Exhibiting at Coin Shows

Fulvio · September 26, 2016, 08:34:17 PM

As I was posting the details of next month's MNS coin show, and coincidentally reading the forwarded email from the NAV regarding display cases, I thought "Why couldn't ACF exhibit at coin shows?".

With most clubs having very small memberships (MNS is around 20 or so), its always a struggle to get a decent turnout for competitions (and non-competitive displays too). Other clubs are always invited, but even with entries from 3 or 4, its pretty slim pickings. Look at the number of entries the recent ANDA show attracted for example. It was pretty pathetic when you think about it.

While I'm not really suggesting trying to put something together for this event (though if you wanted to, the go would be to rock up to the meeting on the 13th and go from there), What I have in mind is a little longer term:

We could make some ACF display stands, along the lines of the awesome one that the RAM did for Goldy's clockface, or like was on display in the gallery (I haven't been there in a few years, so not sure what it looks like now). Basically acrylic sheets with either cutouts or semi-circular sections of tubing for coins to sit in, with secure covers and possibly even inbuilt lighting. Add some A4 sleeves for text and graphics, and all that's needed is the accompanying coins.

Which could be sourced from multiple members depending on the theme chosen.

Yes, this would cost postage, at least for those not local. But I'm sure we could raise the capital for making the displays in the first place. or we could go with the standard issue horizontal cases.. I just think they look pretty second rate to be honest. Besides, every dealer uses those cases and it would be nice to stand out.

So, what do you guys think? Am I barking up the wrong tree here? Is nobody interested, or afraid of stuff going astray, or what?

I just reckon it could spark a little interest, both within the forum, and amongst the general public attending such shows. Oh, and there's always the chance of winning awards with attendant bragging rights...

autocoupler · September 27, 2016, 09:22:47 AM

Interesting concept. Sadly there's always a BUT or two, and in this case it probably centers around logistics. If people don't mind there prized pieces being in the care of Australia Post, something like this may work. In reality thousands of items are moved by AP every day without incident, but losing something in the post is always the greatest fear.

Just using Goldies clock face collection as an example; instead of displaying the actual item, what if the display was of quality photos of about 250mm instead, all mounted on a carousel type display. May not be the real thing, but certainly easier on the eyes, and just as informative. Just a thought

Fulvio · September 27, 2016, 02:36:59 PM

Quote from: 'autocoupler' pid='98863' dateline='1474933967'If people don't mind there prized pieces being in the care of Australia Post, something like this may work.

Ah, but they don't have to be 'prized pieces' as such.

Coins don't need to be valuable to be informative. So while yes, Goldy's clockface would be awesome (and I've asked him to bring it to both meetings and shows, but it seems 20km is too far to travel), a display of random upsets would serve just as well, especially if it featured the four cardinal positions.

As for photographs and the like, yes, I think that could be an interesting approach.

What I've noticed many times is that displays are just too darned hard to vew properly. Coins are under glass with several inches of air gap, signage is handwritten, verbose and tiny, and just too hard to read bent over a case at waist height. It would be far better if it was more like an art gallery, with viewing at eye level, and poster-size blowups (or screens perhaps? The RAM made good use of a large panel at the ANDA show) alongside the piece on display.

As I said, if we think about this, we just might come up with something that's a win for all concerned.

robbiegal · September 27, 2016, 02:49:20 PM

like this?

Fulvio · September 27, 2016, 02:52:53 PM

Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='98879' dateline='1474953560'like this?

Yes! :yahoo:

robbiegal · September 27, 2016, 03:17:05 PM

OMG
for once we agree :heart: how sweet

Fulvio · September 27, 2016, 05:59:08 PM

Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='98886' dateline='1474955225'OMG
for once we agree :heart: how sweet

Had to happen eventually.

Now to see if we can both agree with Trout one day.

JeffH · September 27, 2016, 06:02:10 PM

And either I (or AJ) will disagree with you all, just on principle.

Consensus is not a common thing here but it sometimes happens.

I do like the look of the display above. Could we actually do something like that?

Fulvio · September 27, 2016, 06:45:34 PM

Quote from: 'JeffH' pid='98890' dateline='1474965130'I do like the look of the display above. Could we actually do something like that?

Why not?

Its made out of acrylic sheet, with holes drilled and coin holders similar to what the TPGs use clipped in.

Pretty sure this bottle of MEK (Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone) I have here will weld Acylic. If not, there's a solvent that will. One could also get a manufacturer to bend it to suit, so there's only one seam plus the top.

Just a matter of calling someone like Cadillac Plastics for prices I guess. :angel:

Ooooh.. lookee... Display Case Porn!

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=acrylic+display+boxes&num=100&tbm=isch

Goldseeker · September 28, 2016, 06:21:28 PM

A good and nice idea BUT who would take charge of the display and stand gusrd whilst the display are on display to the general public.

What about after hours, insurance etc.

My clockface was in a protected area at the RAM and was insured by the RAM for the duration of the exhibition.

What shows would you show these collections at, ANDA, Agricultural shows, where?

Fulvio · September 28, 2016, 06:32:10 PM

Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='99007' dateline='1475052688'A good and nice idea BUT who would take charge of the display and stand gusrd whilst the display are on display to the general public.

Naturally there is security and insurance in place. That's actually why I pushed to have this show next month rather than the usual alternate years. We were paying an absolute fortune for insurance, for a single day (well two counting setup) of the year. Now at least we get an extra bite of the cherry for free.

Come to the meeting on the 13th and check it out for yourself. Bring the clockface so people can see what we're talking about. You'll be home well before 11pm, promise!

As for other shows, all have similar arrangements. There are some quite valuable displays, y'know.

robbiegal · September 28, 2016, 06:32:56 PM

once upon a time
we picked up two displays at an auction
they were made up with two fair sizes sheets of perspex
one clear one coloured
screwed together and yes had recessed coin circles in the coloured section

they were obviously used to display the coins that were in them
we were after the coins of course and I have no idea where the perspex sheets ended up

but something like that for a display could be good

most clubs have some sort of insurance i think

Fulvio · September 28, 2016, 07:25:51 PM

Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='99014' dateline='1475053376'most clubs have some sort of insurance i think

All.

Its a condition of venue hires, for meetings, shows or whatever.

kchan1111 · September 28, 2016, 08:01:55 PM

Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='99007' dateline='1475052688'My clockface was in a protected area at the RAM and was insured by the RAM for the duration of the exhibition.

Sorry I can't wait for this exhibition idea to get up. What is this clockface? I want to see it now. Pics?

trout · September 28, 2016, 08:10:01 PM

Quote from: 'kchan1111' pid='99026' dateline='1475058715'
Quote from: 'Goldseeker' pid='99007' dateline='1475052688'My clockface was in a protected area at the RAM and was insured by the RAM for the duration of the exhibition.

Sorry I can't wait for this exhibition idea to get up. What is this clockface? I want to see it now. Pics?

Goldies clockface is quite famous here.
I am pretty sure there are images of it on the forum somewhere :good: