Most of the major players in the numismatic industry have arrived in Baltimore for another installment of the Whitman Expo.

This makes one wonder why the Whitman show has become such a strong numismatic draw. Many commercial conventions around the country have seen declining dealer tables and less retail attendance. The Internet has made shopping for rare coins in the comfort of your home a strong alternative to traveling to a show.

I believe the success of the Baltimore show is based on the diversity of the dealers taking tables at the show. Whitman has done a fabulous job of improving the Baltimore show (registration, graphics, advertising, etc.) but have not changed the basic feel and dealer make up of the bourse. The smaller dealers are vital to the success of the show. Paper money, world coins, tokens, ancient coins and coin books are all well represented by dealers from around the county and world.

Kudos to Whitman for giving us all a great place to conduct business!