2025 Long Beach Coin Expo

The 2025 Long Beach Coin Expo was a tremendous success, bringing together collectors and dealers from all over. The event was filled with energy, excitement, and a shared passion for numismatics, making it a highlight of the year for anyone in the coin community.

I had the pleasure of speaking with dozens of fellow dealers, exchanging insights, and discussing the ever-evolving market. Conversations flowed effortlessly as we shared our latest finds, market trends, and strategies for the future. It was a great opportunity to learn, network, and strengthen connections within the industry.

Beyond the business side of things, the expo was simply a fantastic experience. Being surrounded by so many like-minded enthusiasts made it all the more enjoyable. There’s nothing quite like spending time among people who truly understand and share your passion for coins!

The Expo takes place at the Long Beach Convention Center, conveniently located near the water, creating a beautiful setting for the event. The weather couldn’t have been better, adding to the overall experience and making it an ideal spot to gather with fellow collectors and dealers.

Each morning, some buddies and I kicked off the day with breakfast before heading over to the event as soon as it opened at 10 a.m. It was the perfect way to start the day—good food, great company, and the anticipation of an exciting day at the Expo.

Walking through the towering columns felt like stepping into a grand colosseum of coins, an arena where history, value, and passion collided. The sheer scale of the event, filled with dealers, collectors, and rare treasures, created an electrifying atmosphere that was impossible to ignore.

In every direction, tables overflowed with fascinating pieces, each with its own story to tell. The energy in the room was contagious, and I knew I was exactly where I belonged—immersed in the world of numismatics, surrounded by people who shared the same excitement for the hobby.

Walking in, the most prestigious booths immediately stood out, displaying some of the most breathtaking coins I’ve ever seen. Heritage, PCGS, CNG, and some of the largest dealers and auctioneers in the U.S. had set up showcases filled with extraordinary numismatic treasures. Their presence alone set the tone for the level of rarity and prestige at the event.

These booths featured coins that were more than just valuable—they were historic masterpieces. From ancient rarities to top-graded U.S. coins, every display case held something truly remarkable. It was an incredible sight, offering a glimpse into the highest levels of numismatic collecting and the passion that drives it.

Of course, I spent plenty of time admiring the showcase pieces, taking in the rare and historic coins on display. The craftsmanship and history behind them were fascinating, but I wasn’t just there to browse—I had a mission.

I was on the hunt for pieces that caught my eye, whether for my personal collection or to display in my office. Along the way, I took the opportunity to connect with dealers, learn from their expertise, and gain insights into the market. The expo wasn’t just about the coins—it was about the experience, the knowledge, and the relationships built along the way.

The tables in the back of the convention were available for a much lower cost, renting for $500 for the entire event. In contrast, the highly coveted "boardwalk" tables, which saw the most foot traffic, came at a premium price of $2,500. The location difference was significant, with the front tables drawing the biggest crowds while the back tables provided a quieter but still valuable space for dealers.

The best deals were often found at the more affordable ones. The dealers at these tables were eager to make sales, showcase their inventory, and negotiate with buyers. Their hunger to do business made them the perfect spots to uncover hidden gems and secure great prices.

Attendees were given tickets for a special lottery, but there was a catch—you had to be present to win. With odds of around 1 in 100, it created an exciting opportunity for those who stuck around, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the event.

For just the price of a $10 admission ticket, you had a real chance to walk away with a few ounces of silver. It was a fun incentive that kept people engaged and offered a rewarding surprise for those lucky enough to have their number called.

I found myself spending more time talking to people than meticulously searching through coins. If I met a dealer who shared valuable insights or taught me something new, I made a point to buy something from their table as a way to support and remember the interaction. These conversations often proved just as rewarding as the coins themselves, deepening my knowledge and connections within the community.

Before I knew it, my hands were full, and my bag was getting heavier with each purchase. By the end of the day, I was making my way back to the hotel, weighed down by a growing pile of new acquisitions—a fitting souvenir from a full day immersed in coin heaven.

They had a newly-built Fairmont hotel right next to the convention center, and the price was surprisingly reasonable—about what I usually pay for a 3-star hotel. Given the location and the quality, it was an easy choice to stay there. The added bonus? The top floor of the hotel featured an incredible bar with sweeping views of the water and the iconic Queen Mary.

I decided to take advantage of the stunning setting by hosting our coin club meeting there. It was the perfect place to gather, enjoy great conversations, and soak in the breathtaking views.The atmosphere was absolutely stunning, adding an extra layer of charm that made the meeting feel even more unforgettable.

The convention offered plenty of resources for newcomers, with a wide range of materials and educational tools to help them get started in the world of numismatics. At the same time, there were also numerous rare coins on display, brought in by some of the sharpest dealers in the business. These dealers were eager to share their knowledge and advice, especially with serious collectors who came prepared to engage.

Whenever I mentioned my interest in Draped Bust coins, the dealers immediately knew the specific rarity and quality I was after. They were always willing to help me find exactly what I was looking for, and although their prices were a bit higher than Grey Sheet values, the premium was well worth the expertise and access to such sought-after pieces.\

While the majority of the tables were dedicated to coins, accounting for about 80% of the offerings, there was also a fascinating selection of sports and historical collectibles. These items provided a welcome variety for attendees, showcasing the breadth of interests within the broader collectible community.

A common thread among coin dealers is their shared passion for history and the materials that connect to it. This love for history often extends beyond coins, which is why so many dealers also handle historical letters and other items of significant historical value. It’s clear that for many, collecting is about more than just the coins themselves—it’s about preserving and appreciating pieces of the past.

Long Beach was an enormous success, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. There’s been some chatter among dealers that it might be held somewhere else, but no matter where it is, the energy and excitement will surely follow. It’s truly special to see people flying in from all over the country for a single event, making this conference feel like the Super Bowl of coins.

If you’re interested in being part of the next experience, subscribe to this newsletter to join our coin club and receive an invitation to our upcoming event at the next Long Beach Coin Show! It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow collectors and dealers, and we’d love to have you join us.