Why do coin dealers put sheets and chairs on their showcases at the end of the day?

MrEureka · May 15, 2008 12:24PM

Do they really think that this is an adequate security system?

commoncents05 · May 15, 2008 12:25PM

So the janitorial staff can vacuum?

-Paul

ColonialCoinUnion · May 15, 2008 12:26PM

The honest answer is that I started doing it because I saw you doing it.

fc · May 15, 2008 12:31PM

<< Do they really think that this is an adequate security system? >>

was it a way of saying i am closed, please come back some other time?

kieferscoins · May 15, 2008 12:39PM

<< Do they really think that this is an adequate security system? >>

I guess its better than being able to see through each case and see the huge pricetags. Far from sight far from mind and might help just one "security" person stay away from trouble.

Cameron Kiefer

IGWT · May 15, 2008 12:49PM

Cultic ritual. Actually, the sheets make some sense to me. The chairs not so much.

Walmann · May 15, 2008 12:52PM

Three sheets means to the wind. Chairs up means they wouldn't be able to sit in them in that condition anyway.

SUMORADA · May 15, 2008 1:06PM

Same as jewelers, to cover up the odds and ends (cheap stuff ) they left in some of the cases.......or because they saw someone else do it...

Ronyahski · May 15, 2008 1:12PM

How do you know when a coin dealer is on vacation?

When his lawn furniture is on the roof!

Ronyahski · May 15, 2008 1:12PM

How do you know when a coin dealer is on vacation?

When his lawn furniture is on the roof!

Ronyahski · May 15, 2008 1:13PM

Apparently I stutter.

Ronyahski · May 15, 2008 1:13PM

Apparently I stutter.

GFourDriver · May 15, 2008 1:17PM

Because they cant lift the sofas.

remumc · May 15, 2008 1:22PM

I do the same thing at gun shows. Keeps tempting things out of sight. The showcases are locked, not much security, but some. Then they are covered. I put the chairs over the seams or overlaps so no one can easily flip a corner to see what's underneath. All in all, pretty much what Cameron said. I've never had a problem during the closed times. They've always got me when I was open and watching. Never lost anything big. Sure hope I get to catch one of the bastages someday.

Regards,

Wayne

GoldenEyeNumismatics · May 15, 2008 2:41PM

Because lifting those chairs roughly doubles the amount of daily exercise us numismatists get, and coin geeks love to stay in shape!

Coxe · May 15, 2008 2:44PM

Because it pleases Baal.

BECOKA · May 15, 2008 2:45PM

To me it is out of sight out of mind. If someone was scanning the floor the quick and sure thing would be the cases that are not covered. less commotion with no chairs on top. Could you imagine waking up security if you drop the chair trying to peek inside?

mgoodm3 · May 15, 2008 2:50PM

Is it kinda like covering a bird cage at night?

northcoin · May 15, 2008 3:02PM

It comes from a primordial urge to slab. Keeps fingerprints and dust off the cases just like the plastic does. Placing the chairs is the sealing ritual and removing them replicates the cracking.

AACoinCo · May 15, 2008 8:42PM

The reason for the chairs on top is to keep other thieving dealers from taking the chairs. It seems that if a chair is left on the floor in front of a table it disappears. Nothing like paying $800 bucks for a table and having no chairs for your customers and then having the bourse chair (pun intended) tell you they are out of chairs and you will have to make due. As far as security and the sheets go well get a body bag.

UtahCoin · May 15, 2008 9:28PM

<< 

<< Do they really think that this is an adequate security system? >>

was it a way of saying i am closed, please come back some other time? >>

That plus it gives a false sense of security. Plus, everybody else does it....

ebaytrader · May 15, 2008 9:34PM

Many dealers are not at the table the minute the show opens or closes. If other dealers or security notice anyone milling around a covered table, it alerts them to a potential problem.

Longacre · May 15, 2008 10:10PM

I wonder what would happen if some rebel dealer did not cover his case in the evening.

RYK · May 15, 2008 10:12PM

If they do not put the sheets on the cases, WTH else are they going to do with those sheets? And once placed on the tables, how else are they going to keep the sheets from falling off the cases?

IGWT · May 15, 2008 10:19PM

PNG funded a study on security and discovered that a high percentage of thieves are allergic to linen.

CoinRaritiesOnline · May 15, 2008 10:29PM

There isn't a criminal mastermind alive today who can penetrate such a security system.

When potential thieves see those sheets and those chairs, they run away and get an honest job.

FullStrike · May 15, 2008 10:42PM

J J J _ _ _ ??? membership L L L

FinallyHere · May 16, 2008 12:04AM

1) Dealers are like lemmings
2) Keeps your chairs from being stolen by other dealers who might feel they don't have enough chairs to put on their own showcases at their own table
3) Because it's easier to put the chairs on the showcases than the showcases on the chairs

4) A long time ago John Agre came by my table as I was closing and said: "Aren't you going to put your chairs up?"
5) I'm sure glad show promoters don't set couches out....that would really suck!

messydesk · May 16, 2008 12:23AM

That's why there aren't shows in Chicago anymore. Union thugs won't let you put up your own chairs.

BAJJERFAN · May 16, 2008 4:14AM

<< That's why there aren't shows in Chicago anymore. Union thugs won't let you put up your own chairs. >>

Do they require you to have a union electician plug in your frikken desk lamp too?

19Lyds · May 16, 2008 4:41AM

<< There isn't a criminal mastermind alive today who can penetrate such a security system.

<< 

Without attracting some attention from either the dealers in attendance (who presumably know each other) or the security guard.

Greeniejr · May 16, 2008 5:18AM

Didn't any of you see Fiddler on the Roof... TRADITION!!! (insert lame music here)

rhedden · May 16, 2008 6:40AM

Why do coin dealers put sheets and chairs on their showcases at the end of the day?

Just so they can claim that everything on their table is priced "under sheet."

nencoin · May 16, 2008 6:42AM

<< PNG funded a study on security and discovered that a high percentage of thieves are allergic to linen. >>

Good one!

nencoin · May 16, 2008 6:43AM

<< Just so they can claim that everything on their table is priced "under sheet."

>>

'

Also good!

BAJJERFAN · May 16, 2008 6:46AM

<< Why do coin dealers put sheets and chairs on their showcases at the end of the day?

Just so they can claim that everything on their table is priced "under sheet."

>>

They are gettin a little extra bull sheet for the next day.

Longacre · May 16, 2008 10:24AM

Has anyone seen how Julian hoists that big leather highback office chair onto his case in the evening?

RYK · May 16, 2008 10:25AM

<< Has anyone seen how Julian hoists that big leather highback office chair onto his case in the evening? >>

I would pay strong money to see that.

charley · May 16, 2008 10:29AM

Probably uses a collector that didn't make it out in time as a ramp. Respectfully, John Curlis

Broadstruck · May 16, 2008 10:49AM

Does it have anything to do with the PNG Dealer Chair Handstand Competition

WTCG · May 16, 2008 4:40PM

The chairs and covers may not be totally adequate security, but it beats leaving the cases and all of their contents in full view when your table is unattended.

Mar327 · May 16, 2008 5:34PM

Guys, this is a great post and just what the doctor ordered. I came down with cellulitis 11 days ago, worst pain of my life, did a few days in the hospital, and am reading this in the wee hours waiting for Percocet to work.... maybe it's the drugs but I've been laughing so hard - geez it feels good! I hope to see more additions and quips later. You and your great senses of humor are a joy, tyvm!

Mar

BBQnBLUES · May 16, 2008 11:04PM

You know.... I thought it was to keep the Artificial Toning from fading b4 the coins sell..

dorancoins · May 16, 2008 11:36PM

<< Do they really think that this is an adequate security system? >>

From my experience, that is not the case. What it means, IMHO, is that "we're closed for the day - come back tomorrow." Seen it lots of times at shows.

dorancoins · May 16, 2008 11:39PM

<< That's why there aren't shows in Chicago anymore. Union thugs won't let you put up your own chairs. >>

What a minute - I don't think that is a legitimate reason.

RWB · May 17, 2008 12:19AM

From the Great Book of NumisMysteries:

The Real Reason Dealers Put Cloths and Chairs on Top of Their Cases At Night

As many collectors can testify, coin dealers are really a form of vampire that will suck the life-blood from you in an instant. Less well known is that they also prey on one another. Coin shows present the perfect venue for them to drain one another dry or, better yet, salt their competition with inferior product.

The usual talismans – garlic worn around the neck, a christian cross of silver, a hair from the beard of the prophet Mohammed – protect non-vampires, but do not protect one vampire coin dealer from their colleagues. However, at the ANA convention of 1937, it was discovered that by placing a plain cotton sheet over the cases of coins at night, other vampire dealers could not suck the value and profit out of one’s stock. This is called the “Shroud of Tourin’” in recognition of the table shroud’s constantly being with the vagabond coin dealer on his tours of coin shows.

To prevent accidental removal of the cloth, heavy objects were placed on the cloths – the drained corpses of coin collectors were used until health officials raised objection to the odor. Chairs are now used as being the most convenient, and this also helps discourage other dealers from swiping them.

The above is secret to you and you alone, so do not divulge it to anyone….

Broadstruck · May 17, 2008 3:15PM

<< From the Great Book of NumisMysteries:

The Real Reason Dealers Put Cloths and Chairs on Top of Their Cases At Night

As many collectors can testify, coin dealers are really a form of vampire that will suck the life-blood from you in an instant. Less well known is that they also prey on one another. Coin shows present the perfect venue for them to drain one another dry or, better yet, salt their competition with inferior product.

The usual talismans – garlic worn around the neck, a christian cross of silver, a hair from the beard of the prophet Mohammed – protect non-vampires, but do not protect one vampire coin dealer from their colleagues. However, at the ANA convention of 1937, it was discovered that by placing a plain cotton sheet over the cases of coins at night, other vampire dealers could not suck the value and profit out of one’s stock. This is called the “Shroud of Tourin’” in recognition of the table shroud’s constantly being with the vagabond coin dealer on his tours of coin shows.

To prevent accidental removal of the cloth, heavy objects were placed on the cloths – the drained corpses of coin collectors were used until health officials raised objection to the odor. Chairs are now used as being the most convenient, and this also helps discourage other dealers from swiping them.

The above is secret to you and you alone, so do not divulge it to anyone…. >>

Doogy · May 17, 2008 3:17PM

to soak up any spilled Ketchup and other condiments that missed the mark during the day.

DJCoinz · May 17, 2008 3:21PM

<< Why do coin dealers put sheets and chairs on their showcases at the end of the day?

Just so they can claim that everything on their table is priced "under sheet."

>>

Now that one had me laughing.

northcoin · May 18, 2008 4:56PM

<< It comes from a primordial urge to slab. Keeps fingerprints and dust off the cases just like the plastic does. Placing the chairs is the sealing ritual and removing them replicates the cracking. >>

I have to concur that the response about dealers wanting to be able to say they are offering their coins below sheet has to take the cake.

Why do coin dealers put sheets and chairs on their showcases at the end of the day?

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