Today's Odd Events At Santa Clara Coin Show

Kurt, all my comments were of course, just a little bit of a poke at the dealer that probably needs some sort of medication for paranoia. The wisest thing is not to go there again as you said.
Thinking back I have had several distasteful encounters with certain dealers and they do the circuit. It's like some kind of circus around here.
Usual same dealers used to set up in Nesquehoning then Hazelton, you see them again in South Williamsport, Wilkes-Barre then Scranton then State College and York and Lancaster. I used to make all the shows.
I It has been a pretty long time since I went to a show, but I do recall walking right by those tables, eyes straight and making a seat at the next one to examine and purchase coins.
All that dealer did was lose a good customer, and probably the others are aware of his problems.
Him making that fuss over you, was not a reflection on you. Sounds like you stayed pretty cool over it even on the spot like that.
Dealers are responsible for what goes on at their table, and that's as far as it goes.
I would complain to president of the coin club that sponsored the show about him because if they get complaints that he acted this way to others, then maybe they won't send him a contract next time around. Coin shows should be fun not confrontational. Hey and thanks for looking at 1916 D's.

WD,
Agreed--the situation was almost comical in retrospect. However, since I deal with many of these dealers on a regular basis I don't want any unwarranted rumors going around. I have posted this to another forum frequented by a couple of dealers from that show--just so they know exactly what happened. To my way of thinking, there's nothing more valuable than one's reputation.

Carl--I know that many venues are tougher than Santa Clara, and that's partly my point. While many dealers run their tables very professionally, a few have gotten careless and sloppy. To be even-handed here, I suppose this dealer thought he was being a hero by catching another thief--but what he did shows he needs to improve his own procedures--and not alienate customers. What may have worked in a sleepy town a decade ago might not fly in a big city. When collectors step up to the security challenge, dealers need to follow suit.

I know a fair amount of dealers at this particular show and they know me. They frequent Long Beach as well. Those I don't know, I mirror what you do. I keep my loupe in my pocket and always say out loud so the dealer can hear me, "Let me get my loupe out of my pocket" prior to inspecting any coin. Some dealers who have never met me feel pretty comfortable having me pull the coins I want out from their case. I kindly tell them, "Can you pull them out for me". I just don't feel comfortable reaching my hand in some dealers case.



I got a better one. Don't go back to that dealer. He sounds like an idiot. Probably knows everything too. I've had my share of these dealers. They still frequent this show and I walk past their table like they are not even there.

Kurt, sorry I could not make this show. I was ready to board a plane when I received an emergency phone call regarding my dad. I'll be at the next one for sure

Right, and I won't visit that dealer for one simple reason that possibly escapes him. If he's that quick to accuse me on a cheap coin, what happens when he misplaces something big? Scream at the top of his lungs for everyone to hear, call the cops and press charges on basically nothing? Like this overblown drama. I won't do business with people who spread innuendo and rumors--which might stick amongst the coterie of dealers.

I don't mind dealers voicing their concerns, but they need to focus on something tangible and not expect collectors to shore-up their sloppiness. Simple as that.

Thanks again for everyone's support--you people are great.

As I posted on the other forum, this is just down right embarrassing. Even though we have not met in person, we've had dealings, email chat and I've read most of your posts here....you are a man of absolute integrity. I would trust you with the keys to my house Kurt. I'm really sorry this has happened to you.

There were 7 people caught stealing at the show that day.

Not that it gives the guy the right to accuse you.

No, I wasn't there but have read a few post on different sites about it