Time to go to Central States Numismatic Society show

Chicago is an important location in the numismatic field.

This is demonstrated most clearly by suburban Schaumburg, Ill., being the permanent home of the annual Central States Numismatic Society convention.

This convention gets under way next week on April 26 with its Early Bird Day for professionals and others who are willing to pay $125 admission.

Free public attendance begins April 27 at 10 a.m.

Both types of hobbyists are drawn by the convention’s central location.

If you want to work at the highest level, you go.

If you want to hop in your car and keep costs down, you go and make a day of it.

I have been fortunate to be able to do it both ways.

I have spent days there in prior years on behalf of F+W Media.

I also have driven down, spent a full day on the bourse floor and then driven home again from Iola, Wis.

A day trip is cheap.

There are no hotel nights and other things that run up the cost of a multi-day stay.

That is a big advantage.

There are a lot of collectors within driving distance.

They are pleased to be able to save money whenever they can.

In short, because of its location, the Central States gathering is a “pick your expense level” kind of event.

Heritage Auctions recognizes the importance of Central States and the collectors and dealers it draws by holding a major U.S. coin auction there.

It begins with Platinum Night on April 26.

Showcased are numerous American rarities.

As reported in the April 25 electronic Numismatic News, one of the coins to be sold is a proof 1866 $20 gold piece.

Whatever it sells for, the money will go to build a church.

The story was called “Church building gets gold foundation.”

You cannot help rooting for the price to be as high as possible.

GracePoint Church of Valparaiso, Ind., will be well on its way to getting a permanent home using the proceeds.

Heritage has already sent $150,000 to the church on account.

Besides the auction, there is a bourse area with 310 booths.

There are educational talks.

Exhibits are always first-rate.

Clubs hold meetings in conjunction with the convention.

There is something for virtually every kind of collector.

If you don’t already have plans to attend Central States next and you live within driving distance, go.

That’s why the event is in suburban Chicago at the Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center.

Buzz blogger Dave Harper has twice won the Numismatic Literary Guild Award for Best Blog and is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."

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