Chicago ANA World's Fair of Money Show

I'm looking at attending my first big show which is going to be held in Chicago in the Middle of August. I see it starts on Tuesday and runs through Sunday. I'm wondering if there are any downfalls of attending the show in the first two days? I was thinking of going on Tuesday or Wednesday as I can take the train from Michigan to Chicago for $34 each way(can't drive there that cheap!) I'm not looking to spend a lot, I've just wanted to attend a big show for awhile now and I might be able to make this one happen.

Any advise on attending the Chicago show?

 

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I do believe Wensday is first day for the public unless you buy the early bird pass.

 

What kind of advice are you looking for? Are you going to stay near the Rosemont area?

It is one of the best shows in the US, and everything you want to see or look for will be there.

 

Go Wednesday. If you're taking a train into downtown, you'll need to get to the CTA Blue Line and take that in the direction of O'Hare to the Rosemont stop ($2.50 fare, I think). It's about a 40 minute trip from downtown.

As for advice on what to see while you're there, that depends on how much you want to drool at stuff (see the Pogue coins at Stacks/Bowers) or if you're looking to buy stuff (be choosy, as there is a lot of stuff to buy).

 

You can never go with too much .

 

The Kaiser Collection of German Gold Coins will be there up for auction. Check them out if you go.

 

If you go without money it's not worth going so stay home and save the cost of the trip. Only go without money if all you plan to do is look but be prepared, you'll find a coin you can't live without and then you're stuck.

You can never take too much money. Just demonstrate a little willpower.

I always take too much. Usually go home with a wad as I didn't spent it all. Just cause you take it doesn't mean you have to spend it.

I do this with all the coin, antique and rock/gem shows I go to. They're fun but you always find something.

Go, take money and then take extra. Enjoy!

 

Bring your carry weapon!

 

Be sure to look at all the exhibits; that won't cost you anything. Also, bring some of your duplicates to sell so that you'll then have an excuse to buy.

 

You are not allowed to have any weapon inside the convention center... Well, at least one that the many guards can see.

I don't like it at all, but there are stickers about a "no carry zone" on each of the doors... :-(

 

Go BIG or stay home!!

 

I'm sure all the thugs that plan to rob you will heed those stickers!

 

I wish !!!!!

 

Because of work committments I usually go on saturdays, a lot of the dealers are gone by then, even Harlan Berks is sometimes gone early saturday. Usually the ana seems to me to be a sellers show, if you have something to sell. Dont miss thecollectors exhibits, they can open your head up to parts of the hobby you may not have considered.

 

I think you will have a blast...

1. Don't expect to see EVERYTHING... you can go wide (making a quick pass past all the dealers) or go deep (spend time with the ones selling what interests you).

2. Deep: Go through the dealer list and figure out where the ones that interest you will be. Check out their ads in the pubs to see what they sell...

3. Don't forget to visit the less expensive tables... nothing at that show will be exceptionally cheap, but there is lots of good value.

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions. As things ebb and flow through the day, many of the dealers will have time to do some education.

5. Visit the world mints. Those folk are there to show off the really cool work they are doing and are justifiably proud.

6. Definitely checkout the museum and the exhibits.

7. Have a modest list of things you are looking for and know what you are willing to spend.

8. Bring (or buy) a good loupe

9. Comfortable shoes

10. have FUN

 

And... most dealers will give you a small discount, just for asking, so ASK and you shall receive (in most cases).

BUT, warning... don't be a swine... limit yourself to a small reasonable discount, so if the price is $27, ask for $25... If the price is $367, ask for $350...

If the price is $278 and you ask to get it for $125, you will, most probably, be "gone with the wind"...

 

The education you get will be worth the attendance. This is one show I don't miss. I would tell you the coins you see are amazing along with the displays. If you are new to the hobby, you will be excieted even more. If there is a need here is the supply. I don't think you know the wonderful experience you are in for. This will be my 16th attendance. Go for it!

 

One thing you should consider doing is going to the Heritage lot viewing. Say you are into Barber halves, they will show you all you ask for, box by box. Seeing a bunch of the same series one after the other can be quite educational. Some look way better than the online pics, some worse. Nothing beats examining coins in hand.

I like $20 gold and Morgans. Looking through the lots, I found some gems and some dogs that I am glad I looked at before bidding.