Another coin show story

just went to a coin show about 1/2 an hour east of me. Although the attendees were older (and white - but then I'm in western PA), there were quite a few people in their 30s and 40s, even among the dealers. And I'm 34, incidentally.

Oh come on now these are not reports. Someone here asked for coin show reports so give him one.
For instance how many dealers were there? Admittance charges? Parking Fees? How crowded with buyers? How many looked like they were buyiing something? How were the prices compared to the Red Book for instance? How clean was the place. What kind of coins were the most prevelant? Wild guess as to the % of slabbed versus non slabbed? How many days did it run? What were the hours?
Guress I'm a little guilty of not being more informative myself though. I usually try to post a show report every time I go and I do go to one at least two times a month.
So far my favorite one has become the one that is in a Suburb of Chicago called CoutrySide. Averages about 75 to 100 dealers. Free admittance and parking. Friendly dealers and usually very talkative until the place gets mobbed. Prices of food and drinks are outragious. Last summer I was charged $1 for a small cup of ice. Needed for a cooler in my car with groceries. The prices of coins are really reasonable since there is so much competition. About half of all the coins there are slabbed lately. What amazes me is how polite mosat of the people there are compared to people in chicago itself. That one is about 12 miles from my house. The one I just went to this sunday was about 10 miles. Once the dealers get to know you it appears their prices get smaller. Maybe imagination, but sure seems that way. The last show at CountrySide I spent over $1,000 and that makes me think it's time to reduce buying or going to these shows.
The funniest thing I seen at one of these coin shows was this guy sitting at a dealers table with a cell phone stuck to his ear. Talking real loud you could here him saying to someone things like "no, turn the page. Is there an empty spot for any coins there? which ones" He sat there for about 10 minutes doing that and finally noticed he was getting an evil eye from the dealer so he got up and left the area.

 

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About twice a week two girls (one's two and other's 5) come over to my house to give their parents a break. Whenever the older one comes first thing out of her mouth is..."got any new candy, Bill?" And after our trip to the candy dish she always wants to see my coins. She points to a coin and says it's a nickel, or dime, or quarter (whatever the size is)...sometimes she's right, but other times she's not. It's kinda hard explaining to her that 100 years ago they had half cents and three cent pieces. But she likes looking at them and holding them. She always likes the shiny coins. Showed her a proof set and she was so surprised- "I can see myself, Bill. Here, look at it, look at yourself....." Every now and then I'll get her a SBA or a Kennedy, something she doesn't see every day so she can brag to her friends about it.
Is she a coin collector now---maybe a little. I think she definately has some numismatic blood in her. Do I think that she'll ever be a serious coin collector? Maybe, maybe not. But I know that she enjoys it now ...and she probably won't remember it 5 years from now, but she always has a smile when I open the up my coin book. Just because you don't see YNs at coin shows doesn't mean they don't don't exist. I've never been to a coin show. I think the future of the hobby is looking as strong as ever and am looking forward to being a part of it- Bill---14 years

 

shows

Oh come on now these are not reports. Someone here asked for coin show reports so give him one.

The last show I went to was in central IA. The parking was free, as was the admission. there was a lot of dealers ( 50 plus). I would say mabey 15% or 20 % of the coins were slabbed. Prices weren't bad if you shopped around. The prices for slabbed coins seamed a little high. There was plenty of people on hand to buy silver, in fact one guy brought in a coin counter to aid his silver buying. My kids were looking to buy silver eagles but they were in short supply. We finally found what what they were looking for. I found a couple good buys on 2 Morgans I need to plug some holes im my collection. I had a good time. we went the first of two days and it was swamped. it was hard to get in to look at the coins it was so busy.

 

I attempt to solve the inheritance problem by sticking mainly to silver and gold coins with relatively small premiums over the bullion value, and teaching my kids enough so that they know what the coins are likely to be worth if they sell them. I'm also at the point where I think I have "enough" silver coins, and going forward I expect to make a few swaps of silver for gold so that I end up with fewer but more expensive coins to simplify things even further. But I realize this approach is probably unsatisfactory for most people trying to assemble complete sets.

 

Difficult to understand why some areas don't have coin shows and other areas are plagued with to many. As to April around here it is going to be a really busy Month. There are 2 coin shows on the 9th and 16th, both free. Then the International Coin Fair March 30 to April 2, $5 to get in. However, this is complimented with a Camera Show on the 9th, Computer show on the 23rd. Gun Shows 2nd and 30th with usually $6 to get in. Old Gun a& knife show 28th to 30th and $10 to get in. Then all outdoor flea markets open the 9th and most are open every weekend. Indoor ones are open Fri,Sat and Sunday.
Like I said a busy Month coming up.

 

Fair enough.

I want to point out I am not wishing for anyone's downfall, nor am I "happy" about it, I am merely pointing out the futility of hoarding stuff that you intend to keep "forever". There is just no avoiding death, eventually it's gonna get us, me included. I am just frustrated to hear the ongoing complaining from people who's heirs don't care to be coin collectors. My point is stop complaining and do something about it. Either sell the coins or provide for their sale after your passing if you want to die with them in your possession. My second point was well enough made above (numismatics is thriving).