01-04-2019 02:22 PM
Hello Everyone,
I've noticed over the past 2-3 years, local coin clubs sponsering coin shows have been dwindling in collector attendance. Depending a many factors, such as weather, club advertsing of the show, and online auctions such as Ebay, local coin shows participation, and attendence are in decline. What has anyone noticed? mtkiii
01-04-2019 05:32 PM
Regarding fewer collectors at coin expos, yes, Heron believes this to be true.
With the growing number of different items being offered on eBay and the
difficulty of finding certain items at coin shows, it is certainly true that eBay
is receiving more of Heron's purchasing. Recently the number of items
available in German States pre 1871 on eBay there were over 14,000 items
listed. Out of 14,000 Heron found 5 for his personal accumulation. And
5 is a big number nowadays...! So, as eBay grows in size and sellers ship
faster, there will most likely be fewer people spending time in traffic trying
to get to and from a coin show. Opinion.
01-05-2019 07:17 AM
I agree. Local coin shows will disappear as eBay has captured the market. I've discovered that eBay's "completed sold" sales now is the way to determine what your coin is worth and what it will sell for. My collection was gathered mainly from auctions and mail bids some 25-35 years ago. I used CDN price guides to determine coin values. Like the motor car replaced horse and buggy, like the airplane affected ocean liner travel and like cell phones killed land line phones, time and technology marches on (ask The Kodak Company). One of the most detrimental behavior in coin sales coming from our technology revolution is the predatory buying occurring on eBay. The predator coin buyer (wolf) hunts the coins up for sale by the naive or misinformed (sheep). Then the coin is purchased and flipped. Why bother to go to coin shows when all that matters is the profit margin. Is it the love of numismatics or the love of profit ? It's like "American Pickers".... let's see how we can take advantage of the less informed. Me ? I just loved coin collecting but I can't take my coins to the grave (my kids don't want them) so I'm trying to limp along and sell them on eBay. To make a long story short...the technology revolution is dramatic and fast paced. The days of coin and stamp clubs, chess clubs and playing with other children (et al) has been replaced by mindless staring at cell phones and a chill in social relationships. Maybe I'm just an old hoot...but I already miss the old days.
01-05-2019 08:56 AM
Cinco de Enero 2019: Yes, elHeron hears you! Loud & clear!
The world has changed quite a bit since Heron became a coin collector in
April of 1946. It will be somewhat sad to see the coin expos disappear.
Meeting folks and discussing coins of various issuing entities was a big
factor in attending coin shows. And of course negotiating with sellers.
Business conducted on the internet is quite different. However, some
bargains can still be found. There are some sellers that know not what
they have and perhaps someone suggested a 'selling price' to them.
And that is how we sometimes find a really good bargain. Such as a 1727
Reichenau coin for $19. Seller listed it as Haldenstein but it isnt. Folks
that sell should spend a few hours researching what is what. On the
other hand, it is ok with Heron if folks want to sell a $45 item for $19...
with freight free!
Yes, Heron saw the rise of coin shops. And now, in Heron's twilight years
he will probably see the demise of coin shops. And coin expos.
And progress marches on. Coin collecting could wind up similar to stamp
collecting. As you point out, the chirren of today are more interested in
playing games on electronic machines. That is ok with Heron...! Keeps
the economy moving and returns dividends to investors. And folks that
are willing to pay $1,000 for a cell phone! They also help keep the economy
moving. But the coin collecting is for FUN and the joy of ownership of items
from long ago. Yes, the modern stuff is ok but not the same as holding a
nice 1/24 Thaler dated 1508. And that is why Heron will continue to collect
right up to the time of Heron's expiration. Whatever date that is...! ha!
Good talking with you. If you sell your coins please keep a few favorites
on hand so you can remember the good days.