Are your local coin shows like ours?

notlogical · February 12, 2007 8:30AM

I went to a coin show Sunday in a small town in Nebraska. It was kind of far from where we live so I thought we might see something different than what we see every month at our city's monthly show. Boy was I surprised. It was all the same people with all the same coins with all the same people looking at them. Is it like that everywhere? All the same dealers at all the shows in your area trying to sell all the same coins to all the same people? I'm not saying it was a bad show, it just seemed kind of ... the same.

The food was really good though. Home made pies and stuff! YUM!

Bochiman · February 12, 2007 8:31AM

Pretty much the same up here...without the food portion.
If you bring your CSI kit to a show up here, you can find Russ' fingerprints on most all of the proof sets from the 60's and early 70's.
They stay in the same dealers' cases for a LONG Time.

ricko · February 12, 2007 8:33AM

Yep,
I agree with Bochi... and will see many of the same coins/dealers at Kent this weekend as I did last weekend at Kirkland... even Snidely will be there...

Cheers, RickO

WTCG · February 12, 2007 8:35AM

Your observation is not out of the ordinary. Most of the smaller coin shows in more remote areas are not the best places to seek out fresh and attractive coins. Other than to socialize, attending these shows aren't typically productive.

mirabela · February 12, 2007 8:36AM

There's a tiny show in Burlington, VT now and then that I like a lot. It only has about ten tables, but each time I go two or three of them are taken by collectors who obviously do not make a full-time thing of this. Also, Tim Puro sets up there, and he always has something good. I have bought a few really nice coins at that show.

anablep · February 12, 2007 8:45AM

Gotta agree here too.

I can tell when new material comes in because it stands out against the "great unsold" languishing in the dealers' cases.

Russ · February 12, 2007 8:53AM

<< If you bring your CSI kit to a show up here, you can find Russ' fingerprints on most all of the proof sets from the 60's and early 70's. >>

Yep.

Russ, NCNE

notlogical · February 12, 2007 8:58AM

<< Other than to socialize, attending these shows aren't typically productive. >>

So how do the dealers make any money or pay for their tables or stuff like that?

Bochiman · February 12, 2007 8:59AM

<< Gotta agree here too.

I can tell when new material comes in because it stands out against the "great unsold" languishing in the dealers' cases. >>

No kidding...what's funny, at least for some of the ones up here, is that they put the same, unsold stuff, in the SAME spots in their cases....show after show. At least mix them up a little....give the effect of things being different

WTCG · February 12, 2007 9:07AM

<< 

<< Other than to socialize, attending these shows aren't typically productive. >>

So how do the dealers make any money or pay for their tables or stuff like that? >>

The tables at the local shows are almost always quite cheap so covering costs will not require too many sales. Many of the dealers with tables may not even cover table fees at all the shows. Since the smaller shows are usually operated by the local coin club or similar organization, people will rent a table as a way to support the club and consider the lost bourse costs as a "donation". Setting up at a local show is also a good for public relations.

There are some very small local shows where I will rent a bourse table even though I don't intend on actually setting up or I know that we'll probably lose money by attending.

291fifth · February 12, 2007 9:28AM

It's the same.

Rodius · February 12, 2007 10:02AM

I have not been to a coin show since 2003 Long Beach. I have done most of my purchases through Ebay or the boards.
So what you all are saying is for the regulars that is may be the same old over priced, over graded stuff.

I guess I will wait until ... ooh there are no major shows in my area. I am near Albany NY, mmmmm maybe the Baltimore show.

dizzlecc · February 12, 2007 1:14PM

Yep, same here

They even set up in the same spots.

The actual inventory may change but stuff is still the same.
They may not have the same ms66 but they will have a ms66.

rec78 · February 12, 2007 1:43PM

Sane here. You need to go to some of the bigger major shows.

RichieURich · February 12, 2007 1:53PM

<< Sane here. You need to go to some of the bigger major shows. >>

Exactly. At FUN or Baltimore, it is INsane!

garsmith · February 12, 2007 2:08PM

<<Are your local coin shows like ours?>>

No, cause we got showgirls and hookers everywhere!

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas

WTCG · February 12, 2007 2:48PM

<< <<Are your local coin shows like ours?>>

No, cause we got showgirls and hookers everywhere!

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas

>>

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...true for everybody else...but if you're from California what happens in Vegas is out in the open an hour after it happens.

The "working girls" don't exactly operate out of the properties where the Las Vegas coin shows are held. If a girl is "workin' " the Sam's Town, Gaughn's Plaza or the Riviera, I would actually feel bad for them.

BlindedByEgo · February 12, 2007 4:48PM

My local show starts this week in Long Beach. It's a little bigger, and smoetimes even has smoe fresh material

No homade pies, though. Crappy show food.

BigRed · February 12, 2007 7:31PM

I live in south central indiana and there are a couple of shows within 50 or 60 miles of where i live, one in cincinatti and one in indianapolis. The one in cincy is much better but still about the same every month. All in all though they are worth the drive on a lazy Sunday.

neocirrhitus · February 12, 2007 8:00PM

Most of the shows I have been to locally are the same, very small with the same 10 dealers with the same coins.
There is, however, a show this Sunday that I took vacation to attend in Oshkosh. Supposed to be 80 tables, so I am hoping if I don't find anything to purchase, at least I'll have plenty of coins to look at to sharpen my grading skills.

19Lyds · February 12, 2007 9:25PM

At the shows here in Denver the same is pretty much true.

But, I take that opportunity to get to know these dealers and they get to know, what I'm looking for and what my likes and dislikes are. That way, if they come across something I might like, there's a better chance on them picking it up for me to look at. Not every dealer brings their entire stock to a show, especially the smaller local shows.

The more eyes I have looking for what I collect the better chance I'll have of finding it and the more choices I'll have to go through!

RWB · February 12, 2007 9:50PM

You have stumbled upon the “National Association of Very Small Coin Shows, Inc.” with headquarters at 102 2nd Avenue, Adams, North Dakota.

The Association has about 200 members who travel to small towns in the Midwest and mountain states. Each week they rent a local VFW or Moose Lodge and stage a one- or two-day coin show. A dozen or so members take turns being “dealers” for the show and the others wander about pretending to be customers. “Customers” sometimes wear disguises. The organization has two purposes: 1) provide rental income to small town social halls, and 2) sample homemade baked goods and other food served at the coin show. The organization is mostly social, and has never made a profit – it is alleged that they have never sold a coin.

The NAVSCS has several affiliated organizations, the largest of which is in Washington, DC. However the Washington members seem to have forgotten about the coin show tables and now just stand around talking at each other and tasting the food in the lobby. They go by the name “Congress”.

Preussen · February 12, 2007 9:52PM

<< Are your local coin shows like ours? >>

yup - Preussen

jmski52 · February 12, 2007 10:19PM

Check out the newspapers for farm auctions that have coins from time to time, if you want to see "fresh" material. That doesn't mean you will get a good deal, because coins can be overpriced anywhere, but if you are knowledgeable, you might be surprised.

Barndog · February 12, 2007 10:21PM

same dealers, 98% same coins, same show attendees. The challenge is finding the 2% of inventory that has turned over in the past six months.

headsplitter2 · February 12, 2007 10:56PM

Same here in MN.
I heard that some dealers run on a "circuit", here one weekend then to another the next
for a few weeks or even months during the summer.
Their is a Big Show in March in Brooklyn Park,MN @ the Earle Brown Centre. This one attracts alot of
dealers, this is where the best deals can be found.

RichieURich · February 13, 2007 12:40AM

<< same dealers, 98% same coins, same show attendees. The challenge is finding the 2% of inventory that has turned over in the past six months. >>

Probably 50% of my inventory has turned over in the past 3 months.

Of course, if I put every coin upside down in the case, then I could say 100% will have turned over!

lkrarecoins · February 13, 2007 12:55AM

same ole escarole!

Same dealers set up shop at most of the 3 local shows I attend...they just wear disguises

Cladiator · February 13, 2007 1:02AM

<< 

<< same dealers, 98% same coins, same show attendees. The challenge is finding the 2% of inventory that has turned over in the past six months. >>

Probably 50% of my inventory has turned over in the past 3 months.

Of course, if I put every coin upside down in the case, then I could say 100% will have turned over!

>>

Bear · February 13, 2007 1:44AM

If these dealers have the same coins unsold from show to show,

how do they make a living. They got to sell something at some time

to someone. Or, maybe not.

Bear · February 13, 2007 1:47AM

I wonder, If we took all of these small time dealers,

homoginized them in a big blender, would we end up

with a male version of........GASP.......................LAURA?

carl · February 13, 2007 1:53AM

Not quite the same here. We have coin shows on almost every weekend. Most are withing 15 miles of my house. We have numerous larger shows several times a year also. Then there are the paper money shows like the one coming in March. As to the coin shows every month, basically there are the same dealers but always a few vanish for a while or completely like a cold. Almost always a new dealer that I never saw before and may not see again. Then there are the ones in the same place at each of the monthly coin shows. However, many of them have massively different items each time. Example is this guy named Robert Griffiths not only has many different items but he will go out looking for things you may want. Many people on this forum are either dealers or buyers at these shows but have not met to many myself. I usually go there to look at coins and miss most people. Somehow I end up spending way to much money at that show. Strange things occationally appear at these shows also. For example at the Countryside coin show last weekend some one dealer had knives, one all error coins, one had binoculars, one always has jewlery. Then naturally there is the one selling books, Whitman or Dansco albums, 2x2's and just about anything else that can be legally brought in. Food is not only not free but expesive and stinks at that show. Admittance is free and so is parking. Usually there is free pamphlets, magazines, candy, etc on the front table but not this time. Cheap people. When we have the larger shows they are held in a place called Rosemont covention center and there is a $5 fee to get in but it's the parking that really cost. Last time was $11. Food also is really expensive and not fit to eat. What I hate about those shows is they made it so no place anywhere withing miles to park free or cheap.

shirohniichan · February 13, 2007 2:05AM

<< My local show starts this week in Long Beach. It's a little bigger, and smoetimes even has smoe fresh material

No homade pies, though. Crappy show food. >>

That is not true. There have been two occasions when the $7.75 hot dogs at Long Beach did not give me food poisoning. I think you are exaggerating.

VTCoins · June 2, 2007 1:47AM

<< There's a tiny show in Burlington, VT now and then that I like a lot. It only has about ten tables, but each time I go two or three of them are taken by collectors who obviously do not make a full-time thing of this. Also, Tim Puro sets up there, and he always has something good. I have bought a few really nice coins at that show. >>

I like this show because Babe Binnete from Maine sets up. He always has HUGE coins with HUGE prices, and I love to look at his wares.

roadrunner · June 2, 2007 2:41AM

The local shows around here are usually unproductive for most. At a recent club show many of the participants did not make table fees and travel.

It's often better to wait for FUN or Baltimore and do all one's business in a single shot, esp if selling. If anything decent does pop at a local show it often is not shown, and gets snapped up early in setup. The known dealers that pay strong and don't quibble, usually get first cracks. If anything did come my way at a local show it was usually from a dealer walking the floor.

You can beg and plead to try and get CDN bid for a worthy coin only to take it to Balty, FUN, or ANA and get Bid+10%.

roadrunner

fc · June 2, 2007 2:45AM

it seems you have come to realize what a small show can mean.
disappoint 90% of the time, with a 10% chance of finding something
you will truly like.

no different then auctions, walking into a random store, etc...

tis life! rare coins do not grow on trees, but i heard they tone on trees.

MidAtlanticCoins · June 2, 2007 2:54AM

There are 2 ways to have a good show:

Sell your way out.

Buy your way out.

We have recently begun setting up at some smaller shows (25 to 100) dealers. We go with the intention of buying. If we sell some stuff there, great. A lot of these little old guys who are setting up at these shows are collectors who are selling off their dupes or looking for extra cash.
For the collector, these shows can be quite boring after a while. For us, it is shop inventory waiting to be picked up.

tincup · June 2, 2007 3:26AM

The smaller local shows can be a mixed bag. I actually enjoy going to them, and I have to disagree that it is always the same coins over and over again. Sure, there is a lot of similar stuff... but these dealers do make some good buys and I have gotten some really nice fresh material from them. No, you are not going to find much of the higher priced rarities that you will find at the major shows, but you can find some surprises.

The show that notlogical is refering to is probably the Nebraska City NE yearly show. It is actually a pretty decent show for such a small town. I know for a fact that there is one dealer (who routinely has a full page ad in the coin newspapers and magazines) tries to set up a table at this small show every year. His reason.... he actually does some selling, but the main draw for him is the buying opportunities. He has said the show has always been a success for him due to the buying opportunities, both from the other dealers and also from the public (I always see plenty of people carrying in their cigar boxes, boxes, etc. of items to sell at this show).

MrSpud · June 2, 2007 11:27PM

It is the same here, most shows in a 150 mile radius have the same dealers and the same people going to them with the same coins in the display cases each time. However, if you focus on different series each time and look for varieties or Gems or full strikes in the raw coins, you will often find at least a few that you and everyone else has overlooked. Another positive thing about these types of coin shows is that you can easily establish a good relationship with a number of dealers. Once they get to know you and see that you tend to show up frequently at these shows, they will start to go out of their way to find and offer you the types of coins you are looking for. Some of the best coins are the ones that never make their way into the tired jaded display cases, rather they are new purchases the dealer made that he or she first offers to their best repeat business customers. Another benefit to seeing the same dealers repeatedly if you get a good idea of which dealers are sleazy and which are more ethical.

Michigan · June 2, 2007 11:59PM

My guess is that many small time dealers sell their better inventory on Ebay which will reach a much larger audience and bring better prices then if sold locally, the every day common stuff ends up making the rounds of the VFW hall coin shows etc.

291fifth · June 3, 2007 12:39AM

I just got back from a local club show.

It was a complete waste of time and gas.

Michigan · June 3, 2007 1:03AM

I don't even bother attending the local shows anymore, it has been a waste of time so many times in the past I've just given up
on them.

yellowjacket · June 3, 2007 1:34AM

Northern VA in suburban Washington, D. C. has quaint small shows every three months. Next weekend one is at Northern VA Community College. Many of the same dealers are there; however, there are always interesting and new surprises. It's much like a scavenger hunt. I enjoy the opportunities to talk to dealers and other collectors. Usually these shows are busy and well attended on Saturdays. Last time I cherried a nice AU 55 14/13 Buffalo overdate. I never consider the 45 minute drive a waste of time, but a pleasure and something to look forward to.

Very nice alternative to the mega-Baltimore show which I also look forward to.

Garrow

Burks · June 3, 2007 1:53AM

For the most part in Toledo, it's about just like you said. Same people, same dealers, same coins. Sadly my favorite dealer had to give up the hobby due to bad eyesight. I haven't been back to the show since then (and I live 2 miles away).

Shamika · June 3, 2007 2:15AM

<< You have stumbled upon the “National Association of Very Small Coin Shows, Inc.” with headquarters at 102 2nd Avenue, Adams, North Dakota.

The Association has about 200 members who travel to small towns in the Midwest and mountain states. Each week they rent a local VFW or Moose Lodge and stage a one- or two-day coin show. A dozen or so members take turns being “dealers” for the show and the others wander about pretending to be customers. “Customers” sometimes wear disguises. The organization has two purposes: 1) provide rental income to small town social halls, and 2) sample homemade baked goods and other food served at the coin show. The organization is mostly social, and has never made a profit – it is alleged that they have never sold a coin.

The NAVSCS has several affiliated organizations, the largest of which is in Washington, DC. However the Washington members seem to have forgotten about the coin show tables and now just stand around talking at each other and tasting the food in the lobby. They go by the name “Congress”. >>

Classic!

TwoSides2aCoin · June 3, 2007 3:04AM

Maybe ....

nevermind.
My ideas won't work.

cmerlo1 · June 3, 2007 3:11AM

Same in Austin/San Antonio...as a cherrypicker, I look at a lot of coins. I even remember certain coins, and see them at every show...some of the dealers now recognize me and say hello, because I'm one of the same people at the same shows....

--Christian

Are your local coin shows like ours?

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