The Best NY Coin Shows: Your Guide to Numismatic Treasures

New York, the Big Apple or the City That Never Sleeps is a paradise for collectors and numismatists. The impressive and promising coin shows NY attracting collectors, dealers and historians from all over the world is another feature for which this city is famous along with architecture, art and fashion events.

Despite your status and collecting experience, coin shows in New York will appeal to every collector. Here you will be able to find coins with history, rare coin specimens or new insights from experts. 

NY Coin Shows: What to Expect?

First of all let us explain why you can consider attending such events. Keep in mind that a coin show is not just an exhibition or a place to buy or sell coins. Coin shows are also a rare opportunity to explore moments of history and culture through small tinkling pieces of metal. At every such event, you can see:

• Rare coins of different epochs and countries;

• Antique banknotes and medals;

• Auctions with the highest value specimens;

• Experts ready to share their knowledge and advice. For example you can discuss the city where the first mint was built in 1792. They will be happy to have such a conversation.

Now that you already know what to expect, allow us to move on to our list of the best events that should be on every avid collector and numismatist's cherry list to attend.

Top List of Coin Shows NY You Can’t Miss

New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC)

• Location: at the best locations, in the heart of Manhattan - InterContinental New York Barclay (formerly at the Grand Hyatt Hotel)

• Time: annually in January

This coin show, NY is one of the most prestigious international numismatic shows. NYINC brings together dealers and collectors from all over the world and unlike many other numismatic shows focuses mainly on foreign and antique coins as well as paper banknotes.

Participants can explore over 100 exhibit stands, attend auctions and educational lectures. Small private collections as well as large auction houses can also be found here. If you dream of adding coins from ancient civilizations (Rome, Greece, Byzantium) or medieval masterpieces to your collection, this is the place where your dreams can become a reality.

Tip: People looking to quickly identify the coins and evaluate their finds can use the Coin ID Scanner app. It will help instantly recognize coins by photo, which is especially helpful at busy events like NYINC.

The Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo.

• Location: the main show is in Baltimore but these coin shows in NY are held as temporary Whitman Expo exhibits.

• Time: fall 2024

This event is one of the largest on the East Coast of the United States, known for its diverse sections for numismatists of all levels. It can be called a “mini museum” as rare coins and artifacts can be seen in the tables of the event. Amateurs, collectors and numismatists can participate to attend educational lectures for beginners or to find U.S. gold and silver coins, various tokens and medals.

Tip: If you are interested in coin investing, be sure to attend the educational sessions conducted by leading numismatic experts to make the coin investing journey smoother and more stable. The knowledge gained here will help you discover real treasures at regular auctions or even among the change in your own pocket.

Melville Coin Show

• Location: Catapano Engineering Hall in Melville, NY.

• Time: every 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month

Coin show Melville, NY is one of the most popular regular shows for collectors in New York City.  The event features hundreds of tables of items, e.g., antique coins, silver and gold coins, banknotes and numismatic accessories. The show attracts both experienced collectors and beginners and provides a great opportunity to find something special for any collection.

Tip: Visit these places in the morning when vendors are just starting to set up their booths. This increases the chances that you will be the first to see unique and rare coins before they go into the hands of other collectors.

Albany Coin Show

• Location: Polish Community Center, Albany, NY

• Date: spring and fall of each year 

The Albany NY Coin Show is a popular numismatic event organized by the Capital District Coin Dealers Association (CDCDA). The show is held twice a year and brings together leading dealers, experts and collectors.

More than 70 tables of rare and unique coins, banknotes and numismatic accessories can be found here. In addition, show attendees can take advantage of special offers from ANACS for coin appraisals. The event attracts both experienced collectors and novices, offering excellent opportunities to add something to collections.

Tip: before attending the show, make a list of coins you want to find and research their current market prices, basic information (as they say “trust but verify”, so don't forget your personal assistant in evaluating coins right in your pocket - Coin ID Scanner app). It's handy to have cash on you at the event, as not all dealers accept cards. Also, feel free to ask questions of the sellers and ask for recommendations - they can often offer interesting options to enrich your collection.

RNA Coin Show Rochester

• Location: Rochester Museum & Science Center, Rochester, NY

• Date: fall of each year

The Rochester Numismatic Association (RNA) hosts this major show every year, and this year it will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, so the event attracts many exhibitors, including dealers and collectors from all over the region.

This coin show, Rochester, NY presents about 50 tables featuring coins, banknotes and numismatic accessories. Additionally, people who are interested in the educational side of the program can attend workshops and educational events to boost their knowledge. At the same time, a special program from ANACS (one of the leading coin grading services) is available, which may be of interest to collectors who wish to have their coins graded on-site.

Tip: Be sure to attend special panels and lectures where experienced collectors share their knowledge, as this is a great opportunity to add to your collection, as well as expand your knowledge of rare coins.

Local Events

New York City does offer a wealth of opportunities for numismatists, historians and collectors that cannot be covered in the scope of 1 article. However, in addition to international and large shows such as NYINC, there are more localized but equally unique events. For example, Coin Shows Long Island NH and Coin Show Buffalo NY are special events, each with their own distinctive features and value to attendees.

Coin Shows Long Island NY are known for their regular and affordable events, which are especially attractive to beginning collectors. These shows are often arranged by local dealers, which additionally boosts a friendly atmosphere and makes it easier to contact experts. The focus here is on American coins (including silver and gold specimens) as well as on banknotes.

Coin Show Buffalo NY, on the other hand, offers a more diverse selection of exhibits, as it attracts both collectors and historians from different regions. Not only US coins can be seen here, but also rare specimens from other countries as well as antique medals. During the Buffalo coin show special attention is paid to the educational component, i.e. lectures and master classes for history and culture lovers (to make it valuable for people interested both in collecting and studying history through coins).

If you cannot visit any event in New York, we recommend the Greater Atlanta Coin Show as well. Here, you can find new friends, learn something new, and even buy something special. 

Wrapping Up

Remember that New York is one of the most important places for numismatists and come not only for bright experience, but also for the numismatic events, opportunities to add to your collection and networking with other collectors and experts. Be it localized shows or large-scale events, every collector will find something to enjoy. Enjoy your search and have a good find!

Sources:

1. https://www.melvillecoinshow.com/

2. https://consumershows.com/e/cdcda-coin-show-in-albany-new-york-6-october-2024

3. https://www.coinzip.com/index.php?state=NY#google_vignette