Coin Show Security Tips - On the Bourse

By S. O'Brien for Bob O'Brien

Major coin shows provide security for their dealers and for the guests visiting the show. Many times, show security will be off-duty or retired law enforcement. Rest assured, an experienced law enforcement officer is one of the most observant people and knows many of the criminals’ tricks. But, even great observers cannot keep watch on every person or activity at a show.

Plus, you cannot look at a person and know immediately they have criminal intent. Criminals will walk the bourse floor, will talk knowledgeably about numismatics and maybe make a purchase or two while observing the attendees and opportunities. Some of them are great with sleight of hand and picking pockets or purses.

1. Keep your coins secured at all time whether you are selling or have just purchased them

2. Don’t lay your treasures on a dealer’s table where someone could easily pick them up while you are focused on a discussion with the dealer

3. Be careful of tight groups of people or several people in an aisle – there could be there as a ploy to catch you off guard and to steal your valuables

4. Work with dealers one-on-one, be wary of strangers who want to join in your discussion; no need to be rude, but be aware that they could have ulterior motives

5. Place valuables on your lap, or if necessary, on the floor tightly held between your feet – at least touching such that you can feel if someone tries to pull them away from you

6. Don’t ask someone you don’t know - or don’t know well enough to trust - to hold your valuables for you while you go to the restroom, the ATM, get food or another activity

7. Ask show security or the bourse chairman what you can do with your valuables if you have large items, are by yourself and need to exit the floor for an important reason

8. Be careful if you go off the bourse floor with your valuables – don’t lay your items where they can be easily picked up – for example, sink area in the restroom, empty chair in a lounge area or restaurant

9. Be alert, eyes and ears, to your surroundings and the actions of the people nearby while you are talking with dealers or fellow numismatics about your shared passion – coins

10. Don’t become fixated on a coin, a collection or a discussion topic to the exclusion of all else; criminals recognize when people are not keeping track of their valuables

You are safest with your valuables on the bourse floor, yet not 100% safe. With numismatics, it is wiser to be overly cautious rather than to be too trusting. Remember the saying, “Just because you are paranoid, it does not mean they are not out to get you.”

Use these coin show security tips to: Be prepared. Be alert. Be aware. Above all, be safe.

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