Investors
get peek at convention floor By Numismatic News
If
promoting the hobby to noncollectors is the goal, Ron
Gillio, chairman of the Long Beach Coin, Stamp and Collectibles
Expo, scored a touchdown May 30. When dealers were setting
up at the convention center, Gillio led a group of investors
through the bourse. They were attending the True Wealth
Gold and Collectibles Conference and had paid nearly
$1,000 each for the privilege.
One of the stops occurred at the table of Rare Coin
Wholesalers. There Steve Contursi passed out a couple
of his multi-million dollar rarities. Some of the investors
were impressed. Some looked like they were afraid to
touch such valuable items.
Gillio said that while not all of the 90 investors in
attendance would ever buy coins, some will.
As for the rest of the
event, Gillio said, “The show went really well.”
He added, “The attendance was on par with our
usual June show, or a little bit more.
“John Hamrick told me he had one of
his best shows.”
Total attendance of collectors and dealers was 5,760 for the
May 31-June 2 event. Gillio also said that he thought the
number of foreign attendees was up. In two separate incidents,
security officers at the show apprehended two suspected coin
thieves on June 2.
“Undercover security team members observed separate
incidents of suspected theft, and they apprehended two suspects
and quickly recovered stolen coins. One of the suspects tried
to run away,” Gillio said.
“One of the dealers has refused to press charges against
the suspect who was caught stealing from him. I simply can’t
understand that. Because the dealer would not file charges
this thief had to be released, although we took a photo of
the suspect and he will not be admitted to any future shows.”
Actors Andy Richter and Paul F. Tompkins spent six hours May
31 recording video segments that will appear on eBay.
Richter is well known for his seven-year role as sidekick
to late-night TV host, Conan O’Brien. Tompkins also
has appeared in many TV programs and movies, including the
2004 comedy film, “Anchorman.”
The actors also helped award one of the daily gold coin prizes.
Heritage conducted the official auction, which realized about
$11.7 million. See separate story for details.
The next Long Beach Coin, Stamp and Collectibles Expo is set
for Sept. 27-29, 2007.
For additional information call (805) 962-9939 or visit online
www.LongBeachShow.com.
