If you go
What: Tennessee State Numismatic Society Coin ShowWhen: Today, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Camp Jordan ArenaAdmission: Free
You can learn everything you could ever want to know about most things on the Internet these days.
Coin collectors say it's both a blessing and curse.
But the Internet can't take the place of a good, old-fashioned coin show, like this weekend's free Tennessee State Numismatic Society Coin Show at the Camp Jordan Arena in East Ridge."We pride ourselves on being a really homey show," show director Gayle Pike said. "Even if you don't do great business, you're at least going to have a good time."
Deals were getting done on the floor of the arena Saturday afternoon, though.
Customers and dealers stood hunched over tables across the arena floor, examining historical pieces of currency locked in glass cases and displayed under bright lights.
The state numismatic society hosts two shows at the arena each year, drawing dealers from all over the country with knowledge, insight and a personal touch that a Google search cannot provide.
"Most dealers would tell you the Internet is only as good as the image you can put out there," said Steve Wassel, a trial attorney in Wisconsin and veteran of the Camp Jordan show. "This is a very user-friendly environment for coin dealers. The hotels are reasonably priced, the food is reasonably priced. People are polite."
The American Numismatic Association's National Money Show is in Dallas this weekend, drawing many of the country's most serious dealers. But Wassel wasn't the only Wisconsin-based coin dealer who chose to bring his collection to East Ridge for the weekend.
Paul Timm came from the Badger State to sell and socialize with his local friends with those on the coin-trading circuit.
"I guess I like Tennessee because my sister was born in Knoxville," Timm said. "I always feel partial to the South."
Around the corner from Timm's table, Bob Hurst, from Vero Beach, Fla., manned a display filled with currency from biblical times.
"Everything over here, you're touching a lot of history," Hurst said, gazing at a case that included a coin from Pontius Pilate's reign as governor of Judea during the life of Jesus.
Coins across the arena floor sold for hundreds and even thousands of dollars each, depending on their rarity.
The stories behind the coins and the camaraderie they created were free.
"Even if you don't know anything about coins," Pike said, "you'll have a good time walking around and looking."
Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.