers investment-grade bullion and coins in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Copper???
Copper is an industrial metal, not a precious metal. Besides, you’d need a warehouse to store enough copper to make a meaningful investment anyway, so sales tax would be the least of your expenses.
I was thinking about pennys (cents).
A penny saved is a penny earned?
a box of pennies and whitman folders for the yn no more.
a box of nickels and whitman folders?