How I Found the Best Coin Shows in Montana (And How You Can Too)

The Montana Coin Show Dilemma

Here’s the truth: when I first started collecting coins in Montana, I nearly gave up. The shows I kept hearing about? Either canceled, outdated, or impossible to find. After months of frustration, I cracked the code. Let me save you the headache I went through with these real solutions that actually work.

Step 1: Understanding the Montana Coin Show Scene

Montana’s coin shows are like hidden treasure – you need the right map to find them. Here’s what I learned the hard way:

• Quality over quantity – fewer shows but better dealers
• They often hide within gun or collectible shows
• Facebook groups know before Google does
• Billings and Bozeman are hotspots

The Glendive Ghost Show

Every website listed a Glendive coin show. When I drove two hours to get there? Empty building. The lesson? Always call the venue first. A quick phone call saved me countless wasted trips later.

Step 2: Where to Find Coins When Shows Are Scarce

1. Gun Shows – The Unexpected Goldmine

I was skeptical too, but Montana gun shows often have coin dealers tucked in the back. My strategy:

• Get there when doors open (serious collectors arrive early)
• Ask dealers “What’s coming to town next month?”
• Trade contact info with other coin hunters

2. Sports Card Shows – Hidden Treasures

The same dealers who buy vintage baseball cards often have coin collections too. Found my best Mercury dime at a Kalispell card show.

3. Local Shops – The Secret Keepers

Billings Coin & Stamp became my intel hub. Shop owners know everything first – if you become a regular. Bring coffee, be friendly, and suddenly you’re getting texts about “the good stuff” coming in.

Step 3: Digital Shortcuts That Actually Work

Reliable Online Listings (Finally!)

After wading through outdated sites, these proved accurate:

• Montana Numismatic Society’s newsletter
• Regional collector Facebook groups (search “406 coins”)
• Small town bulletin boards (yes, some still exist online)

Virtual Shows – Not Just for Pandemics

I resisted at first, but online shows let me:

• See Montana dealers’ full inventory without driving
• Chat with collectors from neighboring states
• Get tipped off about upcoming local events

Step 4: Making Your Own Luck

Start a Collector’s Coffee Club

Five of us meeting at the Missoula library turned into twenty regulars swapping coins every month. No fancy setup needed – just a table, some coffee, and a “coins welcome” sign.

Border Hopping for Big Finds

When the itch for a major show hits, I plan weekend trips to:

• Idaho’s silver dollar shows
• Wyoming’s summer coin expos
• Spokane’s big winter event

Real-World Tips That Work in Montana

After two years of trial and error, here’s what actually pays off:

• Make friends at small shops before you need favors
• Check high school gyms for pop-up shows
• Carry cash – rural dealers prefer it
• Follow county fair schedules – some have coin booths
• Start small – my first meetup was just three people

You CAN Build a Great Collection in Montana

Montana won’t hand you coin shows on a silver platter. But with the right approach (and a little persistence), you’ll find more opportunities than you’d expect. Start with one local shop visit this weekend. Ask about upcoming events. Before you know it, you’ll be the one giving tips to new collectors. The treasure hunt is half the fun – happy collecting!

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