Community Voice Responses (June 4, 2019)
From the April 26 Numismatic News E-Letter Following the conclusion of the Central States Numismatic Convention in Chicago, we’d like to know what you think the most important role of…
From the April 26 Numismatic News E-Letter
Following the conclusion of the Central States Numismatic Convention in Chicago, we’d like to know what you think the most important role of coin shows is within the hobby?
Here are some answers sent in from our E-Newsletter readers.
Oh boy is it ever important to go to a coinshow, look at the items up close, and to NOT buy them based on a claim or a picture shown on the internet!
Tom Demaree
Fridley, Minn.
The Major Shows across the Country are useful to those who can afford to travel to them, and rub elbows with true professionals within Numismatics. The smaller local Shows though, leave a lot to be desired. Most of the so called “ Dealers “ at these types of Venues remind me of little more than used car salesmen. Few are able to discuss with any degree of certainty or knowledge, anything concerning Numismatics in general. Mostly their time seems to be spent on talking with other dealers. I walk away from these Shows as if I’d been at some traveling 3rd rate carnival, and can’t wait to get home and take a shower. If my pockets were deeper I’d love to attend a real Numismatic Show. I love the hobby and am self taught. My problem is that I’m involved in a Champagne Hobby, with only Beer financial resources.
Steve McGowan
Algonac, Mich.
Coin shows play no part in coin collection for a majority of us small-time collectors.I have collected coins since the late 1950s (my Dad started me off with Lincoln cents, buffalo/Jefferson nickels, and mercury/Roosevelt dimes).I still purchase coins and sets directly from the Mint on most of the offerings, and I purchase many coins online from various companies/websites/e-bay, etc.Over the years, I have built my small collection to its current (retail) value of approximately $78,000. Though small by professional collector/dealer standards, it is still a collection I am proud of.
Coins shows and auctions have changed over the years to concentrate only on the rich, professional, deep-pockets collectors.They do nothing to attract us smaller collectors, nor do they attract new, younger collectors.When young people see the cost of attempting to collect coins of any value, they are scared off from the hobby.
Rick Anderson
Tucson, Ariz.
