Wondering.... How many times..... Have you.....

Barbercoin · March 16, 2015 7:43AM

Left a coin show without buying a single thing?

Louisville just had their semi-annual show (hosted by a local club) and I was all excited. Finally, I get to shop!!!!

Although I was focused on my Barber Quarters, I was open to other purchases. So, I ended up leaving without buying a thing. I'm depressed. Ugh!

RCDB · March 16, 2015 7:55AM

I've been to about 10 shows, mostly smaller local shows except for 1 fun show. The only graded coin I ever purchased was a rainbow morgan. I have purchased a few raw coins that I got graded. My experience has been that the coins are overpriced and that most of the dealers seem to hate their job. The vast majority of my collection has been purchased on line, through ebay or auction sites.

keyman64 · March 16, 2015 8:04AM

Too many to count.

mirabela · March 16, 2015 8:06AM

I don't think I've ever left with *nothing* but I've certainly come close. I can remember one where I got home from a five-hour round trip with a single circ VDB for my son's collection. You can't win 'em all.

Walkerfan · March 16, 2015 8:07AM

<< <i> My experience has been that the coins are overpriced and that most of the dealers seem to hate their job. The vast majority of my collection has been purchased on line, through ebay or auction sites. >>

I buy some common stuff, once in a while, but what I'm really looking for just isn't there.

Sadly, I go to shows just for fun and to BS but not usually to buy.

TopographicOceans · March 16, 2015 8:09AM

All it means is that you didn't waste any money just for the sake of buying anything.
Now you have more money to buy something you like.

sparky64 · March 16, 2015 8:46AM

I've only been to three shows and left once without any purchases.

Left many auctions without even bidding.

golden · March 16, 2015 8:48AM

<< <i>Too many to count. >>

bosco5041 · March 16, 2015 9:15AM

Two weeks ago I went to a small show {40 tables} and there was nothing there that I was interested the least in but I drove 60 miles and spent half a day going so I bought a common Morgan dollar that I shouldn't have.

BryceM · March 16, 2015 9:23AM

A few.

Sometimes I spend whatever is left of the budget on bullion or semi-numismatic gold widgets. I can always turn that back into the good stuff if/when the opportunity arises. I don't like keeping too much cash around. That stuff always disappears too easily.

crazyhounddog · March 16, 2015 9:29AM

Never.

DIMEMAN · March 16, 2015 9:35AM

I've been to hundreds of shows and even at the small ones I find something.

vplite99 · March 16, 2015 10:04AM

Almost have never left with nothing. Although there have shows where a little bullion is all that I bought.

Walkerfan · March 16, 2015 10:13AM

Yeah---it's a real shame. I feel bad, when I don't buy from some of these guys---they are there putting forth their time and effort and I LIKE being able to attend these local shows and I feel like I should support them lest they will end up being a thing of the past (a very distinct possibility). That is why I buy some common stuff from them from time to time. I am gonna have to make an effort to buy something (anything) a little more often just for that reason (support and appreciation).

DollarAfterDollar · March 16, 2015 10:14AM

I've been to hundreds of shows and it's rare if I DO buy anything.

I go to get a feel for market conditions and chat with friends. I can't buy because most items are far too overpriced.

Dealers need to know that not every coin in their case should demand top dollar.

airplanenut · March 16, 2015 10:47AM

Plenty of times. I spent every minute of the opening day of FUN (including dealer setup) on the floor and my wallet never came out of my pocket. I used to feel bad not getting something, and that led me to buy coins that weren't top notch. I've gotten much better about buying only coins I really want, and I don't feel pressure to buy something simply for showing up. Shows are much more a socializing/networking event for me, and even if I don't get anything, it's always nice to catch up with coin buddies I haven't seen in a while. And if I do find something to buy, well that's just a bonus.

LanLord · March 16, 2015 10:48AM

quite often, in fact, most of the time, I'll ride my bike to coin shows.
They are usually 50 to 60 mile round trips.

There have been more that a few times I've walked out empty handed.

I don't care how far it was, if something wasn't meeting my requirements, I didn't need it.

At least I got exercise.

ebaybuyer · March 16, 2015 11:52AM

nine out of ten shows I buy nothing, I can spend the same time on ebay and empty my paypal acct. depends largely on what your series is, many dealers know which coins to hold onto and which ones go best on the bay. there are exceptions, but the rule is that dealers know where the money is

MarkInDavis · March 16, 2015 12:27PM

<< <i>Left a coin show without buying a single thing? >>

Probably more often than half the time. If not pretty close.

WaterSport · March 16, 2015 1:47PM

I just did this at both the Long Beach show in September and the recent Portland ANA show.

WS

segoja · March 16, 2015 1:53PM

never

Sonorandesertrat · March 16, 2015 2:02PM

Lots of times

BillJones · March 16, 2015 10:04PM

I have never gone to a major show and come home empty handed, but I've done it many times at local shows.

I knew a Boston dealer who refused to call local coin shows, shows. He called them "gatherings." I thought that was kind of harsh.

etexmike · March 16, 2015 10:08PM

About half of my visits end with no coin purchase.

Mike

ricko · March 16, 2015 11:56PM

Many times... perhaps 75% of shows I buy nothing....and then there are the shows where I buy too much.....I guess it all averages out...Cheers, RickO

asheland · March 17, 2015 5:11AM

I've done that, several times. It's obviously a lot better coming out with something...

asheland · March 17, 2015 5:12AM

<< <i>All it means is that you didn't waste any money just for the sake of buying anything.
Now you have more money to buy something you like. >>

Well said!

Barbercoin · March 17, 2015 6:40AM

Boy, do I feel a lot better now!!!!! I thought it was just me.

However, I did spend much time talking to dealers and other collectors and I even brought with me a coin I need an opinion on. I've always had trouble with grading Peace Dollars. So, I got my answer.

I watched other people and what they were looking at too..... Quite interesting really.

All-in-all, I made out better than I thought.

I should've bought a few older Red Books while I was there, but I forgot. I think knowing lunch was right around the corner messed with my head.

Barbercoin · March 17, 2015 6:42AM

Boy, do I feel a lot better now!!!!! I thought it was just me.

However, I did spend much time talking to dealers and other collectors and I even brought with me a coin I need an opinion on. I've always had trouble with grading Peace Dollars. So, I got my answer.

I watched other people and what they were looking at too..... Quite interesting really.

All-in-all, I made out better than I thought.

I should've bought a few older Red Books while I was there, but I forgot. I think knowing lunch was right around the corner messed with my head.

Barbercoin · March 17, 2015 6:45AM

Boy, do I feel a lot better now!!!!! I thought it was just me.

However, I did spend much time talking to dealers and other collectors and I even brought with me a coin I need an opinion on. I've always had trouble with grading Peace Dollars. So, I got my answer.

I watched other people and what they were looking at too..... Quite interesting really.

All-in-all, I made out better than I thought.

I should've bought a few older Red Books while I was there, but I forgot. I think knowing lunch was right around the corner messed with my head.

Barbercoin · March 17, 2015 6:47AM

Boy, do I feel a lot better now!!!!! I thought it was just me.

However, I did spend much time talking to dealers and other collectors and I even brought with me a coin I need an opinion on. I've always had trouble with grading Peace Dollars. So, I got my answer.

I watched other people and what they were looking at too..... Quite interesting really.

All-in-all, I made out better than I thought.

I should've bought a few older Red Books while I was there, but I forgot. I think knowing lunch was right around the corner messed with my head.

puffer · March 17, 2015 8:21AM

Unless you are independently wealthy you had better not buy stuff unless you are sure you are getting a reasonable deal. I tend to rely too much on other people's judgment, seasoned dealers, but get disappointed when the grading service disagrees on grade.

I was at a coin shop today where another coin shop owner was visiting looking for fresh material (Valley coin in Seymour, CT @ Laurel City in Winsted). He ended up leaving without buying anything as dealer #1 and dealer #2 were too far apart on price.

winky · March 17, 2015 11:25AM

Never.

jcping · March 17, 2015 11:28AM

Ten years ago, I would say never.
Right now, in last 5 shows, I only bought one coin. I would say 80% of time, I left a coin show with empty hand.

DDR · March 17, 2015 11:31AM

I have probably been to 100 shows and would say that about half the time have left with nothing. It is always a disappointing feeling. More often than not leaving empty-handed happens at a smaller show, which makes sense.

Wondering.... How many times..... Have you.....

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