My Adventures at Very Small Coin Shows: What’s the Smallest I’ve Encountered?

As a lifelong coin collector, I’ve wandered through countless coin shows over the years, but it’s the tiny, intimate ones that stick with me. Lately, I’ve been thinking back to these cozy events—like the one with just a dozen dealers—and what makes them both special and tricky for folks like us.

My Mini Coin Show Adventures

I remember one particularly memorable show in Bloomington, Indiana last April. Just 32 tables and about 20 dealers—including me at the time—made for a friendly, relaxed pace where you could actually chat with fellow collectors. Compare that to a monthly Montgomery County event I used to visit: around 50 tables sounded promising, but I stopped going when the same dealers kept showing up with identical boxes every month. Then there was that Raleigh show—maybe 12 dealers tops. After a few trips, I gave up; the 20-minute drive each way just wasn’t worth it for what felt like slim pickings.

Why Small Shows Are Hit or Miss

Here’s what I’ve learned from these bite-sized events:

• Same Stuff, Different Day: Many small shows feature dealers recycling the same inventory—those familiar red boxes of world coins or modern issues. At one local yearly show, only two dealers caught my eye (both large cent specialists), but one priced too high and the other was just plain grumpy.
• Who’s Selling?: Not everyone behind the table is a pro. At a small club show with about 12 tables, most sellers seemed to be members offloading personal collections. Great for niche finds, but don’t expect expert grading advice.
• Distance Dilemmas: I’ve driven hours to “25-table shows” only to find mostly sports cards and one lonely coin dealer. Now I think twice—like with that Trevose show an hour away—and focus on spots near dealers I trust, like Bucks County Rare Coin.

Getting the Most From Small Shows

Through trial and error, here’s my approach:

• Do Your Homework: I always check online or call ahead for dealer lists and table counts. Shows merging under names like BuxMont Coin Shows help avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Get to Know Your Dealers: Smaller shows mean more approachable sellers. I’ve built relationships with folks like Coins & Currency of Wayne (a bullion specialist), scoring better deals on silver bars even when they skip smaller numismatic items.
• Grading Opportunities: Fewer eyes mean hidden gems. I bring my loupe and reference books to spot wear patterns or mint marks dealers might miss in their rush.
• Manage Expectations: If inventory feels stale, I visit less often or pair trips with other errands. For shows under 30 tables, I arrive early for fresh picks but won’t linger if nothing new surfaces.

What Small Shows Taught Me

These cozy gatherings have shown me interesting market shifts. Smaller venues increasingly feature modern and foreign coins—great for budget collectors but disappointing for rarity hunters. Bullion dealers pop up more often too, mirroring broader trends. But here’s the fun part: I’ve discovered overlooked coins at fair prices simply by chatting with dealers about their specialties in these relaxed settings. It reminds me that even when they’re not treasure troves, small shows offer real chances to learn and connect.

So what’s the smallest coin show you’ve checked out? I’d love to hear your tales—whether you found a hidden gem or just practiced patience. Because in this hobby, every show, no matter how tiny, adds something to our collective experience.