Do you want to be told where to go?

Sometimes being told where to go is a nice thing.

For example, take the Numismatic News Coin Show and Auction Guide.

It is compiled semi-annually.

It is the most complete list of shows available at any one time.

If you want to know where a show is being held on any given weekend, consulting this guide will be of help to you.

I am working on the latest edition now.

It will appear in the June 6 issue of Numismatic News.

It will also appear in the July issues of the monthlies World Coin News and Bank Note Reporter.

There is no additional cost to subscribers.

There is additional good news.

This edition for 2017-2018 is bigger than a similar issue was six months ago.

Are there more shows?

That would indicate a growing robustness in the numismatic grass-roots business.

Are more promoters making sure the information gets into our hands?

It could simply be a combination of factors.

But good news is good news.

This is a great year to plan to be at a coin show.

Things are happening.

Whether you head to a major Baltimore or Long Beach, Calif., show, or plan on going to a VFW Hall that is just down the road, there is nothing like attending a coin show.

Coin shows are real.

Transactions are real.

They happen in real time.

Dealer interaction is real.

Even the gossip is real.

I like reading coin newspapers.

I like looking at online auctions.

But a well-rounded coin collector needs to get out to a show to rub elbows with others.

You don’t have to go every week, or every month..

But you should go to some shows so you don’t find yourself feeling cut off from your fellow hobbyists.

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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