Going to my first coin show, what should I expect?
FellintoOblivion
Posts: 280 ✭✭✭
This weekend is a local, monthly coin show and will be the first time I attend one (not counting those things that used to pop up in the mall when I was a kid).
What should I expect?
I'm mostly going to be looking for common stuff (filling in a set of non-proof ASEs) as well as some stuff from the Royal Mint if the premiums aren't too high.
Coin shows strike me as exactly the kind of place one is still welcome, if not expected, to haggle over price but since I'm not going to be dropping thousands of dollars I'm not sure if it will just be seen as an annoyance.
I'm assuming cash is preferred.
It's a one day show that lasts for 6 hours, are there deals to be had at the last minute as people are packing up? I know at conventions for other nerdy stuff I collect people would rather take a few bucks less at the end of the show rather than haul the stuff back home but a couple of coins isn't going to make a huge difference in space or weight.
Comments
Wrong forum !!!
I expect that you'll have "fun" !!!
Thanks !!!
Where should I have put it? The Swap forum? Sorry!
I think this would receive more traction in the general US coin forum.
As for shows, go and enjoy! Folks might like to haggle, but not every dealer wants to haggle. I know I do not haggle with folks; if you ask for my best price I will give it and, if you don't like the number, we are done on that transaction. I do, however, believe most dealers are quite happy to discuss coins at length even if the potential customer shows no hint of actually buying anything. Cash is king, especially if you are little known. Also, although I have read other stories about folks picking up extraordinary deals at the end of the show, I have never experienced this and do not understand the logic or motivation for a full-time dealer to dump inventory at the end of a show. After all, there is always another show around the corner. Of course, if you are dealing with a part-time dealer then perhaps they just want to move part of what might be considered excess collection and they may be receptive to the idea.
Good luck!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Probably, I was just trying to stick to the forum categories as well as I could since this wasn't about discussing specific coins.
Thanks!
A bunch of people with no intentions of buying right in your way.
You are correct. I used to do show in javits center. Most of the floor samples would be on sale or give out for free by lunch time of the last day. Sometime, we would just trade them for stuffs we like/need with other venders if no buyers want them. lol
Anyway back to the coins, depending on the location and size of the show, there are a lot of overhead. I do believe you would have a better chance at a slow moving table on the last day after lunch since no seller would like to go home red.
As long you are able to make a reasonable purchase or in bulk to cover partial of the expense and turn the number back to green, I don't see a reason why any seller would reject, a deep discount.
You'll see a rare variety that commands a huge premium but priced as ordinary. Walk away to think about it. Come back and its gone.
You said this will be your 1st show.
Be confident and act like its your 100th show - and enjoy.
Old men "crop dusting" with mayonaise on their bottom lip because they feel they have to eat at a coin show.
Just have fun
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You should expect to see way too many Morgan dollars. Have fun and soak it all up
Coins. Expect coins.
My advice is to not get carried away the first time. I don't know how large a show you are going to - the small shows (<50 tables) are much different than the regional/national shows. If you are looking for low priced items, the small shows are normally best. High priced items tend to show up at the big shows.
Wear comfortable shoes and don't forget your loupe. Bring cash (preferred) and credit card (prepare to pay a premium), checks are often taken if you look trustworthy.
Fill in the common ASE's as they will be available and prices will not vary much across the floor.
Look around at the other tables. If you see something you like, look it over and note what table you saw it at. After a while, many tables start to look alike. But if you see something you can't live without, buy it right away as it might not be there an hour or two later.
And I'll warn you that there will be a lot of coins that don't move (I'll refrain from calling names here) and it takes some effort to find the nice stuff.
If you have a concealed carry permit and the venue honors it, bring protection with you. If you don't, be especially careful on your trip home as that is where thieves tend to strike. Normally the venue is pretty well protected, but only while you are inside.
Lastly, have fun. You will learn alot the first time.
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
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My advice:
1) Be sure and make several passes through the show, noting which tables have the material you are most interested in. A small notepad and pen would be handy for tracking this. You will often not get a good look at certain tables the first time around, as the dealer may be busy serving other customers. Do your damage the second time around.
2) Have a blast!
Dave
CONTRARIAN VIEW: If you're like me, expect to be very frustrated. Lots of shiny/pricey slabs & high-end silver/gold, and very few tables that cater to the small-time collector. Tables you may have found just a few years ago to spend time at are no longer anywhere to be found. Those that do & still have "junk boxes" are usually hard to get to, with people refusing to move one inch out of your way to either get by or sit down. And when you do finally get a seat, you realize that (even with the aide of a loupe) your close-up vision is so far gone between old age & having just 1 good eye, you can't see dates/condition clearly anymore..... Participating in the hobby you loved so much growing up has become disappointing/frustrating beyond belief........
That said, have a good time!
I would take your mom along with you. Try to be nice and ask a lot of questions. When dealers see a young girl with her mother, they tend to be very helpful! Have fun.
Expect nothing , and you won't be disappointed.
I've only been to one show but I have to say that I bought coins at a 25% discount. Dealers also have a "junk bin" where you can also find good deals.
Above all - have fun and learn a lot
Cyndie