How do you carry coins at a coin show without looking to conspicuous?

stephunter · February 6, 2006 5:48AM

In light of the recent thefts and/or attacks on dealers carry coins to and from coin shows, how do you carry your coins?

LanLord · February 6, 2006 5:49AM

In the same hand as the .45 pistol.

metallbarren · February 6, 2006 6:08AM

If you don't like guns you could always opt for a Taser.

dking1234 · February 6, 2006 6:11AM

metal briefcase with hand cuffs attached to wrist

MadMarty · February 6, 2006 6:15AM

Rumor has it Russ stuffs proof sets down his pants!

MrXray · February 6, 2006 6:19AM

Seeing as most of our local auctions and shows are in the winter. I wear my Body Glove (snow board) jacket that has large inside pockets. I can carry a dozen+ slabs and not look any different.

For extra security the Glock is strapped to the hip. Its Alaska, like Texas, we can do this.

Rust · February 6, 2006 6:22AM

<< Rumor has it Russ stuffs proof sets down his pants! >>

God knows there's plenty of room!

dan383 · February 6, 2006 6:24AM

<< Rumor has it Russ stuffs proof sets down his pants! >>

That's how he gets his 64's AH DCAM..........

Marty , you would go AH DCAM if you were stuffed down his pants !!

Baley · February 6, 2006 6:26AM

Gold rings on every finger, big Rolex watch, chain around neck with gold doubloon pendant, and a big diamond earring stud.

Wads of cash sticking out of pockets (big bills out front) walking along whistling tune to "We're in the money"

carrying big bag of loudly clinking coins... every so often, interrupt whistling to groan, "damn, these bags of gold are heavy!"

MrXray · February 6, 2006 6:28AM

<< Gold rings on every finger, big Rolex watch, chain around neck with gold doubloon pendant, and a big diamond earring stud.

Wads of cash sticking out of pockets (big bills out front) walking along whistling tune to "We're in the money"

carrying big bag of loudly clinking coins... every so often, interrupt whistling to groan, "damn, these bags of gold are heavy!" >>

Funny thing is that your not to far off on a few people.

IrishMike · February 6, 2006 6:33AM

Don't haul a bunch of coins with you.

291fifth · February 6, 2006 6:34AM

<< Gold rings on every finger, big Rolex watch, chain around neck with gold doubloon pendant, and a big diamond earring stud.

Wads of cash sticking out of pockets (big bills out front) walking along whistling tune to "We're in the money"

carrying big bag of loudly clinking coins... every so often, interrupt whistling to groan, "damn, these bags of gold are heavy!" >>

Don't forget to prominently display your convention badge.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 6, 2006 6:36AM

Unfortunately, I don't make many shows. If I did, I'd take about six or seven teenagers wearing them pants that hang so far down that their underwear show.... they could be playing rap music and being all loud.... they are harmless really....., but any thief/robber would steer clear of a "gang"

....LOL, if ya know what I mean.

...and the band played on

Musky1011 · February 6, 2006 6:55AM

carry them in jacket along with pocket piece
.380 beretta
In wisconsin this is against the law but if it's me or them guess what?????

TwoSides2aCoin · February 6, 2006 6:59AM

<< Gold rings on every finger, big Rolex watch, chain around neck with gold doubloon pendant, and a big diamond earring stud.

Wads of cash sticking out of pockets (big bills out front) walking along whistling tune to "We're in the money"

carrying big bag of loudly clinking coins... every so often, interrupt whistling to groan, "damn, these bags of gold are heavy!" >>

The thread didn't say "DESCRIBE DON KING"

mozeppa · February 6, 2006 7:04AM

in your hollow leg!

(may require surgery...in case you have 2 legs)

JRocco · February 6, 2006 7:12AM

<< Rumor has it Russ stuffs proof sets down his pants! >>

So that is what that lady meant when she said ---"My , what a little Kennedy you have Russ"

coynclecter · February 6, 2006 7:18AM

Try a green PCGS box, you'll look like everyone else.

SanctionII · February 6, 2006 7:22AM

Anyone seen going into or out of a building where a coin show is being held is "conspicous" regardless of what they wear and how they look. There presence at the building alone makes them a target.

So if you are a target merely by showing up, I suggest that you give the appearance of being someone that the bad guys would not want to mess with. If you are doing bigtime business with lots of cash or valuable coins, dress up like a "gang banger" and rent a "posse" to hang out with you for the day. Wear plenty of "bling", wear the right "colors", wear a diamond encrusted gold or platinum "grill", bring some "heat" with you and project an image of "Don't _______ with me!!!!"

Alternatively, hire some off duty or retired Special Ops guys to spend the day with you and provide protection. Frankly I would rather do the latter instead of the former, particularly since I do not fit into the gang banger image.

FatMan · February 6, 2006 7:30AM

Some of the tongue in cheek posts above do hit the nail on the head. The best thing to do is be as invisible as possible. Dress down, don't look the part of someone carrying valuables. I keep my coins in a very inexpensive nylon bag type briefcase. If I have several coins at a show and am spending the night in town, I have a dealer lock them up for me. I don't keep them with me outside of the show for any reason except to transport home. I always remember to remove my show nametag before I leave the bourse. When I leave the parking lot I keep an eye out for cars that could be following me. I will drive very very slow for the few miles noting any car that doesn't pass. If any car doesn't pass I will make a turn, or get off at the next exit and see what that vehicle does. I have never had anyone follow beyond that point but if I did I would call 911 and find out where the closest police station was and I would drive to that location.

LucyBop · February 6, 2006 7:30AM

if you saw some of the people that accompany me at shows, you would be concerned that we are going to rob you...

Trinketts · February 6, 2006 7:36AM

<< if you saw some of the people that accompany me at shows, you would be concerned that we are going to rob you... >>

Can I be in the Lucy mob?

Kip · February 6, 2006 7:40AM

<< Rumor has it Russ stuffs proof sets down his pants! >>

She said it looked like a roll of dimes

LucyBop · February 6, 2006 7:46AM

<< 

<< if you saw some of the people that accompany me at shows, you would be concerned that we are going to rob you... >>

Can I be in the Lucy mob? >>

aslong as you defend your hepkitty!!!!

leothelyon · February 6, 2006 9:03AM

Perhaps a question could be raised with the top dogs of these coin shows concerning the security if outside security is provided or possibly that there are escorts provided to and from your car. I know that there are back door security entrances provided for dealers. And that nondealers or non members can pay a fee to check in their wares at a security room, if one is provided. If all you have are a few coins, you might be pretty much on your own.

Leo

Bear · February 6, 2006 9:49AM

I hear that there was an escort service

for a few shows........but the police closed it down.

leothelyon · February 6, 2006 10:13AM

<< I hear that there was an escort service

for a few shows........but the police closed it down.

>>

Abe,

Now I know why you have balloons!

Leo

BigE2 · February 6, 2006 10:41AM

cute little red car.

roadrunner · February 6, 2006 11:40AM

dress down....sneakers and jeans for example. Leave the suits or dress slacks to the "real" players who crave the limelight. Carry a sack that could double for a food basket. Less is best. Look and act like you have no money.

roadrunner

DMWJR · February 6, 2006 11:57AM

I used a Wal-Mart bag at the last show.

michael · February 6, 2006 12:13PM

How do you carry coins at a coin show without looking to conspicuous?

impossible to do if someone is targeting you or if a pro or semi pro is on the hunt for small fry

better just to give up and not get killed

and if you can get insurance and the insurance price works for you then do it

if not then you try your best and take your chances

mozeppa · February 6, 2006 12:18PM

Tom Mershon met me and a friend of mine for a golf game here in indy...

in the parking lot he hands me a CVS plastic pharmacy bag (like they give you when you purchase items)

he say's "here!....brought you something to look at."

in it was what had to be a HALF A MILLION DOLLARS in rare coins! ............AHHHHHHH !

he's a Lincoln cent guy ...most of you either know his collection or have seen pictures!

THAT was astounding!...and to look at the 3 of us there .........we just looked like 3 amigo's out for a round of golf.

stephunter · February 6, 2006 4:02PM

Thanks, I will be taking some of the advise from this thread. On a side note, I once had a customer of my business (auto parts) make a large purchase in cash and he brought the money in a wrinkled Burger King bag.

garsmith · February 6, 2006 4:45PM

coins in left hand Ruger in right hand

garsmith · February 6, 2006 4:46PM

<<Rumor has it Russ stuffs proof sets down his pants!>>

Then he sells them as naturally toned

BlindedByEgo · February 6, 2006 5:05PM

<< Look and act like you have no money.

>>

That part is no problem. I have two teenaage daughters.

garsmith · February 6, 2006 5:08PM

<< Look and act like you have no money. >>

<<That part is no problem. I have two teenaage daughters.>>

relayer · February 6, 2006 5:51PM

<< How do you carry coins at a coin show without looking to conspicuous? >>

Clear plastic bags!

carl · February 6, 2006 10:39PM

Interesting thread. I wonder how many crooks tune into this forum for ideas on what to look for at coin shows as to who may have something worth stealing. With modern technology putting a tracking device on a dealers car while he is at the show would help later for following and not being observed. Noting license plate numbers as the dealers arrive and checking the internets wonderful free information sites could end up with home addresses. Going to a coin show and asking for buisness cards also could be a sourse of home or buisness addresses. Now also is it more important for a crook to rob someone going to a coin show with coins or coming out of a show with lots of cash from the sales. Roaming a show and taking notes as to who makes lots of cash sales may solve that problem for a crook. I would suggest renting a car so you don't use your own, don't give out cards with vital information, only leave a show with a group of people, try to arrive when there are many others present. On the trip after a show try to find a police car or police station and just ask for instructions on how to get somewhere. Anyone watching should get scarred off not knowing what your discussing. Also you may want to discuss with other dealers and any security at the show if everyone would kind of watch for people not buying but just kind of haging around.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 6, 2006 11:38PM

That is a great take on it Carl.
Let's face it..... everyone is a potential victim, as everyone is a potential criminal.

We should let our conscience be our guide, but not all listen to that part of their being. When travelling to and from places with large amounts of cash, money, equipment or whatever, we are subject to victimization. (I've lost lots of tools, brakes, metal bending equipment, ladders, etc...)

I remember the first time I went to California about twenty five years ago. Heading south toward Morongo Valley, not too great a distance from Palm Springs, I saw a car on the road stripped to nothing.

I asked my sister about it ... She said, "oh , poor guy, he just broke down yesterday"....in a few short hours, someone came along (not someone, a whole assembly plant of people) and stripped this thing to skeletal remains. I mean this car had no doors, glass, engine, wheels, tranny, rear end , seats.... it was like a bare frame, practically.
Basically, there are people out there lying in wait as you ascribe to. They live off victimizing others. They will plan and scheme just to rob and kill.

On a more serious note, since I joke a lot on the boards, let me interject
.... the best way to travel to a show, with lots of coins is with a PET (namely a dog with teeth). They make lots of noise and a dog presents a formidable challenge and draws a keen sense of awareness to those who might otherwise victimize.

eyoung429 · February 6, 2006 11:54PM

Just stick 'em in my pockets, most ppl don't mess with me and those that have.....well, let's just say that the scars on my hands are not from doing dishes.

ColonialCoinUnion · February 7, 2006 12:50AM

<< the best way to travel to a show, with lots of coins is with a PET (namely a dog with teeth). They make lots of noise and a dog presents a formidable challenge and draws a keen sense of awareness to those who might otherwise victimize. >>

I can't argue with the fact that a large, mean dog is a deterrent to criminals, but this has got to be the least practical solution to any problem that I have ever heard. What are you supposed to do with the dog during the show? Do you check it in to the security room? And if you did, wouldn't it fight with all of the other dogs that were being stored there?

Shamika · February 7, 2006 12:56AM

Actually, I usually dress as if I'm in college and I keep my coins in a small back pack so I generally look like a grad student. Plus, I only bring a few coins (less than 20 slabs) and those are usually pieces I'm using as trade bait. If I have a high priced piece (or two), I'll keep it in my front pocket.

TwoSides2aCoin · February 7, 2006 12:57AM

<< 

<< the best way to travel to a show, with lots of coins is with a PET (namely a dog with teeth). They make lots of noise and a dog presents a formidable challenge and draws a keen sense of awareness to those who might otherwise victimize. >>

I can't argue with the fact that a large, mean dog is a deterrent to criminals, but this has got to be the least practical solution to any problem that I have ever heard. What are you supposed to do with the dog during the show? Do you check it in to the security room? And if you did, wouldn't it fight with all of the other dogs that were being stored there? >>

okay so it was a stupid idea.... yer fightin with enough dogs right here, eh ?

CoinHusker · February 7, 2006 1:18AM

A baby stroller. they have amazing storage ability. Be sure to keep a few ripe diapers on top of your coins as insurance. Plus it doubles as a plow in some of those congested aisles.

konsole · February 7, 2006 2:47AM

Just look less suspicious then other people around you. The thieves arent going to target everyone. Remember the saying "if you see a bear just make sure you can run faster then the guy next to you"? Just wear normal clothes, dont carry alot with you, act normal and stay in well populated areas. Lol even say Hi to people that may look like a thief. Acting like a noobie may help too because thieves see a casual show goer that doesnt look like he knows what he is doing then most likely the thief will think hes got nothing worth stealing. Perhaps maybe even openly carry some type of blatantly cheap numismatic item that shows you got nothing worth stealing. Bringing a friend to keep an eye on your back may help too.

Fountainhead · February 7, 2006 10:23AM

When the ANA was in Baltimore a few years back the DID have a "dog room"!

WTCG · February 7, 2006 1:09PM

A few short pointers:

Don't wear your badge or name tag outside of the bourse floor.

Don't carry a backpack or a briefcase that's too conspicuous.

Don't reach and "feel" your pockets often outside of the bourse floor. Doing so shows people where you keep your coins.

Don't talk about your purchases or collection to non-collectors.

Don't take your coins out in public to show others.

You don't need to be armed to feel safe.

mozeppa · February 8, 2006 3:53AM

did i mention that i'm 6' tall ...265 lbs ?....and would you like to meet my little fren?....say hello to my little fren!

How do you carry coins at a coin show without looking to conspicuous?

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The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

My Jefferson Nickel Collection

The more qualities observed in a coin, the more desirable that coin becomes!

My Jefferson Nickel Collection

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