Denver Coin Show

Emindenver · October 25, 2005 3:55AM

I've been lurking on this site for a little over a year and have posted only a couple of times. Occasionally I'll see threads discussing certain coin shows throughout the country. I've always wondered how our local show in Denver, CO ranks with some of larger shows, like Long Beach, CA. The Denver show is held twice a year, in the spring and fall, advertises 140 tables (I've never counted the actual number), and charges $3.50 admission. The admission for the latest show, scheduled for November 3, 4, 5 has been reduced to $2.00. There were other threads about the cost of gas affecting the level of interest in coins and I'm wondering if the admission reduction is reflective of that possibility. Anyway, how does the Denver show stack up against the larger shows in the rest of the country? I've also been wondering if you all might think taking a road trip to a larger show, maybe to combine a vacation with a coin show, would be worth it. I've been to the Denver show for about the last six times and the dealers never seem to change much. Would I get a better selection by traveling further away? I'm a collector of only modest means, not a high roller. Your opinions would be helpful. Thanks

pharmer · October 25, 2005 4:06AM

Hi

Where in Denver is the show held? Is there a web site with info? Thanks.

19Lyds · October 25, 2005 8:09AM

It'll be at the Western Stockshow Complex off of I-70. I don't have the flyer or the specifics but there is always lots and lots of stuff to look at and browse through!

carl · October 25, 2005 8:30AM

Around the Chicago area there appears to be a coin show every weekend somewhere nearby. One of the ones I've been going to for years is about 10 miles west of me, held every third Sunday with about 20 or so dealers. Another one is about 10 miles South of me and is supposed to be a little larger but I could never find it. One, that a member here told me about, is about 12 miles from me with about 100 or more dealers held I think every second Sunday. All are free to get in and all have free parking. Then there are several really biggies one of which I'll never go to again because the parking was $11 and the entry fee was $5. However, the entry fee was for 3 days but the parking was $11 each day. Worst part was that it is a great show with vertually hundreds and hundreds of dealers and is only about 2 miles from my house and I spent way to much money there. Then we have several flea markets with several coin dealers at one of them that has the cheapest prices anywhere. They only cost 0.50 to get in and parking is free. Then naturally we have hobby stores everywhere that also sell coins and stamps. One really, really big one is in the downtown area called Harlan J. Berk where I just have to stay away from because every time I go there I spend way to much money but they have everything. In fact I'm planning on going there in a week or so to test my will power not to buy stuff just because it's there.

kieferscoins · October 25, 2005 9:14AM

I will be there Friday and Saturday.

Cameron Kiefer

Curley · October 25, 2005 12:43PM

The Denver show is a modest event with a large number of regional dealers. Used to attract some major players like John Hamrick and John Schuh but they quit attending years ago. The show is about what you would expect from a regional show. Moderate number of dealers with little if any exceptional coins but plenty of lower cost common material. It is NOTHING like Long Beach or similar venues...those are major league shows with national dealers aplenty.

I will be there Friday and I take the attitude to expect to find little of interest (for me, anyhow) but if I do it is gravy. It does happen once in a blue moon that you can come across a real gem (I found a beautiful MS65RD 1867 two cent piece a few years ago) and it certainly makes your day.

Check out Southwestern Gold and Aspen Park; likely the two best dealers at this show. Tell Phil at Southwestern I sent you. He is a class individual and very fair.

Try to attend. You will probably have an enjoyable time. (Go Friday or early Saturday though; the dealers start bailing early.)

wayneherndon · October 25, 2005 12:50PM

Welcome to the boards.

That sounds like a typical "regional" show. Much larger than a "local" show but not as big as the "nationals" like Long Beach, Baltimore, etc., which will be 2-3 times that size.

This summer, the granddaddy of all coin shows (the ANA summer Worlds Fair of Money) will be coming to Denver. It is August 15-19. Mark that in your calendar and don't miss it!

WH

DaveG · October 25, 2005 12:55PM

The ANA will be in Denver in August 2006. It's probably the biggest show in the country.

Start saving your money now!

Seriously though, I wouldn't consider traveling to a bigger show unless I was unable to find anything to buy for a year or two and even then, it would depend on what sort of coins I wanted. You'd probably have to step up to Long Beach or FUN or Baltimore or the ANA to find a meaningfully better selection and even then, it would be mostly focused on the bigger ticket coins.

I would recommend trying to work with a local dealer or a good mail order dealer before I'd buy a plane ticket.

Oh, isn't there an annual show in Colorado Springs? Do you ever go to it?

Emindenver · October 26, 2005 5:21AM

Thanks for all the info, it's nice to know my place in the coin world pecking order. Curley, I'll ask for Phil at Southwest when I go to the show. I usually buy most of my coins from David Grassmick, a dealer from rural, southeast Colorado (Rocky Ford). Very trustworthy and fun to talk with. I'm working on a US coin type set with dates of coins coresponding to birth years of my family. I'm trying to keep the quality at XF or better. Thanks for the tip about the ANA show. I'll try to keep those days open. That's when school starts out here for my daughters and I'm sure I'll be in town then.

19Lyds · October 27, 2005 1:51AM

Here's the Flyer I received in the mail. It also refers you to www.denvercoinshows.com

Now, I can recognize Cameron, tall, young, kinda sappy looking, but how will other board members be recognizable?

LucyBop · October 27, 2005 1:53AM

<< Here's the Flyer I received in the mail. It also refers you to www.denvercoinshows.com

Now, I can recognize Cameron, tall, young, kinda sappy looking, but how will other board members be recognizable?

>>

you might recognize me.... maybe....

19Lyds · October 27, 2005 2:38AM

I will keep my eyes open...............wide open........

Friday, Saturday or Sunday??

19Lyds · November 3, 2005 8:42AM

Any Board members that are going to the Denver Coin show, lets meet at the Denver Mint table at noon on Saturday. I would be eager to meet someone from the area.
Or even someone from not in the area.

WTCG · November 3, 2005 8:52AM

The larger shows like Long Beach is about 400 tables, FUN is almost 500 tables, and the summer ANA Convention can range from 300 to 500 tables. You can make the comparisons there. Long Beach charges an $8 admission, while the others are free.

I stongly encourage you to make a travel date to one of the larger coin conventions. You'll see coins that you'll otherwise never get to see at a regional show like the Denver Western Expo Hall show. The FUN convention in Orlando, FL and the ANA Conventions (different cities yearly, Denver in 2006) are a definite must.

Curley · November 3, 2005 10:24AM

I'll be there at the opening tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Anyone else there at that time?

JSsson · November 3, 2005 12:01PM

I can say that the ANA show in the summer is definitely large. I attended the ANA convention in San Francisco earlier this year and that was by far the largest coin show I have ever been to. I'm trying to see if I can travel to the FUN show early next year. That show should be excellent since ANA was great as well.

19Lyds · November 3, 2005 12:16PM

<< I'll be there at the opening tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Anyone else there at that time? >>

Cant make it then but Saturday I will be there at noon on Saturday.

Curley · November 4, 2005 7:41AM

Just back from the Denver Show. Better than normal. Couple of more national dealers (ie, Doug Bird, etc). Better selection than usual. Again, not much in the way of show stopper coins but hardly all dregs either. Evan Gale (Aspen Park) and Phil Karler (Southwestern Gold) were doing strong business as usual and have good selections. And I won one of the door prize drawings (a bullion Walking Liberty)! They have a really nice old AU "horseblanket" $5 bill as one of tomorrow's door prizes.

Make the effort to go; ANA has a nice booth and have people who enjoy chatting with you as well as the mint booth folks. And Cameron is at the ICG booth; how old is he, 15?!

kieferscoins · November 4, 2005 9:25AM

<< Just back from the Denver Show. Better than normal. Couple of more national dealers (ie, Doug Bird, etc). Better selection than usual. Again, not much in the way of show stopper coins but hardly all dregs either. Evan Gale (Aspen Park) and Phil Karler (Southwestern Gold) were doing strong business as usual and have good selections. And I won one of the door prize drawings (a bullion Walking Liberty)! They have a really nice old AU "horseblanket" $5 bill as one of tomorrow's door prizes.

Make the effort to go; ANA has a nice booth and have people who enjoy chatting with you as well as the mint booth folks. And Cameron is at the ICG booth; how old is he, 15?! >>

23.

Cameron Kiefer

DenverDave · November 4, 2005 10:30AM

Hey Cameron...

Guess who I saw at the Denver Show Today...

See ya there Saturday, Noon at the Mint Booth...

Curley · November 4, 2005 1:03PM

Cameron,

Enjoy looking young while it lasts! Oh, to be "carded" again!

kieferscoins · November 4, 2005 1:49PM

<< Cameron,

Enjoy looking young while it lasts! Oh, to be "carded" again! >>

I like it but not when I get carded for rated R movies.

Cameron Kiefer

zkcoins · November 4, 2005 4:56PM

Sounds like a great show! I will not be able to attend this time since I have prior engagements, unfortunatley since I only live about an hour away from this. I am hoping to attend long beach and FUN next year. I will definitely be at ANA in denver 2006, so I will definitely start saving some cash now..... You guys and gals have fun at the show tomorrow, show me some pretty pics when you get home.

Zach

Curley · November 5, 2005 1:59PM

So; any more feedback on the Denver Show before it closes Sunday?

tigermaroo · November 7, 2005 7:37AM

I've got some feedback. I bought a coin from American Collectors Services (Merrill P. Stuut) and after I got home and looked under a microscope I noticed it was dipped. I brought it back, and he wanted to charge me 10 percent restocking fee. I bought about 600 dollars last year from him, and about 800 dollars this year. Restocking fee? Just stick it back in the case and sell it to some other sucker. I ended up trading another coin instead of paying the 30 bucks to "restock", but he was giving me a good discount of the printed price before I wanted to exchange and all of a sudden the prices were just what was printed on the coin. Give me a break...

Curley · November 7, 2005 2:27PM

Tigermaroo,

Is this guy from Florida?

WTCG · November 7, 2005 2:52PM

<< I've got some feedback. I bought a coin from American Collectors Services (Merrill P. Stuut) and after I got home and looked under a microscope I noticed it was dipped. I brought it back, and he wanted to charge me 10 percent restocking fee. I bought about 600 dollars last year from him, and about 800 dollars this year. Restocking fee? Just stick it back in the case and sell it to some other sucker. I ended up trading another coin instead of paying the 30 bucks to "restock", but he was giving me a good discount of the printed price before I wanted to exchange and all of a sudden the prices were just what was printed on the coin. Give me a break... >>

You're lucky Merrill was willing to take back the coin at all...given the fact that a long amount of time had passed (enough time for you to go home and back) since you made the purchase. Most dealers will not offer a return privilege if the coin in question was bought sight seen in person.

tigermaroo · November 7, 2005 9:06PM

I disagree-
If the coin is still in the original 2x2, why wouldn't they take it back? I spent over 1500 in the last year with the guy, he should have been honest in the first place. I think it's crap he is selling a coin MS when it was dipped.
Yes he is from Oneco, FL

WTCG · November 8, 2005 3:59AM

<< I disagree-
If the coin is still in the original 2x2, why wouldn't they take it back? I spent over 1500 in the last year with the guy, he should have been honest in the first place. I think it's crap he is selling a coin MS when it was dipped.
Yes he is from Oneco, FL >>

Hint: Most white mint state silver and gold coins have been dipped at least once in the past. Dealers do not usually accept a return on a coin that has been purchased after the buyer has had a chance to view the coin in person, especially after an amount of time has passed since the sale.

You spent $1500 with him last year, and you really think that is a lot of money?

stman · November 8, 2005 4:48AM

<< You spent $1500 with him last year, and you really think that is a lot of money? >>

To many "real" collectors, yes this is a lot of money. But I agree not in the big picture of how the market has been.
Hopefully this is changing and some will appreciate our lowly 1500.00.

As far as the dealer taking the coin back.... no he didn't have to, but he also was making 10% as the OP mentioned.
Many reputable dealers would probably just let him return it with no fee. Some would not. Also, many reputable dealers make two-
way markets and will buy their coins back at 80-90% anyways, so this particular "Dealer" apparently made a quick 10%
for a quick flip, then gets to sell the coin again. So, imo, the OP was not "lucky" whatsoever.

Now, on the flip side of this.... taking the coin home and putting it under a microscope to find out if it was dipped is actually
quite amusing.

And actually a bit ridiculous. Haha

stman · November 8, 2005 4:52AM

<< I think it's crap he is selling a coin MS when it was dipped. >>

Me thinks you've got a lot to learn.

WTCG · November 8, 2005 5:56AM

I believe that Merrill actually did you a favor wanting to take the coin back in return for a 10% deducted fee, and that's after you took the coin home! Many dealers will offer you %80 of the sale amount or maybe a little bit less, depending on the coin.

Remember...almost every untoned silver coin has been dipped before. Dipped coins are an element of reality in collecting coins.

It isn't difficult to spend $1500 buying coins. A Saint in MS65 and a Carson City Morgan Dollar in MS65 together totals more than $1500. In fact, my FedEx bill per month is more than that.

stman · November 8, 2005 6:22AM

<< It isn't difficult to spend $1500 buying coins. A Saint in MS65 and a Carson City Morgan Dollar in MS65 together totals more than $1500. In fact, my FedEx bill per month is more than that. >>

I'm very impressed. And all this is supposed to mean?

tigermaroo · November 8, 2005 7:36AM

Obviously by the amount of posts I have, I am an amatuer, just been collecting about 2 years. The coin was copper by the way and was starting to tone. Maybe I'm in over my head, because 1500 bucks is a lot of money to me. I do appreciate everyone's comments, because I am an amatuer I DO have a lot to learn.

stman · November 8, 2005 7:46AM

tigermaroo, your post count has absolutely nothing to do with your Numismatic knowledge. I only made my comment due to
the fact of your statement saying the guy was wrong calling a coin un-circulated, because in your opinion it had been dipped.

A coin can indeed be un-circulated and be dipped as well. Wear, and the lack-of determine circulated or not. Try to see as many coins as
possible, if it's copper you're collecting, ask some of the copper guys on here as many questions as you can think of. I don't know copper
whatsoever, so I can't help you there. Even with my post count.

goose3 · November 8, 2005 8:36AM

<< 

<< It isn't difficult to spend $1500 buying coins. A Saint in MS65 and a Carson City Morgan Dollar in MS65 together totals more than $1500. In fact, my FedEx bill per month is more than that. >>

I'm very impressed. And all this is supposed to mean? >>

goose3 · November 8, 2005 8:56AM

<< You spent $1500 with him last year, and you really think that is a lot of money? >>

Hint: While you may sit around and thumb your nose at many of the people here while you light cigars with 100 dollar bills. Your quoted statement above is nothing more than your elitist BS shining through brightly once again. There are people on here from all walks of life that work all sorts of jobs and I would not hesitate to say that a 150.00 purchase for some is what they would consider large.

You are one of the only people I have ever seen in my few years as a member that has intentionally taken the time to post a follow-up belittling a person for thinking 1500.00 was a lot of money.

You then go on to rub salt in the wound by implying even further how insignificant you feel 1500.00 is with your comment about your FedEx bill.

Another Hint: You owe Tigermaroo an apology for your rudeness.

stman · November 8, 2005 9:16AM

<< 

<< You spent $1500 with him last year, and you really think that is a lot of money? >>

Hint: While you may sit around and thumb your nose at many of the people here while you light cigars with 100 dollar bills. Your quoted statement above is nothing more than your elitist BS shining through brightly once again. There are people on here from all walks of life that work all sorts of jobs and I would not hesitate to say that a 150.00 purchase for some is what they would consider large.

You are one of the only people I have ever seen in my few years as a member that has intentionally taken the time to post a follow-up belittling a person for thinking 1500.00 was a lot of money.

You then go on to rub salt in the wound by implying even further how insignificant you feel 1500.00 is with your comment about your FedEx bill.

Another Hint: You owe Tigermaroo an apology for your rudeness. >>

Now that was a VERY "significant" post Goose.

streeter · November 8, 2005 10:14AM

first it was ...."$5,000 is chump change"

now it's ....$1,500 is less than the fedx bill.

nice tude

WTCG · November 8, 2005 11:07AM

The poster should know that spending $1500 a year with one dealer does not merit special treatment. Most dealers will not honor a return on a coin that the customer has had a chance to view and inspect in person prior to making the purchase.

A Saint and a Carson City Morgan...that is one example on how to spend $1500 on purchasing coins. There are countless other examples on how to spend that much purchasing coins. Purchasing 75000 pennies at double face value would also constitute spending $1500.

My FedEx statement last month was a little less than $1900.00. There is no arguing that fact.

Goose3, you owe me an apology for trolling my posts when I am trying to share my viewpoint with people here.

goose3 · November 8, 2005 11:11AM

WTCG

I don't owe you Crap!

You are an elitist SNOB and obviously do not like being called on the carpet for it!

No one is arguing with your most impressive FedEx statement. Surely you can see that we are all in Awe of your greatness. My USPS bills for sending 4 packages out last month via registered mail Pale in comparison to the almighty WTCG.

You can try and backtrack now all you like but your statements still stand and I am not afraid to call them or you like I see them!

HTubbs · November 8, 2005 11:50AM

Darn,can't find the popcorn emotion...

HTubbs · November 8, 2005 11:50AM

<< Darn,can't find the popcorn emotion...

>>

Tootawl · November 8, 2005 12:25PM

Wei, YES $1500 is alot for a coin. Most of us are not wannabe dealers but collect for the fun of it.
I agree with Goose.

FatMan · November 8, 2005 12:31PM

<< The poster should know that spending $1500 a year with one dealer does not merit special treatment. Most dealers will not honor a return on a coin that the customer has had a chance to view and inspect in person prior to making the purchase. >>

<< PNG #624, ANA. We support ICTA >>

Interesting. ANA Dealer Code of Ethics regarding returns - "To frequently publish my statement of return privileges, which will allow my customers a designated period of time in which to return numismatic material for a refund, except bullion or bullion-related material may not be returned for a refund. Said period of time shall not be less than fifteen (15) days from the recorded date of receipt or other transmittal of said material or not less than ten (10) days after my customer's receipt thereof or my attempted delivery thereof to my customer, whichever time period shall be the earlier. If a customer submits a misdescribed or overgraded coin to a certification service for authentication or grading and notifies me of such submission within ten (10) days of my date of mailing or other delivery, I will continue to recognize his/her return privilege for thirty (30) days after my customer's receipt of said coin from me. In an auction sale of consigned material, the return privilege period may be made available only to mail bidders, and the period for the return of such material may be limited to five (5) days from the mail bidder's receipt thereof or fifteen (15) days from the bidder's receipt of the invoice for such material or my attempted delivery of my invoice therefore, whichever time period shall be the earlier."

stman · November 8, 2005 12:35PM

<< My FedEx statement last month was a little less than $1900.00. There is no arguing that fact. >>

Now THAT's impressive!!!!

Curley · November 8, 2005 2:08PM

To add a little perspective...

IF this is the dealer I am thinking of, he is always at the Denver Show and...

1. He sells lots of dipped copper.

2. An expensive coin in his inventory would be $300. So for someone to spend $1,500/year would actually likely be an important customer for him.

jcping · November 8, 2005 2:30PM

> Most dealers will not honor a return on a coin that the customer has had a chance to view and inspect in person prior to making the purchase.

This is a fact of life. Many of us (collectors) do not like the point, but this is THE rule that many dealers use.

WTCG · November 8, 2005 2:32PM

<< WTCG

I don't owe you Crap!

You are an elitist SNOB and obviously do not like being called on the carpet for it!

No one is arguing with your most impressive FedEx statement. Surely you can see that we are all in Awe of your greatness. My USPS bills for sending 4 packages out last month via registered mail Pale in comparison to the almighty WTCG.

You can try and backtrack now all you like but your statements still stand and I am not afraid to call them or you like I see them! >>

Is namecalling the best offense you can muster? Namecalling confirms your personal feelings of insecurity.

Backtrack on my statements? Wishful thinking on your part. I stand by my opinions. I can sense your envy.

WTCG · November 8, 2005 2:35PM

<< 

<< The poster should know that spending $1500 a year with one dealer does not merit special treatment. Most dealers will not honor a return on a coin that the customer has had a chance to view and inspect in person prior to making the purchase. >>

<< PNG #624, ANA. We support ICTA >>

Interesting. ANA Dealer Code of Ethics regarding returns - "To frequently publish my statement of return privileges, which will allow my customers a designated period of time in which to return numismatic material for a refund, except bullion or bullion-related material may not be returned for a refund. Said period of time shall not be less than fifteen (15) days from the recorded date of receipt or other transmittal of said material or not less than ten (10) days after my customer's receipt thereof or my attempted delivery thereof to my customer, whichever time period shall be the earlier. If a customer submits a misdescribed or overgraded coin to a certification service for authentication or grading and notifies me of such submission within ten (10) days of my date of mailing or other delivery, I will continue to recognize his/her return privilege for thirty (30) days after my customer's receipt of said coin from me. In an auction sale of consigned material, the return privilege period may be made available only to mail bidders, and the period for the return of such material may be limited to five (5) days from the mail bidder's receipt thereof or fifteen (15) days from the bidder's receipt of the invoice for such material or my attempted delivery of my invoice therefore, whichever time period shall be the earlier." >>

FatMan,

It is a known fact that Merrill Stuut of Oneco, FL is not a member of the PNG. He is not bound by the PNG code of ethics. I am not sure if he is a member dealer of the ANA. I am a member of both organizations and I abide by their codes unconditionally. Please do not confuse his policies with mine.

It may surprise you to know that the majority of coin dealers are not really members of the ANA, even though they may claim to be.

WTCG · November 8, 2005 2:43PM

<< 

<< My FedEx statement last month was a little less than $1900.00. There is no arguing that fact. >>

Now THAT's impressive!!!!

>>

My FedEx October statement isn't something I'm thrilled about...it's an unavoidable reality when selling coins.

Denver Coin Show

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