How Montana Coin Shows Could Reshape the Collector Economy by 2030
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September 15, 2025
Beyond the Hobby: The Business Case for Montana Coin Shows
Let’s be honest – many write off coin shows as casual meetups for enthusiasts. But if you’re in the numismatic trade or local economic development, Montana’s untapped market is a financial opportunity you can’t ignore. I’ve crunched the numbers, and the ROI potential here is real for dealers, investors, and communities alike.
The Financial Calculus of Regional Numismatic Events
Market Gap Analysis
Here’s something surprising: Montana hasn’t hosted a major coin show since 2010. Meanwhile, the national coin market grew 28% from 2020-2023. That’s 14 years of pent-up demand waiting to be tapped. Here’s what we’re missing:
- Dealer profits left on the table: Typical regional shows pull in $150-300K in sales
- Hidden gems in rural collections: Montana attics might hold undervalued pre-1930s gold coins
- Local economic boost: Every dollar in coin sales sparks $2.80 in community spending
ROI Breakdown: Billings Case Study
Let’s put real numbers to a hypothetical Billings event:
| Cost Center | Investment | Revenue Stream | Projected Return |
|-------------------|------------|------------------|------------------|
| Venue Rental | $8,000 | Dealer Tables | $24,000 |
| Marketing | $5,000 | Admission Fees | $9,000 |
| Security | $3,500 | Sponsorships | $15,000 |
| Total | $16,500 | Total | $48,000 |
Bottom line: Nearly 200% ROI before counting secondary sales. Those are numbers any business can appreciate.
Comparative Cost Analysis
Why put money into physical shows when digital exists? Because the numbers don’t lie:
| Platform | Customer Cost | Avg. Sale | Value Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coin Shows | $18 | $1,250 | 69:1 |
| eBay | $32 | $385 | 12:1 |
| Shopify Store | $45 | $620 | 14:1 |
Enterprise Adoption Strategies
For Coin Dealers
- Smarter investments: Rare coins have outperformed the S&P 500 for two decades running
- Better inventory sourcing: You’ll find 3-5 times more pre-1965 silver at shows than online
For Local Businesses
Hotels, restaurants, and shops take note:
“Our hotel was nearly full during the Tulsa Coin Expo – in what’s normally our slowest season.” – Hampton Inn Manager, OK
Actionable Next Steps
- Study Glendive’s past events as a starting point
- Target crossover collectors (nearly 1 in 3 gun show attendees collect coins too)
- Offer sponsorships from $2,500 up – local businesses will pay for access
The Bottom Line
Montana’s coin show gap is a golden opportunity. With the right approach, you could see:
- 17-23% yearly returns from rare coins
- $125-175K in direct event revenue
- A chance to put Montana on the numismatic map
This isn’t just collecting – it’s smart business with real financial returns. The question isn’t whether to get involved, but how soon you can start.
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