I know there was a big show in St. Louis a month ago, and from what I understood, it was to be the biggest show of 2007 for the midwest. I really wish I could have made it. Did any of you guys attend? Just curious.
Yes, I went. It was the Central States Numismatic Society convention. It was pretty nice. There were lots of dealers there (maybe 225-250). However, I didn't buy anything. I didn't really have a list or anything going into it, but I didn't really see anything that I was particularly interested in that I could afford either (and wanted to spend my hard-earned money on).
I have heard that the public attendance to that show isn't particularly high, partly due the the location of the event in Saint Louis. I have never been to Saint Louis, so I personally have no idea. For those who went, is it tough to get there.
I don't know about that either. The show was at the America's Center right in the heart of downtown St. Louis. I would think that coin collectors would go to where the show is without much regard to which venue it's held at. As for the "public attendance", I'm not sure if it makes much of a difference where it's held (as long as it's within reason). Either people are interested or they aren't.
About two weeks before the CSNS show was the annual Early American Coppers (EAC) show, also in St. Louis. The EAC show was at the airport Hilton, which had a nice facility. The show itself was a blast, easily some of the nicest people in numismatics I've ever had the priviledge to meet. Made some new friends, some purchases, and lots of contacts. Ended up with ten new 1804 half cents, saw some amazing coins, a few I'm still kicking myself about not buying fast enough, and got to show off what, I'm told, was the cherrypick of the year. As for getting there, the drive from Michigan wasn't that bad except for the speed traps. Cops were on the on-ramp to the southbound freeway every few exits for about 40 miles. I saw dozens of cars pulled over. And the drive back wasn't that bad either, until we ran into construction around Chicago. Since I went to the EAC show, I wasn't able to swing time to go to CSNS. Maybe next year. Fish
I've heard, and noticed too, that the attendance at the St. Louis shows seem a to be a little low lately, and have heard some dealers complaining about not selling enough. Then again, other dealers seem to do quite well. Anyway, the reason I always anounce the St. Louis shows here is that I hope the attendance/sales at the shows will be good. If business is good and alot of dealers come to the shows, that means I'll have more to choose from.
If you missed that then there is the MidAmerica Coin Expo on June 21 to 24th at the Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois. Supposed to be 175 or more dealers from 30 different states. I go on Friday and Saturday. I hate this one. $5 to get in. $11 to park. Rotten expensive food. Most dealers have traveled so they stay in the hotel across the street and then charge more for coins to make up for it. I wouldn't go at all except it's only about 3 or 4 miles from my house.