How many different coins series do you try to find when you are at shows?

Hallco

I have 9 areas of interest on my final wantlist for this weekend. I read an article suggesting to limit focus to 2-3 series, depending on the size of the show. I am keeping my collecting mind open to potentially find things that I might not have otherwise been interested in owning my first time collecting. Just wondered if some of you have strategies that work well for you.

acloco

Easy answer....All of them.

Lincolns - missing 5, non key date UNC coins. Of course, these are hard to find with a reasonable strike.

Buffs - Have actually split the set. VF/under and high AU/Unc. So, I can always find something.

SLQ's - many empty spots in this set.

Washington quarters - couple of empty slots in this UNC set.

Insider2

I look for everything. No focus (except perhaps counterfeits) at all.

anablep

My wallet only allows for one: Morgan dollars...
...though I enjoy US Philippines issued coinage as well

sparky64

At a show, it's open season on anything that catches my eye.

Yorkshireman

@sparky64 said:
At a show, it's open season on anything that catches my eye.

I like that way of thinking.

Colonialcoin

Too many to count! Unfortunately, many things that I collect are not that easy to find in the condition that I am looking for. I guess that’s a good thing!

ECHOES

@Yorkshireman said:

@sparky64 said:
At a show, it's open season on anything that catches my eye.

I like that way of thinking.

+1
Me too...

Walkerfan

@Yorkshireman said:

@sparky64 said:
At a show, it's open season on anything that catches my eye.

I like that way of thinking.

I do, too.

Unknown

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TommyType

I've found that when I do "focus" on one or two things, I don't find them. I end up frustrated.

If I just browse, circulate, scan....the coins jump up at me. At the last Long Beach, I ended up with two really nice 1/2 cent coins. I wasn't looking for 1/2 cents, (other than that they were on my extended list of wants). Was a good show!

lkenefic

I'm focused on finding nice coins. That said, the ones I possess are filling a space until a nicer one comes along at a favorable price.

Currently, my collecting goal is to finish my basic type set with the gold page (7070). After I finish this, my goal is an 18th century copper type set. I'm also looking at a run of middle date large cents, and if silver continues its trend... an AU date set of Morgan Dollars as a tribute to my grandfather. ...

Musky1011

Civil war issues.. not many at local shows

Hallco

Thanks for the replies. In the article, the suggestion to focus was given because sometimes collectors try to collect a little bit of everything and end up with just stuff. And potentially the buying gets in the way of actually choosing and acquiring nice pieces(or at least that is the impression I got). Since I am starting over and have very few coins at this point, I am going to be picky. I had some really nice stuff before and I had what has come to be known as dreck! I want this to be the beginning of a long journey of coin enjoyment with things I never want to part with!

coinkat

Coins of the world and quality for the grade. I also look for unusual things ranging from medals to politicals at shows. Casting a big net helps develop an appreciation for how frequent certain types of coins surface. And overtime that experience helps with buying decisions not just predicated on price but on actual buying opportunities. As two examples, think of how often nice original high end circulated early date Walking Liberty Halfs or offered or even original EF Seated Dollars. Best wishes in your search

acloco

I forgot to mention....

IHC's and WLH.

Hydrant

4

lkeigwin

One.
Lance.

Swampboy

Cut the damn ribbon and let me in!
I'll tell you when it's over.

coinhack

I'm not looking for anything specific any more. I do better now just looking for something nice that I run into unexpectedly.
If I happen onto a 7070 type or Morgan upgrade. So much the better.

Treashunt

Two:
1) Bust $1/2
2) Barbers

and of course, Special Red Books

oih82w8

Whatever holes that need to be filled and potential upgrades in my 7070 Set, which is normally those coins with eye appeal.

CCGGG

One, (Morgan Dollars) but I'm always looking for the unusual. I don't collect the series but I did find a nice 3 leg Buffalo at the last show.

Broadstruck

I walk into the shows eyes shut with dowsing rods and let the coins find me

ricko

Years ago, when doing sets, I would be looking for specifics...Later I learned that (to me) that was a big mistake. The show is so much more enjoyable when looking at everything and buying what jumps out and excites you. Fun way to collect as well... Cheers, RickO

Hallco

Thanks for the input everyone. I am definitely not limiting myself to only what is on the list at the moment, even though within these 9 areas, there are several that I would not have even considered in the past. Progress!

Onastone

I've never been to a coin show. I think it would be a little overwhelming at first, but I imagine I'd be looking at prices. And I'd be looking at quality and a coin with a lot of character. Like most of you said, something that speaks to you. Nothing specific. I've never tried to fill out a whole set and search for missing dates or types. The number of counterfeits out there would make me a little cautious, guess a magnet would be useful to bring.

cmerlo1

I have a mental list of varieties I look for, and run through it at each table. This allows me to get through a dealer's box stock quickly, without tying up their table for too long. Also, underpriced identfied varieties and errors.