Way to go, Gayle

It pays to have Gayle Pike as a friend.

I have been fortunate enough to be able to say that since I was still wet behind the ears here at “Numismatic News.”

However, in all the years I have known her, I have never been able to go to the Tennessee State Numismatic Society Annual Fall Coin & Curency Show.

This year’s event will be held Nov. 4-6 at the Camp Jordan Arena in Chattanooga, Tenn.

What makes this event more than just a coin show is Gayle’s attention to the little things that make dealers and collectors alike feel good about going to the show.

Dealers pay the bills. Gayle, a dealer herself, let’s them know how much they are appreciated. Let’s just say there is usually food involved.

A Young Numismatists program will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.

The many kids who show up will receive free coins and paper money donated by the dealers on the bourse.

Show admission is free.

The 3,000 or so people who are sent a postcard reminder to come get a little something for their trouble.

They will be given an uncirculated $2 note from the 1988 World Expo held in Australia.

One person will be given a poster from the Expo.

Grading services in attendance will offer free authentication and grading on the spot.

All those within driving distance should dig out that error coin or unidentifiable piece that they have been wondering about and have it looked at.

This is a valuable service.

I cannot tell you how many times readers will write me asking who can look at a coin they have.

Those individuals around Chattanooga will have the opportunity to find out what they have.

All this is made possible by the hard work of Gayle Pike.

I am sure I am not the only one to say thank you.

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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