By Jesse Robitaille
The Edmonton Numismatic Society (ENS) is hosting its annual Fall Edmonton Coin Show and Sale in the Alberta capital this November, and it’s expected to be a big one.
Billed as “Canada’s largest fall numismatic event,” the show will be held Nov. 9-10 at the Howard Johnson Hotel on 15540 Stoney Plain Rd., just west of downtown Edmonton.
“Our show is the largest coin show in Canada; we have over 30 dealers coming from all over Canada,” said ENS President Marc Bink, who’s also one of the show organizers.
“The Edmonton market is one of the most eclectic in all of Canada,” he added. “We cater to all collecting tastes, and it’s very likely you’ll find what you’re looking for at our show, everything from ancients to modern and in between plus a lot of exonumia and – new for this show – books.”
The bourse is slated to open both days at 10 a.m. before closing at 5 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 10. Admission is $5 (with children aged 16 and under free).
While dealers are offering free appraisals of coins, medals, paper money, tokens, watches and other timepieces, collectors will also be able to browse educational coin and medal displays throughout the three-day show.
YOUTH AUCTION
Other highlights include a “no-pressure” youth auction – free for children to participate in – on Nov. 9 from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
“For the kids, there’s an auction where we provide the ‘cash’ and the bidding lots in a real auction setting,” said Bink, who added registration at the ENS booth is required prior to the auction.
“These are just some of the things we’re offering this fall.”
For the adults, a silent auction will be held throughout the weekend. Consignments are open to current ENS members, and bidding is open to everyone.
Show-goers will also have a shot at winning a gold coin, which will be offered as a door prize.
TWO CLUB SHOWS A YEAR
The ENS hosts two shows a year – one in November and another in March – and has its dates booked at the same location through 2021.
“The ENS has had a long history of sponsoring shows in Edmonton, usually in conjunction with local dealers and promoters,” said Bink, who added the club has been hosting shows “off and on” since 1963.
Soon after the turn of the century, ENS officials decided to rethink its show plans so members could oversee all the show functions “and we wouldn’t rely on any promoters to help out.”
“We’ve been building on his work,” added Bink, “and we have a solid reputation of looking after the attending dealers and the club volunteers. Our group of volunteers goes to great lengths to ensure that each show is better than the last. We’re proud to say we can outdo the professionals.”
At the helm of the ENS for three years and a member since 2004, Bink said dealers’ feedback has been overwhelmingly positive in recent years.
“We have a fantastic volunteer pool of around 30 club members who make it all happen and present a seamless and smooth operation. We’re really proud of our show and work hard to keep it up to the standards we’ve set.”
For more information, visit edmontoncoinclub.com/shows.