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What references do you bring to a coin show?

nwcsnwcs Posts: 13,386 ✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
We've had quite a theme on coin shows... I'll add another.

What reference materials do you bring with you? Red book, graysheet, vam top 100?

Generally, I take a list of what I am looking for and the prices I think they should be around and sometimes my VAM top 100. I've taken a redbook in the past for series I'm not familiar with. Will take a graysheet this next time on Morgans. I saw that other collectors took different things. So, what do you take with you?
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  • IrishMikeIrishMike Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭
    Just what's left of my brain. I have a spread sheet prepared ahead of time for what coins I am specifically looking for, but truthfully I usually find something else to buy. Most dealers I have dealt with don't mind talking price with you.
  • rkfishrkfish Posts: 2,617 ✭✭✭
    For me.....the greysheet and a current copy of the bluesheet for reference
    on the PL coins.......only way to find a "starting" place for PL Morgans.
    Pop #'s for the series I'm interested in. (reference only)image

    and a list of my "wants" for that particular show!

    and my checkbook!image
    Steve

    Check out my PQ selection of Morgan & Peace Dollars, and more at:
    WWW.PQDOLLARS.COM or WWW.GILBERTCOINS.COM
  • critocrito Posts: 1,735 ✭
    I tear the yellow price pages out of COINage and stick them in my jacket pocket. Key date prices, in my range, I've got memorized. It's usually generic type (especially the early stuff I don't collect) and roll prices that I need help with. Every dealer at the show will have a greysheet, just ask to take a look at one. I don't buy "condition rarities", so have little use for it, personally... unless I'm selling one I accidentally made, that is image Sometimes at the smaller show (it's all relative, I suppose, hehe) I take a spiral bound red book with me, that I use as a checklist for completing my Whitman albums. I circle the price/grade of each I have to help spot potential upgrades. Any dealer that takes a look will know from all the scribbling what I'm using it for (it's a 1999 edition too). And besides, what's he going to do? Charge me $4 instead of $3.50 for a common date Walker in VF? image

  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭


    << <i>What references do you bring to a coin show? >>



    Mostly Grant's and Franklin's!!!image
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

  • NysotoNysoto Posts: 3,818 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just my Overton book so I can cherrypick.
    Robert Scot: Engraving Liberty - biography of US Mint's first chief engraver
  • GristlebeardGristlebeard Posts: 35
    My PDA with a list of coins I'm looking for and the price I'm willing to pay.
  • BarryBarry Posts: 10,100 ✭✭✭
    CDN and sometimes an index card with some additional info (eg., auction closing prices from heritage's database), if I'm looking for a specific date/grade.
  • paigowjohnnypaigowjohnny Posts: 4,257 ✭
    CoinWorld Trends sections of the areas I'm interested....I also now have a recent grey sheet that I'll use as a loose reference...and my ANA grading book in case i jump into areas I'm not as familiar with.
  • jdimmickjdimmick Posts: 9,720 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I carry the CDN sheets, a 5x magnifier into the show.

    In the car in case needed, I have two grading books, and a 14X jewlers loupe.

    Thats about it

  • WoodwindWoodwind Posts: 486 ✭
    I go with an idea of what I want to buy, so I usually prepare a spreadsheet of what I'm interested in. I also keep a copy of the Red Book or similar price guide with me so I can check to see if a particular coin is a key date when all I am looking for is just a type coin.
    Lurking proudly on internet forums since 2001
  • DonnyDonny Posts: 45
    I see no one mentioned Collector's Universe Price Guide so I am hesitant to mention it myelf...but...how does it compare to say, Redbook?
  • LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,413 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Rick Snows attribution guide, a spread sheet of what I already own and need, the variety "pink sheet". If I'm going to a major auction instead of a local show, I also bring the catalog with all the notes I've taken in anticipation of the auction re: pops, estimated price range, etc.
    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose.
  • LincolnCentManLincolnCentMan Posts: 5,347 ✭✭✭✭
    I'm headed to a show on Saturday. I'm taking a complete set of greysheets... and a printout of the PCGS price guide for Lincoln Cents 1909-1958.

    David
    Lincolncentman Toned Lincolns
  • LincolnCentManLincolnCentMan Posts: 5,347 ✭✭✭✭
    << What references do you bring to a coin show? >>



    Mostly Grant's and Franklin's!!!


    Ha!!! Good one!

    David
    Lincolncentman Toned Lincolns
  • djmdjm Posts: 1,563 ✭✭✭✭✭
    How does that old saying go: "What do you call the person with a Redbook at the coin show?"


    A Sucker.
  • jbstevenjbsteven Posts: 6,178 ✭
    I tape a copy of the collectors universe price guide to my shirt and it seems like all the dealers are real attentive when I go by their booth, almost like they are drooling............................


    image
    just kidding

    I think any dealer would like someone to come up to them and say "I will pay full CU price guide for your coin"

    image

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