A few random thoughts after visiting a local show in Portland this weekend
Myqqy
Posts: 9,777 ✭
I went to a small show here in Portland, OR, this weekend with my wife, and had a few thoughts about it that I wanted to share. Any comments are appreciated... 
1) Maybe it was just an isolated example, but it was a little strange how many buyers and sellers alike had a small problem with body odor and bad breath. My wife first noticed it, and I quickly had to concur. It makes it more difficult to concentrate on coins when you have to keep reminding yourself to breath through your mouth! So, let's all be courteous (especially during the summer) and mix in a little extra deodorant and breath mints!
2) At one large table of a husband/wife team, the wife had graciously taken out a large number of proof sets for me to look through. I'm looking for certain qualities on certain coins, and the husband comes over and starts telling me that I shouldn't have to do that because they pre-inspect all of the sets, and theirs don't have spotting or problems. Blah blah blah. I nodded politely and kept looking through all of them slowly- that's pretty irritating, because he was lying (many of the sets had problems and spots) and he doesn't even know what I'm looking for. Sheesh.
3) Many dealers seem to think that harshly cleaned classic coins (like bust coins and barber coins) command strong premiums. Odd. I also find it interesting (maybe it's a new phenomenom) when dealers have very dark, ugly toned coins, and have comments written on the holders about the amazing color and the associated strong premium attached.
4) I think it's a lot of fun when dealers have numerous large binders full of 2x2 pages and many chairs, and you can sit down and carefully look at dozens of coins in various grade/pricing levels. Very educational, and a much more relaxed buying atmosphere. I think this is much preferred over having many coins stacked one upon another within a case, so all you can look at is the obverse of the top coin. I think as much as possible, shows should be about getting a chance to look at a large quantity of material without incessent sales pitches. Which leads me to:
5) I find it fascinating how I respond to a friendly hello and casual comment, versus a pressured sales pitch that sounds artificial. When a dealer is relaxed and friendly, I find myself trying to stick around to look at stuff, even if none of the material is grabbing my attention. And lastly...
6) In the past year especially, I have studied a lot of coins, read many numismatic books and magazines, and perused these message boards with enthusiasm. It's fun now to be at a show and really armed with solid knowledge- I initially found shows a little overwelming, but with increased education, it's amazing how quickly I can filter through items that are overgraded, overpriced, unattractive for the grade, suspicious, etc. All of this makes a world of difference. I've been inadvertently teaching my wife a lot about coins, and even she commented that these shows are more fun now that she has a better idea of what to look for and what to avoid.
Whew... sorry to ramble, but I just felt like rambling a bit. Any comments are welcomed...
1) Maybe it was just an isolated example, but it was a little strange how many buyers and sellers alike had a small problem with body odor and bad breath. My wife first noticed it, and I quickly had to concur. It makes it more difficult to concentrate on coins when you have to keep reminding yourself to breath through your mouth! So, let's all be courteous (especially during the summer) and mix in a little extra deodorant and breath mints!
2) At one large table of a husband/wife team, the wife had graciously taken out a large number of proof sets for me to look through. I'm looking for certain qualities on certain coins, and the husband comes over and starts telling me that I shouldn't have to do that because they pre-inspect all of the sets, and theirs don't have spotting or problems. Blah blah blah. I nodded politely and kept looking through all of them slowly- that's pretty irritating, because he was lying (many of the sets had problems and spots) and he doesn't even know what I'm looking for. Sheesh.
3) Many dealers seem to think that harshly cleaned classic coins (like bust coins and barber coins) command strong premiums. Odd. I also find it interesting (maybe it's a new phenomenom) when dealers have very dark, ugly toned coins, and have comments written on the holders about the amazing color and the associated strong premium attached.
4) I think it's a lot of fun when dealers have numerous large binders full of 2x2 pages and many chairs, and you can sit down and carefully look at dozens of coins in various grade/pricing levels. Very educational, and a much more relaxed buying atmosphere. I think this is much preferred over having many coins stacked one upon another within a case, so all you can look at is the obverse of the top coin. I think as much as possible, shows should be about getting a chance to look at a large quantity of material without incessent sales pitches. Which leads me to:
5) I find it fascinating how I respond to a friendly hello and casual comment, versus a pressured sales pitch that sounds artificial. When a dealer is relaxed and friendly, I find myself trying to stick around to look at stuff, even if none of the material is grabbing my attention. And lastly...
6) In the past year especially, I have studied a lot of coins, read many numismatic books and magazines, and perused these message boards with enthusiasm. It's fun now to be at a show and really armed with solid knowledge- I initially found shows a little overwelming, but with increased education, it's amazing how quickly I can filter through items that are overgraded, overpriced, unattractive for the grade, suspicious, etc. All of this makes a world of difference. I've been inadvertently teaching my wife a lot about coins, and even she commented that these shows are more fun now that she has a better idea of what to look for and what to avoid.
Whew... sorry to ramble, but I just felt like rambling a bit. Any comments are welcomed...
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<< <i>4) I think it's a lot of fun when dealers have numerous large binders full of 2x2 pages and many chairs, and you can sit down and carefully look at dozens of coins in various grade/pricing levels. >>
Absolutely my favorite, and a good way to sometimes find some very nice examples cheap. Here are just a couple I picked up that way:
Russ, NCNE
you have to fight fire with fire