How to Read a Dealer Bourse List Before a Coin Show

What Is a Bourse List?

A bourse list is an advance roster of dealers who have reserved table space at an upcoming coin show. Many show organizers publish a bourse list on their website or social media pages in the weeks before a show, allowing collectors to plan their visit before arriving.

Where to Find a Bourse List

Several places to look for a bourse list before a show:

• The show's official website — Listed on each show page in our coin show directory.
• The organizer's Facebook page — Many shows post bourse lists as Facebook events or announcements.
• US Coin Shows dealer attendance — When dealers mark themselves as attending a show on our platform, they appear on the show page.
• Directly from the organizer — For larger shows, contacting the organizer directly often yields a complete dealer list.

How to Read a Bourse List

A typical bourse list includes the dealer name, their table number or booth location, and sometimes their specialty. Here is how to use that information effectively:

1. Identify dealers matching your interests — Look for dealers specializing in the series or type you collect. A dealer specializing in early American coins will have different inventory than a bullion dealer.
2. Note table locations — If the list includes table numbers, plan a route through the show floor to hit priority dealers first.
3. Research unfamiliar dealers — Before the show, look up dealers you do not recognize in our dealer directory or check their websites.
4. Contact high-priority dealers in advance — If a dealer has exactly what you are looking for, reaching out before the show can be valuable.

Reading Specialty Clues

Dealer names and descriptions on bourse lists often contain specialty clues. Names referencing specific series, eras, or coin types usually indicate specialization. A dealer called "Colonial Americana Coins" is likely a better stop for early American material than a dealer with a generic business name.

If There Is No Bourse List

For smaller shows, a formal bourse list may not exist. In this case, arrive early and walk the entire floor before purchasing anything. Speaking with dealers in the first 15 minutes of a show gives you a sense of who is there and what they have before the best material moves.

After the Show

Make notes about dealers you found valuable and want to visit again. Many active show dealers have regular schedules and you can plan future visits around their attendance.

Find Upcoming Shows

Browse upcoming coin shows organized by state and city, complete with organizer contact information to request a bourse list.