By Tamas Mondovics
Local coin collectors, hobbyists, dealers and vendors are once again looking forward to making a deal as they show off their coins, stamps and collectables during the upcoming Brandon Coin Club Coin and Currency Show.
The free annual event is scheduled for Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #2383 located at 800 Centennial Lodge Dr. (behind Racetrack Gas Station, just east of Kingsway Ave.) in Brandon.
According to Brandon Coin Club chairman, Mark Palermo, ever since its resurrection six years ago, the annual show has welcomed hundreds of dealers and visitors, both young and old, under the watchful eyes of a low key, but tight, private security force to ensure the best experience possible for all in attendance.
“We have confirmed 30 independent dealers and 45 tables and are expecting to see close to 400 visitors come and go throughout the day-long event,” Palermo said, adding that while silver and gold have depressed since the beginning of the year, they are starting to rebound a little and premiums are high on precious metals as demand is up sharply. As the country enters the middle year of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, Palermo explained that the collectible currency market, especially for obsolete and Confederate, is of great interest, while rare and expensive investment and collectible coins are also very much in demand.
Mentioning that although there have been multiple coins trading this year at the million dollar plus level and one US coin going for over ten million dollars just recently, Palermo said the economy has affected the mid-range market across the board and is hurting smaller dealers who serve them.
The Brandon Coin Club is grateful for the outstanding support provided by the Elks Lodge, which charges the club a fee for the use of the facility, but does provide the club members with breakfast and lunch.
Attendees will be able to buy, sell or trade their coins and collectables as well as coins and stamps appraised for free by expert coin and stamp dealers.
Brandon Coin Club is a non-profit organization that now has more than 100 members and meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the Elk’s Lodge.
Members begin arriving as early as 6 p.m. to partake in the reduced priced meals from the Lodge; the official meeting starts at 7 p.m.
To know more about the Brandon Coin Club, please email brandoncoin club@tampabay.rr.com.
