My Exploration of Very Small Coin Shows – What’s the Smallest I’ve Attended?

As a dedicated coin collector, I’ve always found something special about very small coin shows. Over the years, I’ve wandered through quite a few of these cozy gatherings, and I’d like to share what I’ve discovered. From events with just a few tables to those barely hitting a dozen dealers, each visit has taught me something new about our hobby.

Sizes and Personal Show Experiences

I’ve explored all sorts of small shows, with the tiniest I’ve personally seen boasting just 5 or 6 tables—it felt more like a friendly club gathering than a formal event. I remember one in Bloomington, Indiana with about 32 tables and 20 dealers that somehow buzzed with energy despite its size. Through conversations with fellow collectors, I’ve heard about even smaller setups, like a Raleigh show with roughly 12 dealers. After a couple visits, I decided the 20-minute drive wasn’t worth it for the limited pickings. Old-timers have described shows from the ’70s with only 10-15 tables where digging through wheat penny bags was the main attraction—sadly, most of those intimate events have vanished.

• A coin club show with only 12 dealers felt like hanging out with fellow enthusiasts rather than pros—friendly enough, but not much variety.
• That Indiana show advertised as a “25-table event” turned out to be mostly sports cards with just one familiar coin vendor. What a disappointment after that long drive!

Pros and Cons of Tiny Shows

The best part? Small shows offer breathing room. You can actually chat with dealers and examine coins without elbow jostling. There’s an annual 20-table show near me that’s perfect for scratching that coin-hunting itch, especially when my favorite local dealer sets up. The cozy atmosphere means you can ask detailed questions about coin history or silver content without feeling rushed.

But let’s be honest—there are drawbacks. You’ll often see the same coins making repeat appearances, like those world coins in long red boxes or familiar modern issues. As a U.S. coin guy, that doesn’t do much for me. I’ve been in situations where only one or two dealers carried my niche (like large cents), but with sky-high prices or unfriendly attitudes. If it takes over an hour to get there? I’ll usually pass unless I know there’s fresh inventory waiting.

Practical Advice for Navigating Small Shows

After plenty of trial and error, here’s how I make small shows work for me:

• Do your homework: Always check dealer lists or social media pages (like BuxMont Coin Shows) before heading out. I learned this after showing up to a “coin show” that blended stamps and cards—complete with chaotic mid-event auctions!
• Focus on your collecting goals: If bullion or foreign coins are your thing, small shows can surprise you. But for specialized areas like Jefferson Nickels, seek out dealers known for deeper numismatic knowledge. I’ve found good bullion at spots like Coins & Currency of Wayne, but not the finer details I crave.
• Consider the drive: A 15-20 minute trip to catch up with familiar dealers might be worthwhile, but for longer hauls, make sure there’s either new material or trusted vendors.
• Practice grading skills: Even with few tables, handling coins in person sharpens your eye. I always examine pieces closely for wear, luster, and authenticity—it’s great training without big crowds breathing down your neck.

Market Observations and Final Thoughts

Lately I’ve noticed fewer dealers at small shows, probably thanks to online competition. A yearly event I attend has dwindled from more dealers down to 20-30, with many focusing on modern or foreign coins. Yet some—like the NWCC in the Twin Cities—still thrive. While you might not always find rarities at these small gatherings, they offer a sense of community that’s hard to replicate. Give them a shot with reasonable expectations—you could discover an unexpected treasure, or simply enjoy sharing our passion with fellow collectors.