Interest in coin collecting has grown in recent years and capitalizing on this hobby/investment is as simple as attending the 46th consecutive Texarkana Coin Show planned March 30-31 at the Texarkana Convention Center on Cowhorn Creek Road.
The fascination and allure people have with coins has several origins, said Frank McFerrin, the show's bourse chairman.
"I think it is a combination of things. Coins have been handled as legal tender in this country as long as it has been in existence. There is a lot of history involved, there is value, inherent value in silver, gold or copper coins. There is interest in all different kinds of areas. I think the history point of view is one of the larger ones. A silver dime, for example, that was made in 1916 is worth nearly $1.25 because of the silver in it," he said.
The Texarkana Coin Club, the nonprofit group sponsoring the show, is older than the annual event, having formed in January 1963.
At one of first club meetings, the police attended and told members how to secure their valuables, McFerrin said.
What people collect and gravitate toward in the world of coins is as varied as the collector.
"We find a lot of bullion collectors. They think the economy may go south and they will have something significant to trade or sell. I couldn't begin to tell you what people think about future economy problems and they will buy rolls of silver dimes, quarters and sock them away," he said.
Some people put their gold coins up for retirement purposes. They put it in the safe deposit boxes and keep it in their portfolio.
McFerrin has even heard of sweet finds, literally.
" During Depression (they) issued the dictum on gold coins, you could bring them in and get dollar bills. It made them illegal to own, gold coins. A man put his in a sugar bowl. They busted that sugar bowl about 30 years later and the sugar had hardened and the gold coins were still there. They were worth 500 or 600 times what they were worth at that time," he said.
For another story, McFerrin said in 1920, a man could buy the best suit on the market for $20.
"You can still buy the best suit on the market for a $20 gold piece," he said.
About seven or eight years ago, a $20 gold piece was worth about $900, But today, same gold piece would be worth about $1,350 to $1,400.
The appraisal tables at the coin show can change people's lives.
"A girl came in a few years ago that had inherited some gold coins and she needed to buy a new car. She got more than enough to buy a new car," McFerrin said.
As she gathered appraisals from vendors at the show, there was about a $55 difference in between the low bid and high bid.
"When a person like that comes in to our show, someone will guide them to the tables and will get bids we will evaluate their coins or appraise. And if they want, we will send them to someone who is interested in buying coins," McFerrin said.
Coin Club Treasurer Rick Hardemon says more than 1,000 people attended last year's show and they are hoping for more attendees this year.
Admission is free for children and $2 for adults.
Children attending the coin show will get a free coin, which could be a buffalo nickel or wheat penny, organizers said.
They want youth to be interested in coins beyond spending them.
"It is a family friendly event. We are 501C3 and we try to interest kids in coins. We go to schools, Boy Scout camps, Girl Scout camps, any educational event to education the public about coins," McFerrin said.
Whether you have a passing curiosity about coins or are an avid collector, all are welcome.
McFerrin got interested in coin collecting at age 16 as a hobby-his passion, interest and coin collection grew. As the coin show's bourse chairman, he contacts the dealers and arranges their attendance at the show.
Vendors who sell women's jewelry will also be on hand. There is an educational table for the public and door prizes are given away every hour on the hour.
"You do not have to be present to win the prizes. The vendors will give us the giveaways, which is a tradition at coin shows," McFerrin said.