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Coin Show Confidential
from
NUMISMATIST magazine January,2003
Written by Steven
K. Ellsworth Willie
Sutton, one of the most notorious bank robbers of all time, once was
asked why he targeted banks.
He replied, "That's
where the money is!" Todays thieves need not aim so high. They can find
millions of dollars' worth of easily accessible coins and currency at
any coin show!
I have attended hundreds of shows. At some, the
security has been outstanding, others less so or nonexistent. Most could have
been improved. Security methods that worked great last year may not necessarily
work this year.
A False Sense
When you're among friends and fellow enthusiasts
at a coin show, it's easy to forget that you and your possessions could be at
risk. Be very aware of your surroundings.
Avoid conversations about coins when outside the
bourse area or in public places. You don't know who might be listening. Once
you leave the show, immediately remove your I.D. tag. I often
see collectors and dealers at restaurants, hotels and airports with their badges
still clipped to their shirts. You might as well announce, "Please rob me first. " And
lastly, never, never leave coins in an unattended vehicle, especially at a
coin show.
Vigilance, Vigilance
Coin shows should require all visitors to register.
Criminals do not like their names and addresses known prior to committing an
offense. (Some shows require positive identification during registration, which
is even better.) Every visitor should be issued a name badge, and security personnel
should insure each is worn in plain view. A minimal admission fee also can discourage
unsavory types from attending.
Dealers should be extra vigilant during show setup
and breakdown. Customers and collectors sometimes are allowed to enter before
the show officially opens to the public. This presents a prime opportunity for
potential thieves. I personally know of a number of instances in which dealers
and collectors arrived early for the sole purpose of stealing coins.
Who's Minding the Guard?
As a dealer, I simply won't attend a show if it
doesn't have trained, armed security. Small, local coin clubs often provide their
own show security. This works in some cases, but unless personnel are fully aware
of the legal ramifications of making an apprehension and possible arrest, I would
advise against it.
I recently attended a small, rural show and was
greeted by an 80-year-old "Barney Fifer" with a huge revolver slung low on his
leg. I am sure his gun had not been fired in years. Needless to say, he was ready
to blast any would-be bandit. Had anyone tried to rob the show while I was there,
I would have hit the floor for fear of being shot as Barney labored to unholster
his weapon.
And it gets worse. At a show a few years ago, as
I was closing down the first evening, I asked the event's promoter when the security
was due to arrive. He informed me that he was the security and planned to spend
the night in the back room on a cot. I asked if he was armed and was told "no." Then
I inquired about his mode of emergency communication. He replied there was a
pay phone in the storage room and that he had some quarters should the need arise.
Finally, I asked who was providing security while he slept. He said he had his
large dog with him.
I immediately packed up my coins and left. I later
learned that the "guard" and his dog slept so soundly that the following morning
they were awakened only after the arriving dealers pounded on the doors for 10
minutes!
Firearm Controversy
Some bourse contracts prohibit dealers from bringing
weapons into a coin show, at the same time denying any and all responsibility
for theft or injury. However, problems can arise with such a policy. Individuals
who have a legal and valid permit to carry a concealed firearm but are not allowed
to do so and subsequently are injured by a criminal can sue the host organization.
Courts have ruled that by not allowing a licensed individual to protect himself,
the organization did not insure the safety of those on or near the premises and
could be held liable for any injuries
In light of these rulings, numismatic organizations
simply may want to eliminate any statements concerning firearms. I can't imagine
many coin clubs taking on the fiduciary responsibility of insuring everyone's
safety.
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