Coin Show Visitor Guide: What to Expect & How to Prepare

Thinking about attending a coin show for the first time? Or planning your next numismatic trip? Whether you collect rare U.S. coins, world coins, paper money, gold and silver, tokens or exonumia, this guide can help you feel prepared and make the most of your visit.

What Is a Coin Show?

A coin show is an event where collectors, dealers and people interested in numismatics gather to explore coins, currency and related collectibles. Depending on the event and participating exhibitors, visitors may browse collections, compare items, talk with specialists, buy or sell pieces and learn about collecting.

Who Should Attend a Coin Show?

Coin shows aren't only for experienced collectors. Beginners, families, hobbyists, precious metals enthusiasts, people who inherited a coin collection, and collectors seeking a particular coin or banknote can all benefit from attending. You do not need to own a collection to visit.

What Should I Bring to a Coin Show?

• A list or photos of the coins, currency or collectibles you hope to find.
• A budget and a way to keep track of purchases.
• A phone or notebook for notes, dealer names and table locations.
• Comfortable shoes for exploring the show floor.
• If you plan to ask about selling an item, bring relevant information about it and use appropriate care when transporting valuables.

Tips for Buying Coins, Currency and Bullion

For certified coins, examine the holder and verify certification details with the relevant grading service when possible. Precious metals prices can change throughout the day, so ask how a dealer calculates the price of bullion products.

Can I Sell Coins at a Coin Show?

YES! Dealers buy coins, currency, precious metals, jewelry, and collections. Buying interests vary by dealer and event. Before accepting an offer, consider asking more than one qualified dealer for an assessment, particularly for rare or potentially valuable pieces. Do not clean coins before showing them. Cleaning WILL reduce value.

What Kinds of Collectibles Might I See?

Numismatics includes U.S. coins, world and ancient coins, error coins, commemoratives, collectible banknotes and paper money, tokens, medals, exonumia, and other historical money-related objects. Coin and collectibles shows may also include bullion, precious metals and related memorabilia. Actual offerings depend on the dealers attending.

How Do I Find Upcoming Coin Shows?

Looking for upcoming coin shows near you or planning a collecting trip across the country? CoinZip offers a nationwide coin show calendar with event listings from across the United States. Browse upcoming shows, then confirm dates, public hours, admission and location with the event organizer before traveling.

Find Upcoming Coin Shows on CoinZip ↗

A National Coin Show Worth Traveling For

The Great American Coin & Collectibles Show welcomes collectors, dealers and numismatic enthusiasts from nearly every state across America. From California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Florida to New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, visitors travel to Rosemont to experience a major national gathering of the collecting community.

Whether you are traveling from the East Coast, West Coast, Midwest or anywhere in between, GACC brings together people who share a passion for rare coins, currency, precious metals and collectibles.

Plan Your Visit to GACC 2027

The Great American Coin & Collectibles Show (GACC) takes place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, near Chicago. Dealer setup is scheduled for Wednesday, October 27, 2027, with public show days Thursday, October 28 through Saturday, October 30. Use our attendee information, show schedule and dealer directory to plan your trip.