I don't like shopping, but I do like to go to flea markets. Flea markets provide that special something for the treasure hunter in me I guess. There is always the collectibles, vintage or quirky items.
If you have followed me long enough then you know I am probably looking for old coins when I hit a flea market up. There is usually no particular coin on my shopping list when I go, I just like looking for a deal. Most times I will find one.
I like a local indoor flea market we have. It is open everyday and air conditioned. That makes it a great place to get out of the heat and get a little walking in.
There is one particular booth/case I always gravitate to when we arrive. It is one with all old coins and other numismatic collectibles.
Most of the time when approaching my preferred case I will give it a quick scan looking for anything that catches my eye or that might be new from last I was there. Then I will spend a little more time viewing the contents in more detail.
Up to this point there hasn't been any standout find to brag about. I just enjoy the hunt and finding something new for my collection each time.
The last time we were there I purchased a couple of Peace dollars. We bought them for the set my son was putting together. He was just looking to attain one for each year and mint mark. However, his interest in the hobby has wained. That is neither here nor there though.
Back to the indoor flea market.
When shopping a flea market I like to take my time. Taking my time allows me to find the occasional old coin or coins that a vendor may have displayed among their other goods.
I found a walking liberty half dollar once among a bunch of jewelry using this strategy. We were at a market outside Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Tomorrow my youngest son is picking me up and we are going to the indoor flea market near us. Although I am looking forward to what kind of goodies the market might have in store for us, I look forward to the quality time with my son more.
Do you like flea markets? Is there anything in particular you look for when you go? Is it a family affair?
Thanks for reading,
Joe
Note: Image is my own taken with iPhone SE.
The only regular flea market in this area is held on the roof (which doubles as a parking lot) of a shopping mall. It's out in the open so it can be pretty hot, especially now when we are pushing 105 everyday with just terrible humidity. When it's not too hot out, I'll browse around there. I can't say I've ever found anything useful, but it can be fun looking.
That is it, the fun of it. I just like the fun of the hunt and discovery. Yeah, a rooftop in that heat has to suck big time.
flea markets take so much time to do. there are so many things to see for sure. do they have old puzzles too?
I am sure they do. They have about everything.
Thanks Ed, much appreciated.
I really enjoy going to flea markets and the excitement of finding rare vintage decor pieces, and I also end up at the book stall!
You never know, you could still find a rare coin one of these days.
The thrill of the hunt is great, I love it. The indoor one we go to always has old coins, which is why I like to go at least once a month.
Was it Gatlinburg, in mid-July and your throat was dry? :D
I haven't been to many flea markets but I do love going to the antique places and perusing around at the cool shit they've got. Sadly most of the time the prices are outrageous lol so we don't get anything but I should hit up the flea markets in search of coins! My son has a little collection going. Sometimes the banks near me have special coins, we got a really awesome few that I'll have to post in the silver stackers one day!
Yep, sometimes the vendors love their stuff a little too much. If you enjoy the hunt though it can be a fun outing. For sure on the coins, feel free to share them. Love to see em'.
There are so many different niches at flea markets. I usually go open minded not looking for anything in particular. I usually restraint myself from buying and just window shop unless something catches my eye and I can get it for the price I'm willing to pay.
I am like that with everything but coins. I am always looking for those.
It's been forever since I have been to a flea market. My wife is not usually a fan as it is just more stuff that you have to dust or keep. As we get older, we are really gravitating more towards a minimalist lifestyle (sort of). I think my biggest issue with Flea Markets now is that the Internet has made them less fun. It's hard to get a good deal because everyone knows exactly what something is worth.
Yes, it is getting harder to find the deals for sure. I mostly go to look for coins anymore and that is it. Occasionally we will pick something up for someone else as a gift, like an antique or something. Every once in a while you can find a hidden gem of an oddity.
I haven't been to a market since I started with silver, so I can see how that would be good. Knowing the spot price and what stuff catches a premium probably helps.
It does help. I justs enjoy the hunt and discovery most times.
Flea markets are awesome dude, I’ve had many good finds there - including a nice recurve bow and a vintage ukulele that was way undervalued :)
That is why I like them, you never know what you will discover.
Same! It’s definitely a sport of patience and persistence, but the prize can be well worth the commitment!
I love to go to those flea markets usually i try to find something useful like something electrical, but the point is that its much cheaper to buy it somewhere else like in a commercial store. Good luck with finding the coins 🤗
Its the little oddities that I like to find at the flea markets. The ones you just won't see everyday in a store. Thanks, I will need it because they are getting harder to find.
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Flea markets are always fun aren't they? Sometimes you get really lucky and score some nice stuff like you did there!
Yep, I just enjoy then hunt sometimes.
Flea markets are great. The joy of rummaging is awesome, you never know what gems you will find.
Great you are getting time with your son, must be weird him moving out.
It is a little weird now that he is gone. Quieter around the house now. The wife and I are managing though.
Ah well I am sure you will both get used to it. I guess all time with him now becomes even more special and even more quality time!
It does become more special for sure.
I've heard a lot about flea markets but never visited them properly. It was in a hurry. It is so tempting to visit there😄
I hope you are able to explore one when you get some time.
I like these kinds of markets but I never have an idea of what I'm going to buy, I just go with the flow and wait to see what I find.
I wish you a happy evening
Thank you. I think the looking is the fun part.