Tyler Coin Club hosted its 16th annual coin show at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center Friday and Saturday. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

This weekend’s Tyler Coin Show transformed the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center into a display of rare coins and currencies — and offered attendees a chance to find treasure.

“There’s a fascination of being able to find something valuable,” said Richard Graham, president of the Tyler Coin Club, which hosts the annual show. “Whether it’s in your change, or your grandmother left it to you … you don’t know what it’s worth. So, you’re able to come to a coin show and find out more about it.”

According to its website, the Tyler Coin Club was established to unite East Texas collectors who share a passion for numismatics — the study and collection of coins, paper money and other forms of currency.

The show held Friday and Saturday featured more than 100 tables, offering visitors the opportunity to examine rare coins, trade their own collectibles and engage with fellow enthusiasts.

“The coin show is really big for our community,” Graham said. “There’s people here selling anything from gold and silver, paper money … there’s also the historical aspect of the coins.”

Many attendees find satisfaction in learning the history behind each coin, appreciating the stories and historical contexts that transform ordinary currency into intriguing artifacts, he said.

“There’s a lot of history … and it’s not even just in one country,” said Jin Xu, a Frankston resident. “We’ll look around and we’ll get a full story about a time period. It’s just an educational experience.”

Xu brought her 12-year-old son, Evan, to the coin show.

“My mom mentioned it to me because she knew I liked coins and liked looking at them,” he said. “I just like how much history they have … it’s cool to learn about them.”

Circulating coins — pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters — are those that are produced in the United States, but there are many others from different countries and historical periods that collectors seek for their unique designs and stories.

“I love coin collecting … I’ve been doing it since I was 15,” said Jerry Stanton of Bossier City, Louisiana. “I love the backstory of the coins, especially Morgan & Peace Silver Dollars — they have such a rich history. You can never really get tired when you’re searching for coins. Everything has a history.”

Many of the hobbyists and vendors, such as Malcolm Self of Southland Coins & Collectibles in Lake Charles, Louisiana, said they appreciate the generous layout of the conference center.

“I used to do the Tyler Coin Show over 30 years ago, and I quit because the venue was just too small for my business. Then they moved it to a new venue, and it’s just superb,” Self said. “I can’t say enough about this beautiful facility.

Between the expansive floor plan and the expertly designed lighting, the venue creates the perfect ambiance for showcasing rare coins and intricate collectibles, allowing every detail to shine and enhancing the overall experience for both sellers and enthusiasts.

“There’s plenty of room to walk around … and normally we have table lights, but the lighting in this place is superb. I’m excited to be here,” Self said.

Coin collecting was considered a hobby of kings and emperors in ancient times, with royalty often amassing vast and valuable collections that showcased their wealth, power, and cultural interests. Today, the pastime has evolved into a hobby for enthusiasts of all backgrounds, reflecting a fascination with history and craftsmanship.

“Coin shows are good venues for people that have a collection or something to make contact with dealers because people come from all over the country,” Self said. “You can walk your coins around, shopping around to get the best value. That’s the advantage of going to a show and seeing coins and currency that you never see anywhere else.”

The coin show not only displayed currency but also had other collectibles such as sports cards and comic books.

“We like treasures here,” Graham said. “You probably have treasures at home … bring them to a show and find out what they’re worth … you just never know.”