Long Beach Expo: The Collectibles Show

The Long Beach Expo is the oldest collectibles show on the West Coast, welcoming collectors of all kinds since 1964, not to mention one of the biggest. This year’s expo features hundreds of dealers offering coins, banknotes, sports cards and memorabilia, as well as Funko Pops!, comic books, trading cards and a whole lot more. Whether you’re starting your collectibles journey or are a seasoned collector, here are just a few of the facts and attractions to make your visit memorable.

THE FAQS

The Long Beach Expo is open to the public from Thursday, Feb. 20, to Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Long Beach Convention Center (300 E Ocean Blvd). The expo will open each day at 10AM and wrap up at 6PM on Thursday and Friday and at 7PM on Saturday. Though admission is good for all three days, be aware that some exhibitors choose not to attend the Saturday show. If you are interested in seeing a particular dealer, grading service, etc., you are strongly encouraged to verify their attendance by contacting them directly prior to the show. Exhibitor attendance is highest on Thursday and Friday.

KID COLLECTORS

Kids can learn about collecting and participate in fun activities throughout the Expo. The Long Beach Stamp Club’s Kids Korner (Booth 453) helps kids increase their knowledge of the hobby and will raffle off a starter collection to build from. The Youth & Family Coin Experience Zone (Booth 458) features an outreach booth that offers educational activities and free giveaways for young collectors. The Walt Ostromecki Youth Activities Corner booth also provides free educational literature to encourage young collectors and free coin appraisal service.

DAILY GIVEAWAYS

Get a raffle ticket after checking in at the registration booth and you become eligible to win a PCGS-graded coin and autographed sports jersey, trading card, or memorabilia given away each day, with estimated market value of some prizes as high as $250. Winning numbers are called at 2PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. And yes, you must be present to win. Good luck!

MEET THE EXPERTS

Meet the Expert (Booth 908) sessions are an opportunity to speak to some of the nation’s leading experts in coins, banknotes and sports collectibles and have your items appraised. Sessions take place each day of the expo; highlights include Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) grader and numismatic expert Steve Feltner–Feb. 20 and Feb. 21, at 10:30AM to 12:30 PM–as well as sports collectible expert Dan Wulkan, Feb. 20-22, from 1 to 2PM.

AUTHENTICATION

Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), the world’s leading authentication and grading service will be available at an On Site Submission Center (Booth 1059) to certify sports and trading cards, autographs, Funko Pops! and other collectibles, and to provide onsite grading services and take-home submissions. Representatives will be at the Submission Lounge (Booth 669) to answer questions before you get in line to submit.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.