I'm going to my first coin show Saturday!

tlhoy

It's in Hot Springs, Arkansas. I here about 100 dealers will be there.
Question: Do the dealers at coin shows accept credit cards, or is it a cash only kind of thing?
Any suggestions on what I should bring with me? Hints, Tips, Advice?
I can't wait!!!
Glenn

ajaan

Cash yes, credit cards usually no. Some may accept a personal check.

ajaan

Tips: bring a list of coins/dates you are looking for with an approx price you will pay. If you are looking for foreign coins Krause catalog is very heavy to carry around.

--- bring a pen to check off things on your list or to make notes

--- a glass is nice to have but most dealers I've run into will let you use theirs.

--- comfortable shoes.

--- look before buying, make a swing around the floor before buying a coin. It may be cheaper at someone else's table.

laurentyvan

What overwhelmed me the first few times I attended a coin show was the multitude of coins I liked. Sharp focus on what you want is essential; a knowledge of what the coins you're looking for should sell for-in the grade you want- is also very helpful. I have overspent my budget on off list items only to find a coin I really wanted at the end of a show and had no money for purchase.

tlhoy

Can you take a coin to some of these dealers and ask their opinion on it?
Glenn

DBSTrader2

Glenn:

Are you taking my Bulgarian Stotinki with you for appraisal?

Enjoy the show!

- - Dave

tbirde56

I carry my old '96 Krause to every show. It's invaluable. It's the last version that covers both centuries. Also, it doesn't 'threaten' the dealer if its an older version. Makes you look like a poor newbie (the former, yes I am, the latter, no) and they sometimes give better deals then too. Just know enough not to overpay or get 'had'.
Dress neatly but casually. Carry a small magnifying glass, perhaps some small envelopes for any loose purchases (junk boxes), a pencil and paper to make any notes on purchases, etc, and save some bucks for McDonalds since you may stay longer than you thought you would and will be starving by the time you leave.
And Have Fun!

newbiecollector

I hope you have a great time!!
I have never been to a coin show........

nwcs

Best advice is to look at everything at all tables first before making a purchase decision. It's the best way to avoid buyer's remorse when you find something you would have rather had at another table after purchasing something already.

satootoko

Make one of your first stops at a supplies table and pick up a coin wallet. They come in several capacities, and hold the 2x2s that many of your purchases will come in. Enjoy!

291fifth

Since this is your first show you will be an unknown. Don't even think about writing a check. Some dealers may take a credit card but the great majority will not. At coin shows cash is king. Bring some with you.

MacCrimmon

After you've taken plenty of time to scope out who has what, and considered pricing on coins you may be interested in, don't be afraid to make a counteroffer.

Always insist the dealer quote you a price first. Be coy! Don't give away your excitement if the price is much lower than you thought it would be. Look at the coin again to be sure, go 'tsk, tsk', and ask if he can live with X amount less.

Be polite, even if the dealer is a jerk, because other dealers are probably watching. You may garner sympathy from a "nice" dealer who doesn't mind tossing you a meaty bone since the other guy is a jerk.

Most importantly, use it mainly as an exercise to "mark" the dealers who have good stock and who are well behaved. That way, you can focus better at the next show.

Good luck and have fun!!

Cladiator

As far as credit cards go...they do at the big city coin shows I go to here in California..mostly. I dunno how big Hot Springs is so I'd say bring some cashola!

I'm probably repeating other here but who cares. Bring a sheet of all the coins you need/want with prices you are willing to pay on the sheet. Bring a pen/pencil. Bring a magnifying device. Wear something comfy! Bring anything you have that you want to dump and maybe you can get a couple more bucks to buy new coins. 99% of dealers are cool people! 1% really suck arse and are annoying...I punish them by not buying there stuff...If a dealer bugs...keep on moving. If the coin has no price on it...ASK...doesnt neccessarily mean its really expensive, I've gotten great deals on unpriced coins.

Most important - HAVE FUN!

P.S. - I've got my new Icon up

1jester

Glenn, have a lot of fun!!!

mongoose

Have fun!

Avoid bourse food if possible.
Be mindful of security, as far as your money and coins go.
Take a list.
You can ask for a dealer's opinion on a coin, but remember that it IS just that...an opinion.
Take your time.