Coin Show Etiquette

sturmgrenadier

This question is for dealers. I am a novice collector. When I attend a big show like Baltimore, I get to see my trusted friend/mentor/dealer. One of the fundamentals I struggle with is determining original surfaces. In looking around at the various dealers' wares on the bourse, I sometimes come across what I think is a nice-looking, RAW coin, but I'm never sure of whether it has been dipped/cleaned, etc. What I would like to do is show such coins to my dealer friend at his table, because I trust his assessment. But, I have never asked a dealer to allow me to do so (and say leave my driver license or other item as collateral), because I've feared that it might be perceived as bad etiquette. With that in mind, would you consider such a request insulting because: 1) dealers don't like the idea of you asking other dealers what they think of their coins; or 2) as a stranger/customer, you should never presume to be trusted by a dealer to even briefly take his/her wares out of their eyeshot. Thanks.

WinPitcher

Never ask to take his/her coins away from the table. I see no problem if your dealer friend goes to the coin though.


Steve

Mercury10c

I'm not a dealer, but I've had some dealers allow me to take coins to ANACS for an opinion. This is one
of those situations that depends upon the dealer, the coin, and other variable. Lets face it, some dealers
are really nice and helpful and some are just plain cranky a$$h*les.

Bodie

Before attending....take a bath money can't buy class but can buy a bar of soap. Thats it from me.

chiefbob

<< <i>Before attending....take a bath money can't buy class but can buy a bar of soap. Thats it from me. >>



WTF?

09sVDB

I've only done it a couple of times with dealers who know other dealers at local shows. It's generally not good etiquette. The best defense is to learn how to grade yourself.

claychaser

So, how about paying for the coin with the condition that there is a 1 day return privilege, coin will stay in original holder? That way, you have time to show it to a trusted advisor or two. If the dealer stands behind his coin, that's not too much to ask for. The dealer may charge a little more than a "no return" cash on the barrelhead sale, but if you are not sure, it may be worth it.

Dealers - your take on this?

Greeniejr

This is a double edged sword. On one hand the people most likely to distrust you are smaller dealers whom you really do need to check out. On the other hand the people who are likely to trust you (with reasonable collateral) are larger dealers whose opinions you may be able to trust. Your best bet, especially if you are taking it to ANACS is to make sure you tell the dealer. At the ANA in AZ some dealer and collector were getting into it at the ANACS table. I really dont know the basis of their arguements, all I know is there was profanity, insults and threats being yelled. Be flexible and things will usually work out.

RWB

It depends, in part, on whether the other dealer knows you and feels you are trustworthy. Of course, if you have implied the dealer is a liar or made disparaging remarks, it is unlikely you will get his cooperation then or in the future.

MrEureka

It's always OK to ask when you're serious about a coin. But if you're not serious, don't ask.

renman95

Redneck dictionary:

Have you ever et-i-quette? Tastes like chicken.

Ren

ksteelheader

Coin show etiquette

SeaEagleCoins

<< <i>... Lets face it, some dealers
are really nice ... and some are just plain cranky a$$h*les. >>










With all due respect...

...I think the same could be said of collectors...

RYK

I have done it before a few times (raw and slabbed coins), and it was not a problem. If a dealer really wants to sell a coin, he/she will allow you to do this.

One alternative is ask your dealer friend to visit the table and check out the coin at the other dealer's table.

But if you're not serious, don't ask.

mozin

Years ago I sometimes asked to show a prospective coin purchase to another dealer who specialized in the series. Sometimes I bought the coin, sometimes passed. I never had a problem doing this. Today might be a different story. I suspect many dealers would be unhappy to accommodate such a request.