Going to the PAN show, insights?

Russell12

I am going to the PAN show Thursday and I am a little overwhelmed. Most of the coin shows I have been to are 20-40 tables and I usually walk the entire floor before buying anything. I went to the last Baltimore Whitman show and it was just too large. I figured I should have been able to find the harder coins on my list, but it was just too much. This time I printed a list of my 10 hardest to find coins and will show the dealers as I visit their table. Still, 200 tables is overwhelming. Anyone have any good tips to share?

Large shows like this should have an email to send my want list to and dealers can look and they have a certain coin and their table number.

1Bufffan

When you visit a dealers table you can ask them if they have any of the coins on your list, and they may say no, you can ask them politely if they know any other dealers who might have some in their inventory, because a lot of dealers do the dealer trades before the show opens to the public and most know what others trade in or are looking for.

DNADave

Looking forward to this show too. Been a long time since I was there.

2windy2fish

Most every large show has a list of dealers that will be present, you are free to email them beforehand and ask. You would likely need to visit their website to do so…

daltex

@Russell12 said:
I am going to the PAN show Thursday and I am a little overwhelmed. Most of the coin shows I have been to are 20-40 tables and I usually walk the entire floor before buying anything. I went to the last Baltimore Whitman show and it was just too large. I figured I should have been able to find the harder coins on my list, but it was just too much. This time I printed a list of my 10 hardest to find coins and will show the dealers as I visit their table. Still, 200 tables is overwhelming. Anyone have any good tips to share?

Large shows like this should have an email to send my want list to and dealers can look and they have a certain coin and their table number.

I'm curious as to what is on your list, especially to the level of detail. There is, for example, a huge difference between "Bust Half" and "1826 Bust Half in PCGS CAC MS 66 with attractive toning".

ricko

@Russell12 ... Large shows, when first encountered, can be overwhelming. Good idea to email dealers ahead of the show with your want list. Then be sure to follow up with them so a relationship can be established. Be sure to write a show report. Cheers, RickO

Walkerfan

Here’s a tip that has always worked for me and it helped me find a really nice coin that I had been looking for:

Find the list of dealers. Then, look at the ones that have websites and eBay stores. Peruse their inventory online and, if you see something you like, make a list. Then, you’ll know what to look for, in their cases, when you see them in person. Larger dealers don’t know everything they have off the top of their heads…

sparky64

I'll be there.
First PAN show for me.
Always been on my list to do. Looks like a great mix of dealers.
I'm in NE PA and it's still a 5 hour drive.
Going to hit a pirates game while there.

winesteven

@Walkerfan said:
Here’s a tip that has always worked for me and it helped me find a really nice coin that I had been looking for:

Find the list of dealers. Then, look at the ones that have websites and eBay stores. Peruse their inventory online and, if you see something you like, make a list. Then, you’ll know what to look for, in their cases, when you see them in person. Larger dealers don’t know everything they have off the top of their heads…

Great tip, but I suggest taking it one step further: if you see a coin in advance that you like, contact that dealer letting them know you are very interested, and ask them if as a courtesy they can put it on “Hold” as you’ll be at that show, and will see them on xxxday at approximately xx:00.

Steve

m4832

@Russell12 said:

Anyone have any good tips to share?
>

Spend more than one day there.