Hi all, Since I completed my registry set of Peace Dollars this year, I had some encouragement to show them off. To that end, I've signed up for an exhibition at the Sept 30th show in Sacramento. I'm looking for ideas above and beyond "putting coins in a case" and I've come up with a few tricks that are sure to (knock wood) wow the visitors. I will have 2 cases available to me, and will be displaying ~25 coins and some other sundries that are related. If you've reviewed exhibits in the past, I'd like to pick your brains for ideas on what you liked, didn't like, and what you might want to see when reviewing a collection. And for those wondering where - it's the Sacramento Valley Coin Club 59th Anniversary show if you can make it! http://sacvalcc.org/uploads/2016-Fall-Show-Flyer.pdf
My favorite displays are when I can see all the coins in the same case with real good lighting. I also like when they are arranged neatly, if this helps.
Perhaps Charmy @The Penny Lady® can give you some pointers. She has always had some nice displays. Good luck, Brett! Chris
Here's something a dealer friend of mine does....and the effect is pretty cool. The first time I seen him use it I was like you better put that coin back in the case. Here's the trick he uses those little 3 legged plastic devices that pizza shops use to make sure the lid of the pizza box doesn't touch the cheese on the pizza. On lager coins it give an effect that the coin is actually sitting on the case glass top. Sort of an illusion to the eye. Maybe do the keys of the series to make them stand out more so.
I don't know much about coin presentation but I'm a nerd at heart (aren't we all?) and I love reading interesting tidbits about coins both personal and educational.
Building a winning exhibit is fun. First I recommend reading and understanding the rules. Exhibiting is much more than showing off coins. Regardless of your subject a throughly researched and well written exhibit will entertain and educate the viewers. The rules should contain a sample score sheet so you can see what the judges are looking for. With this knowledge in mind your exhibit should use coordinating colors. One for the base of the exhibit case. Another for the text, and so on. A catchy title will serve to draw those walking by closer to read your information. Have fun
If you're limited to standard issue coin show cases, the options are limited. Good lighting is a must. Dark velvet lining looks neat. You can buy it at a fabric store; get an oversize piece and fold the edges under. Elevating the slabs on stands with a mirror underneath allows the reverses to be seen albeit at an angle and ... reversed ... what else! If there's room, a poster with info about the series will increase interest. I live in the area and will try to make it. Cal
One thing that has kept me from putting together an exhibit of valuable coins is worry about revealing myself in public as the owner of such. Maybe I'm paranoid. True, the coins are in the bank most of the time, but the bad guys may not know that. Probably should take the risk. I enjoy other folks exhibits, so rather selfish not to do one myself. Cal
I know that MSNS Exhibit rules prohibit the exhibitor's name being anywhere on the exhibit. The exhibit chairman is the only one that can put a name to any exhibit. That said, if you win an award your name is announced at the Awards Banquet. In Michigan the Exhibits are at one end of the Bourse floor so armed security is present 24 hours per day.
