Wear good comfortable shoes and don't be itimidated.
mark
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
-As others have said- wear comfortable shoes. I would also suggest not dressing too warm- a t-shirt will usually suffice.
-Don't be afraid to leave the show without any purchases.
-If you see THE piece at your first table, do not be afraid to pull the trigger. You may not get a second chance. (If you are a newbie, this may not apply to you, but may apply down the road.)
-Have a bit of a game plan before heading in. Items and dealers of interest. A cheat sheet/checklist will come in handy.
-Bring a means of storing/carrying any newps. I usually carry a 2x2x9 box with some little ziplock bags and paper coin envelopes inside.
-Bring some paper and a pencil for any note taking or record keeping in case of purchases.
-Best of luck and have fun!
The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. -Thomas Jefferson
@Rollerman said:
I found prioritizing my "wants" to a list of 5 coins or so works better than being dazzled by so many choices. If you try to look for too many coins, it slows you down too much. You need the coin in hand for details, but many times eye appeal can be seen just by looking at the cases of material. But as others have said, enjoy yourself. Maybe buying little or nothing, but just enjoying the experience would be a good way to go also.
Pete
@DancingFire said:
Rule #1....Don't buy from any dealer wearing a suit and tie b/c they are usually the most expensive, but I don't think there will be any suit and tie dealers in Sacto. The Sacto show was the first show I set up behind a table (1986?) it used to be a really good two day show back then.
@sparky64 said:
Last show I went to, I thought I'd be cool and go freelance.
No agenda or specific coins in mind.
It didn't work like I thought it would and ended up being a waste of my time.
Next time I'll at least have a plan.
I'm trying to make my game plan this week. Thank you, Cyndie
-As others have said- wear comfortable shoes. I would also suggest not dressing too warm- a t-shirt will usually suffice.
-Don't be afraid to leave the show without any purchases.
-If you see THE piece at your first table, do not be afraid to pull the trigger. You may not get a second chance. (If you are a newbie, this may not apply to you, but may apply down the road.)
-Have a bit of a game plan before heading in. Items and dealers of interest. A cheat sheet/checklist will come in handy.
-Bring a means of storing/carrying any newps. I usually carry a 2x2x9 box with some little ziplock bags and paper coin envelopes inside.
-Bring some paper and a pencil for any note taking or record keeping in case of purchases.
Sacramento @crazyhounddog - do you have the physical address / hall or center?
Thanks
Yes I have it all and I'm pretty sure I can get you in free. The McIntosh family are good friends of mine. I'm sure I can pull it off.
I'll email you shortly with all of the information. No worries. We'll make a party out of it. Very much looking forward to meeting you and having a tone a ton a fun
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
If you are trying to fill in coin album holes, take pics of the album pages on your phone. So much easier than trying to remember which dates/mints/ types you need from memory! Nothing beats the letdown of finding that perfect coin, then go home and see that the hole is already occupied.
Sometimes there's no harm in having more than one nice example of a tough to find coin.
Bring a smile, manners, and cash. If you plan on mostly looking, plan to visit later in the day.
Sit down at a table if you see something you like and wish to buy. Keep in mind that a dealer wishes to earn. You can come back if you are just looking.
If a dealer has been helpful, but you are not able to find the right item, thank him for his time. Better yet, buy a little bullion.
Not much to add here. All have submitted good advice. My first show ever was an ANA Convention show. Talk about a big impact first impression. Good luck in your endeavor and, "on with the show".
Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
I hope you have a great time and a wonderful experience. Don't be too focused on making the ultimate purchase. Rather, use the time to become educated on interacting with dealers. Talk to them, make some offers and see where they are on a price. You will be surprised. Some won't give you the time of day. If there is no price on the coin/currency make sure you have reference material available to set a common ground price to make an offer or accept an offer. .........I take an IPad. Some say take a greysheet. Wish I had a nickel for every time a dealer said he doesn't go by the greysheet . Remember , a dealer will be sizing you up. They are pros that have dealt with all kinds. Most are well schooled. Reading some of the posts here there is a lot of advice on what "you" should do. Be yourself........have fun and look at as many coins as you can and talk to as many dealers as possible. Shows can be an educational tool as well as an opportunity to make purchases. Enjoy!
@Kccoin said:
Bring a smile, manners, and cash. If you plan on mostly looking, plan to visit later in the day.
Sit down at a table if you see something you like and wish to buy. Keep in mind that a dealer wishes to earn. You can come back if you are just looking.
If a dealer has been helpful, but you are not able to find the right item, thank him for his time. Better yet, buy a little bullion.
@air4mdc said:
I hope you have a great time and a wonderful experience. Don't be too focused on making the ultimate purchase. Rather, use the time to become educated on interacting with dealers. Talk to them, make some offers and see where they are on a price. You will be surprised. Some won't give you the time of day. If there is no price on the coin/currency make sure you have reference material available to set a common ground price to make an offer or accept an offer. .........I take an IPad. Some say take a greysheet. Wish I had a nickel for every time a dealer said he doesn't go by the greysheet . Remember , a dealer will be sizing you up. They are pros that have dealt with all kinds. Most are well schooled. Reading some of the posts here there is a lot of advice on what "you" should do. Be yourself........have fun and look at as many coins as you can and talk to as many dealers as possible. Shows can be an educational tool as well as an opportunity to make purchases. Enjoy!
Thank you SO much for the input, great advice. I'm going there to learn more about what I have. However, I might end up buying something. Lol
Thanks again,
Cyndie
@Kccoin said:
Bring a smile, manners, and cash. If you plan on mostly looking, plan to visit later in the day.
Sit down at a table if you see something you like and wish to buy. Keep in mind that a dealer wishes to earn. You can come back if you are just looking.
If a dealer has been helpful, but you are not able to find the right item, thank him for his time. Better yet, buy a little bullion.
Most importantly, have fun!
Buy bullion from every dealer that's been helpful, Seriously? Honestly I don't think that's very good advice to a person that's going to their first coin show. Nope, I would NOT do that. I'm sure a big smile and a thank you would be just fine.
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
@Kccoin said:
Bring a smile, manners, and cash. If you plan on mostly looking, plan to visit later in the day.
Sit down at a table if you see something you like and wish to buy. Keep in mind that a dealer wishes to earn. You can come back if you are just looking.
If a dealer has been helpful, but you are not able to find the right item, thank him for his time. Better yet, buy a little bullion.
Most importantly, have fun!
Buy bullion from every dealer that's been helpful, Seriously? Honestly I don't think that's very good advice to a person that's going to their first coin show. Nope, I would NOT do that. I'm sure a big smile and a thank you would be just fine.
We may just see it differently. If a dealer has actually been helpful, why not buy a silver round or a buck of 90%? There are certainly worse buys to be had on the floor.
Now if you are under the impression that the OP should just save their money, that makes sense too.
@Kccoin said:
Bring a smile, manners, and cash. If you plan on mostly looking, plan to visit later in the day.
Sit down at a table if you see something you like and wish to buy. Keep in mind that a dealer wishes to earn. You can come back if you are just looking.
If a dealer has been helpful, but you are not able to find the right item, thank him for his time. Better yet, buy a little bullion.
Most importantly, have fun!
Buy bullion from every dealer that's been helpful, Seriously? Honestly I don't think that's very good advice to a person that's going to their first coin show. Nope, I would NOT do that. I'm sure a big smile and a thank you would be just fine.
We may just see it differently. If a dealer has actually been helpful, why not buy a silver round or a buck of 90%? There are certainly worse buys to be had on the floor.
Now if you are under the impression that the OP should just save their money, that makes sense too.
For example. Say all the sellers on the floor are very helpful. That could send you home with a bunch of bullion that you didn't want. Just saying
I like the rest of your advice. Settle down now my coin brother.
We're cool
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
If you are a specialist, the big shows are a treat.
Small ones can be a waste of time.
A good educational exercise is to buy some raw coins in GSA packaging or attractive toned coins in albums. Then submit for grading.
Take reference and pricing info with you... my mind can never manage the volume of coins, varieties, pricing etc...
Look for associated educational opportunities that are well worth the time and effort. Nice sit awhile and learn something new, decompress, and reboot.
@unclebob said:
If you are a specialist, the big shows are a treat.
Small ones can be a waste of time.
A good educational exercise is to buy some raw coins in GSA packaging or attractive toned coins in albums. Then submit for grading.
Take reference and pricing info with you... my mind can never manage the volume of coins, varieties, pricing etc...
Look for associated educational opportunities that are well worth the time and effort. Nice sit awhile and learn something new, decompress, and reboot.
That's exactly what I went for. I did learn a lot and enjoyed the show very much.
Thank you - Cyndie
Take every opportunity to look at LOTS of coins---good, bad, and ugly. You cannot realistically learn how to grade by studying images alone. Coin shows offer important opportunities to practice your grading skills.
Member: EAC, NBS, C4, CWTS, ANA
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
@Sonorandesertrat said:
Take every opportunity to look at LOTS of coins---good, bad, and ugly. You cannot realistically learn how to grade by studying images alone. Coin shows offer important opportunities to practice your grading skills.
Agreed !.! It was a wonderful learning experience.
@ricko said:
Very happy to hear you had a good time and learned things. I would bet the proof sets were birth year sets for grand kids... or kids.... Cheers, RickO
Comments
Wear good comfortable shoes and don't be itimidated.
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
Go with a budget in mind. Bring cash. Don't spend it all early on, take some time to browse the floor before spending it all
Thank you
Gotcha
Lol ~ Love it.!.!
Thank you! Cyndie
I'm trying to make my game plan this week. Thank you, Cyndie
Thanks Mark
Great advice, thank you for the input.!.!
Cyndie
I thought the Sacto show is in May?
Sometimes, to break the ice, I'll look at a coin in the case and ask a dealer "what do you think of that coin?"
I knew it would happen.
@DancingFire - there are several shows all year.
@jmski52 - great advice, will do. Thanks, Cyndie
Cyndie,
I hope to at least see you there. I have read all of the above and all advise is spot on.
@crazyhounddog ~ Yes, I will email you to set up a meeting time & place (at the show or maybe Maxwell?)
So excited.
Where is the show located this week? never mind I found it.
Sacramento
@crazyhounddog - do you have the physical address / hall or center?
Thanks
Yes I have it all and I'm pretty sure I can get you in free. The McIntosh family are good friends of mine. I'm sure I can pull it off.
I'll email you shortly with all of the information. No worries. We'll make a party out of it. Very much looking forward to meeting you and having a tone a ton a fun
Without looking, it's at the lions gate hotel in Sacramento.
Yup!
Are ya going?
I am excited for you and I don't even know you
Looks like a fun show.
Sometimes there's no harm in having more than one nice example of a tough to find coin.
Maybe Friday am
Bring a smile, manners, and cash. If you plan on mostly looking, plan to visit later in the day.
Sit down at a table if you see something you like and wish to buy. Keep in mind that a dealer wishes to earn. You can come back if you are just looking.
If a dealer has been helpful, but you are not able to find the right item, thank him for his time. Better yet, buy a little bullion.
Most importantly, have fun!
Not much to add here. All have submitted good advice. My first show ever was an ANA Convention show. Talk about a big impact first impression. Good luck in your endeavor and, "on with the show".
I hope you have a great time and a wonderful experience. Don't be too focused on making the ultimate purchase. Rather, use the time to become educated on interacting with dealers. Talk to them, make some offers and see where they are on a price. You will be surprised. Some won't give you the time of day. If there is no price on the coin/currency make sure you have reference material available to set a common ground price to make an offer or accept an offer. .........I take an IPad. Some say take a greysheet. Wish I had a nickel for every time a dealer said he doesn't go by the greysheet . Remember , a dealer will be sizing you up. They are pros that have dealt with all kinds. Most are well schooled. Reading some of the posts here there is a lot of advice on what "you" should do. Be yourself........have fun and look at as many coins as you can and talk to as many dealers as possible. Shows can be an educational tool as well as an opportunity to make purchases. Enjoy!
Lol, thank you! I'm excited even more reading all these comments!
Good advice, thanks so much.!.!
Thank you SO much for the input, great advice. I'm going there to learn more about what I have. However, I might end up buying something. Lol
Thanks again,
Cyndie
Buy bullion from every dealer that's been helpful, Seriously? Honestly I don't think that's very good advice to a person that's going to their first coin show. Nope, I would NOT do that. I'm sure a big smile and a thank you would be just fine.
We may just see it differently. If a dealer has actually been helpful, why not buy a silver round or a buck of 90%? There are certainly worse buys to be had on the floor.
Now if you are under the impression that the OP should just save their money, that makes sense too.
For example. Say all the sellers on the floor are very helpful. That could send you home with a bunch of bullion that you didn't want. Just saying
I like the rest of your advice. Settle down now my coin brother.
We're cool
If you are a specialist, the big shows are a treat.
Small ones can be a waste of time.
A good educational exercise is to buy some raw coins in GSA packaging or attractive toned coins in albums. Then submit for grading.
Take reference and pricing info with you... my mind can never manage the volume of coins, varieties, pricing etc...
Look for associated educational opportunities that are well worth the time and effort. Nice sit awhile and learn something new, decompress, and reboot.
So what happened? We need a report.
@ golden
Sorry, I was playing with the grand babies, who we're up for Easter. I have updated the post with a report
That's exactly what I went for. I did learn a lot and enjoyed the show very much.
Thank you - Cyndie
All that hub bub to buy proof sets? Proof sets??? ...
No, I only went to LEARN. Of which I did
Well that's good..,
Glad that you had fun. If you are like the rest of us you have marked your calendar for the next show.
Hey! Some of us like proof sets! I wish I saw more of that type of stuff at coin shows.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
Let me know what you want I'll get it...
If you had fun then it was a worth while trip.
Take every opportunity to look at LOTS of coins---good, bad, and ugly. You cannot realistically learn how to grade by studying images alone. Coin shows offer important opportunities to practice your grading skills.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
Very happy to hear you had a good time and learned things. I would bet the proof sets were birth year sets for grand kids...
or kids.... Cheers, RickO
Absolutely!
Agreed !.! It was a wonderful learning experience.
@ricko
You hit the nail on the head