Have a list of what coins you'd like to have in ALL of the series you collect. I've been at a show and not been able to find the certain coin I was after and then couldn't remember exactly what other coins I had on my want list. That problem led to coming home to find I now had two of one particular date and still had none of desired date.
Closely related is to list out dates you'd like to upgrade to a better coin WITH grade of the coin you already have. That problem led to the purchase of a cent that was almost the twin of the one I wanted to upgrade.
Someday, I'll have more time to go to shows. It will replace the time I spend now with my wonderful kids.
<< <i>Closely related is to list out dates you'd like to upgrade to a better coin WITH grade of the coin you already have. That problem led to the purchase of a cent that was almost the twin of the one I wanted to upgrade. >>
I've found it useful to bring the coin or coins you're looking to upgrade with you so you can compare directly. More often than not, I've found that the one I have is as good or better than the one I'm comparing it with.
Of course, you can't bring in more than a small box or an album's worth before you start needing a hand truck to cart it all around the bourse floor.
Me at the Springfield coin show: 60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
After reading the list, here are some of my favorites (with a few comments)
List
Loupe (although I carry a loaner for those that forget)
Price guide
Sufficient funds (i.e., cash or checks for dealers that know you or checks with a verifiable reference)
Comfortable shoes (very important for a big, multi-day show)
Sufficient time (leave time for visiting with forum members)
Stick to what you know or what you're looking for. There's lot's of eye candy ready to trap the unwary (There are always a lot of nice coins out there)
Do NOT sit down at a dealer's table and then proceed to spread out your want list, price guide, briefcase, coin album, and pads of paper on top of the entire surface of the dealer's cases (dealers visiting dealers are often the biggest offenders)
Take your badge off when you leave the show (this is no joke)
While I sit here and sort through halves, I was thinking about this.
I always bring a little bit of money to buy something that catches my eye. Yes, it increases my disorganized accumulation of coins, but it also makes me enjoy something new and fun about coin collecting.
A few things come to mind. Note: I am a full-time dealer, but for many years I was a collector, so these comments come from experience on both sides of the table.
If there is a dealer directory, grab one on your way in. Or better yet, if it is online, check it out before you go. Pick the dealers who specialize in the kinds of coins you are interested in, and visit those dealers first. If you have something to sell, go to the dealers who specialize in what you want to sell. You will usually do better that way.
Don't go to a show to buy without a list of what you want to buy. I wouldn't go to a grocery store without a list either.
Research the coins you want in the grades you're looking for. I would suggest Heritage auction archives. Remember that truly rare coins are almost never available anywhere near Greysheet prices.
If you see a coin you have been trying to obtain for a long time (say, a few years or more), and its quality and price are acceptable, buy it immediately. Don't think about it until later or walk around the floor for the next few hours, because if you have been looking for a coin for awhile, probably someone else has also, and that person will buy the coin while you lose your opportunity.
Understand that not all dealers are trying to rip you off. Most of us just can't pay 10% back of Greysheet and sell at Greysheet, and cover our expenses, a living wage, and a return on our investment. (Except for those dealing in high volumes of bulk silver and gold.) So if that is your expectation, you are likely to be disappointed.
Have fun! Remember that coins are a hobby, and hobbies are supposed to be fun. If someone or something stresses you out, leave that behind and move forward.
Oh, and one final note, when you buy a coin, make sure you don't leave it at the dealer's table after you have paid for it. You wouldn't believe how often this happens.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
The bigger the show (hello Long Beach) the more important it is to check out the smaller dealers way in the back. They seem much more flexible when bartering for collector coins.
The only person who cares what your grandfather had was your grandmother.
Gone but not forgotten: IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal, CoinsAreFun.
<< <i>The only person who cares what your grandfather had was your grandmother. >>
Priceless. I practically snap my teeth in half every time I hear this. Some dude or dudette telling a hapless dealer about "days gone by" when they used to use dem big 'ol dollars to buy groceries and they may even have one stashed away somewhere!
"to you, a hero is some kind of weird sandwich..."
Ya - and I suspect grandma didn't really care either.
Gone but not forgotten: IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal, CoinsAreFun.
Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
Hey, I really like the Legacy room. It's like those cool lounges at the airport.
Really handy for internet searches, to snoop in on conversations, free coke/chips, etc.
Gone but not forgotten: IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal, CoinsAreFun.
(1) Dress down. Comfortable shoes are a must anyway. Never go looking like the rich guy thieves would want to target. (2) Prepare for the show. Know what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend for it. (3) [Variety guys take note.] When looking through a box of coins at a dealer's table, don't set up shop there. You shouldn't need to haul out a stack of attribution guides and clutter up the tops of his cases. A grey sheet and maybe a one page cheat sheet should always suffice. Again, be prepared. (4) Look at the bourse before you buy a coin. Of course, there is always the possibility that you find a huge opportunity coin. That is a rare exception for most people though. A lot of first timers make the mistake of spending their money in the first 30 feet. (5) Ask. If you don't see something a dealer might have, ask them. If you like the coin but not the price, ask for a better deal or make an offer. (6) Go to lot viewing. Even if you are tapped out and not going to bid any lots, register for the auction and look at coins. Major auctions are incredible opportunities to see great coins in hand and learn. A dealer on the bourse isn't going to be as patient as Heritage. (7) Try to meet up with others for lunch. A great part of the hobby in this age is the social aspect. Take advantage of it. Check out some of the society meetings and informational seminars too.
If I was to choose a best, I guess it would be (2), particularly for a big show. (Now to go and actually read this thread.)
Comments
Closely related is to list out dates you'd like to upgrade to a better coin WITH grade of the coin you already have. That problem led to the purchase of a cent that was almost the twin of the one I wanted to upgrade.
Someday, I'll have more time to go to shows. It will replace the time I spend now with my wonderful kids.
1) Bring lots of cash
2) Do a walk through to scan which tables are worth stopping at. Find the one thing you must have, and buy it first.
<< <i>Closely related is to list out dates you'd like to upgrade to a better coin WITH grade of the coin you already have. That problem led to the purchase of a cent that was almost the twin of the one I wanted to upgrade. >>
I've found it useful to bring the coin or coins you're looking to upgrade with you so you can compare directly. More often than not, I've found that the one I have is as good or better than the one I'm comparing it with.
Of course, you can't bring in more than a small box or an album's worth before you start needing a hand truck to cart it all around the bourse floor.
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
List
Loupe (although I carry a loaner for those that forget)
Price guide
Sufficient funds (i.e., cash or checks for dealers that know you or checks with a verifiable reference)
Comfortable shoes (very important for a big, multi-day show)
Sufficient time (leave time for visiting with forum members)
Stick to what you know or what you're looking for. There's lot's of eye candy ready to trap the unwary (There are always a lot of nice coins out there
Do NOT sit down at a dealer's table and then proceed to spread out your want list, price guide, briefcase, coin album, and pads of paper on top of the entire surface of the dealer's cases (dealers visiting dealers are often the biggest offenders)
Take your badge off when you leave the show (this is no joke)
I always bring a little bit of money to buy something that catches my eye. Yes, it increases my disorganized accumulation of coins, but it also makes me enjoy something new and fun about coin collecting.
Lots of great suggestions here!
Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1
If there is a dealer directory, grab one on your way in. Or better yet, if it is online, check it out before you go. Pick the dealers who specialize in the kinds of coins you are interested in, and visit those dealers first. If you have something to sell, go to the dealers who specialize in what you want to sell. You will usually do better that way.
Don't go to a show to buy without a list of what you want to buy. I wouldn't go to a grocery store without a list either.
Research the coins you want in the grades you're looking for. I would suggest Heritage auction archives. Remember that truly rare coins are almost never available anywhere near Greysheet prices.
If you see a coin you have been trying to obtain for a long time (say, a few years or more), and its quality and price are acceptable, buy it immediately. Don't think about it until later or walk around the floor for the next few hours, because if you have been looking for a coin for awhile, probably someone else has also, and that person will buy the coin while you lose your opportunity.
Understand that not all dealers are trying to rip you off. Most of us just can't pay 10% back of Greysheet and sell at Greysheet, and cover our expenses, a living wage, and a return on our investment. (Except for those dealing in high volumes of bulk silver and gold.) So if that is your expectation, you are likely to be disappointed.
Have fun! Remember that coins are a hobby, and hobbies are supposed to be fun. If someone or something stresses you out, leave that behind and move forward.
Oh, and one final note, when you buy a coin, make sure you don't leave it at the dealer's table after you have paid for it. You wouldn't believe how often this happens.
An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.
to check out the smaller dealers way in the back. They seem much more flexible
when bartering for collector coins.
Steve
"La Vostra Nonna Ha Faccia Del Fungo"
<< <i>The only person who cares what your grandfather had was your grandmother. >>
Priceless.
Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
<< <i>"You can observe a lot by watching" - Yogi Berra >>
Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1
Seriously, there have been some good points made in this thread.
I wouldn't have thought that I'd hear any, but I did.
Really handy for internet searches, to snoop in on conversations, free coke/chips, etc.
(1) Dress down. Comfortable shoes are a must anyway. Never go looking like the rich guy thieves would want to target.
(2) Prepare for the show. Know what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend for it.
(3) [Variety guys take note.] When looking through a box of coins at a dealer's table, don't set up shop there. You shouldn't need to haul out a stack of attribution guides and clutter up the tops of his cases. A grey sheet and maybe a one page cheat sheet should always suffice. Again, be prepared.
(4) Look at the bourse before you buy a coin. Of course, there is always the possibility that you find a huge opportunity coin. That is a rare exception for most people though. A lot of first timers make the mistake of spending their money in the first 30 feet.
(5) Ask. If you don't see something a dealer might have, ask them. If you like the coin but not the price, ask for a better deal or make an offer.
(6) Go to lot viewing. Even if you are tapped out and not going to bid any lots, register for the auction and look at coins. Major auctions are incredible opportunities to see great coins in hand and learn. A dealer on the bourse isn't going to be as patient as Heritage.
(7) Try to meet up with others for lunch. A great part of the hobby in this age is the social aspect. Take advantage of it. Check out some of the society meetings and informational seminars too.
If I was to choose a best, I guess it would be (2), particularly for a big show. (Now to go and actually read this thread.)
NSDR - Life Member
SSDC - Life Member
ANA - Pay As I Go Member