Coin Show - Do's, Don't's & Dangers

richardshipp · September 8, 2006 1:10AM

Tomorrow I will be going to my first coin show in 30 odd years. It's being held in San Antonio, TX.

Any suggestions as far as "Do's, Don't's & Dangers" would be appreciated.

Thanks.

rays · September 8, 2006 1:13AM

know what you're looking for
if you see it, the price is right and you like it, buy it

Barndog · September 8, 2006 1:13AM

PM sent...I'll be there too.

Leiana · September 8, 2006 1:13AM

Do bring a loupe.

Do ask questions.

Don't be afraid to ask for the best price (guilty

)

Watch out for that overhead lighting, it can hide stuff on the coin that you will notice later.

Don't rely on "bourse food"

.

Don't make any "impulse buys."

Go with a goal in mind for what you are looking for, but don't pass on a great piece for a great price.

Have fun.

-Amanda

Keyrock · September 8, 2006 1:17AM

Bring cash
Bring your own loupe that you look at your other coins with (3x, 5x or 10x)
Bring your want list and have a purchase price worked out ahead of time (+/- 20%)
Remove your name tag when away from the show
Don't make trips to your car then back to the show
Don't look at your coins at the local dinner while your eating lunch, be discrete

edited for typo.....

Barndog · September 8, 2006 1:19AM

Excellent safety/security tips.

Nice thing about Texas, by the way, is that residents and non residents can legally carry "personal protection" if they choose to do so and get proper permits. My loupe is only my second most valued possession on a coin show day.

Cladiator · September 8, 2006 1:22AM

Always: If you don't see any coins your interested in on display at a dealers table, ask them if they have them anyways. You'd be surprised at what kind of inventory sits in boxes right behind the dealers.

Never: If you have a bag or briefcase with you never leave it unattended for any amount of time. Most people fall victim to this when they are sitting at a table and focusing on a coin. Try to bring a bag that has a shoulder strap of some sort. When you're sitting at the table you can wrap the shoulder strap of your bag around your foot.

Do NOT: Wear your coin show badge or your loupe when you are outside the coin show. These are commonly referred to as "rob me badges".

There is much more but I'm sure the folks here will help greatly.

13PacesEast · September 8, 2006 1:24AM

bring lots and lots of cash.

and let us know what show and what time you are going.

ANACONDA · September 8, 2006 1:26AM

When buying, make a reasonable offer which you think the dealer will not take. If it's not ridiculously low, the dealer will probably counter with a number that might be close to his best price.

Dealers like to make money. A sold coin usually makes the dealer money, and he probably has his eye on another coin so generating some cash will allow him to buy the coin he has his eye on.

Dealers are often turbo collectors. Don't forget this.

PhillyJoe · September 8, 2006 1:27AM

Look at everything but buy what you know. If you like a coin but aren't familiar with the series take a business card, do additional research and then contact the dealer. Better to hesitate than to make a bad impulse buy.

Cash is king, checks and credit cards may not be accepted.

Personal safety. Everyone knows there's a coin show going on. Don't walk from the show alone if possible.

Joe

kranky · September 8, 2006 1:28AM

Comfortable shoes.
Don't be frustrated when you see someone spread out a bunch of papers on a dealer's case and sit there chatting with the dealer, keeping you from seeing their coins. And don't be one of those people.

Make a note when you see something you would like to go back to later, so you can remember where you saw it.
Prices won't be marked on 98% of the coins, you have to ask.
If you ask to see a coin, and decide you're not interested, don't just lay it down on the case and walk away. Get back into the dealer's hands with a "thank you".
You can negotiate price, but don't argue about grades. It only makes people mad.
Sometimes dealers have more coins than can fit in the case. If you are browsing at a table that has the type of coins you are looking for but don't see exactly what you want, you can always ask if the dealer has it.
Cash is good for buying coins. You may have difficulty paying with a check if no dealer there can vouch for you. But you can ask to pay by check and have the coin shipped to you after the check clears.
If you don't see what you are looking for, don't blow your coin money on something else just so you don't come home empty-handed.
Be alert to the conversations around you. If you can pick up some of the commonly used terminology, you'll have a little bit of extra credibility going for you.

Cladiator · September 8, 2006 1:30AM

Record all your experiences so when you come back you can write a killer show report for us!

Shamika · September 8, 2006 1:34AM

Actually, I always suggest NOT buying anything in these circumstances.

Your first show will be overwhelming and you'll either spend way too much money too soon OR make a poor buying decision OR both!

It takes tremendous will-power to do this, but you'll be better prepared the next time you go to a show. And you can then make an informed buying decision.

dorkkarl · September 8, 2006 1:43AM

look here

K S

BlindedByEgo · September 8, 2006 1:45AM

First off, have fun - and remember when you are there, that you are there to have fun.

Don't be intimidated by grouuchy dealers

Stay away from the concession pizza.

If a dealer has a busy table, don't expect him to discuss esoteric subjects with you. See, look, offer, negotiate and buy (or not).

If you find a better coin that you really must have, get a second opinion. I don't mean on a generic 64 Morgan - anything that is at the top of your price range.

Go in with the expectation of leaving with the same amount of money in your pocket that you came with. Spend wisely - money usually spends faster than it earns

Lastly, have fun!

291fifth · September 8, 2006 1:57AM

Make sure you are up to date on grading standards. Be picky.

Tonedbuff · September 8, 2006 1:59AM

I've only been collecting actively for a few years... and I still find coin shows uncomfortable. I like to look at coins, and like to ask questions. I always feel like I am wasting dealers time. The few times I've brought anything to sell, that's even worse (yeah, don't even bother trying to sell unless you are ready to have your intelligence insulted a few times).
For me, I like nice reputable internet dealers. I can bargain with them, I can look and research all I want...

Coin shows just don't work for me.
But, I've only been to the pitifull small ones here in the seattle area. Maybe I'd feel different at a huge show???

Barndog · September 8, 2006 2:00AM

at this particular show (Live Oak Civic Center), the lady selling roasted pecans in the lobby should be your last stop before heading home.

lkrarecoins · September 8, 2006 2:05AM

Don't buy any coins because they've been greatly reduced because of problems. Big mistake. These coins are reduced because that is what they're worth.

Don't challenge a dealers grade....Just pass on it if you think it is overgraded, in your opinion ( I learned my lesson)

Bring all your coin books & lens', even if you need to leave them in your car for quick reference.

Don't ask for the best price on every coin you pick up with the same dealer. Ask for the best price when you are done shopping.

Do shop around the bourse. Dealers will charge varying prices for the same items.

Do have a list of what you would like to purchase, so you are not tempted to impulse shop.

Don't let any dealers sell you anything that you do not want. Just say, no thanks, and be on your way.

Don't say "Do you know who I am'? just kidding

Do look at your purchases as a hobby, not an investment, or you may be disappointed.

Do enjoy your visit, and absorb as much info as you possibly can.

Have fun!!!!

Cladiator · September 8, 2006 2:06AM

<< <i>Bring all your coin books & lens, even if you need to leave them in your car for quick reference. >>

If you do this make sure they are hidden from view. Having coin books on your seat is a dead giveaway for a would be criminal to sit and wait for you to come back to your car.

richardshipp · September 8, 2006 2:09AM

Thanks all, great advice.

So its:

Make my list
Bring Info
Bag w/ shoulder strap
Cash
Eat First, except for the roasted pecans
Good Shoes
Don't argue grades
Make fair offers
Be polite to sellers
Don't let the "grumpies" upset my day
Don't be a "rob-me mark"
Avoid trips to car
Don't show off new stuff in public
PPE (personal protection equipment) (got my ccp

)
Don't feel the need to HAVE TO Buy

and most of all have fun!

I'll try to do a review next week.

MacCrimmon · September 8, 2006 2:16AM

<< <i>PPE (personal protection equipment) (got my ccp ) >>

Even when away from home (and your CCW), it pays to find an off-duty police officer to escort (taxi) you back to the airport. Especially if you are carrying any amount of inventory.

kmuhles · September 8, 2006 2:19AM

Don't stand behind someone examining a coin at a dealers table to try and catch a glimpse of their neat find (especially if it's an Oregon Commemorative). If you can't help yourself, fine, but never try to make an interesting comment about the unique rainbow toning. (Yes, I learned this one the hard way.)

Being such a casual collector, I forget that some people take this hobby very serious.

I apologize for my bad manners.

TwoSides2aCoin · October 8, 2006 12:05AM

Try to make ONE friend... even if they don't end up a friend, you might still end up with a great coin later just for trying to familiarize yourself with that one person instead of his/her coins.

Coxe · October 8, 2006 12:35AM

I think everyone covered just about everything. My only addition, since it is your first show in a long time, is walk the bourse and do a lot of looking before buying coins. Get a feel for what is there. You don't want to spend a lot at one dealer, perhaps one of the first you encounter, only to find coins and dealers that work better for you an hour later. Have fun too!

dorancoins · October 8, 2006 12:39AM

<< <i>Don't rely on "bourse food"

. >>

Heard on the forum of people getting sick from the food at the Countryside show in suburban Chicago. Thats why I will go to a fast food place before or after a show.

RichieURich · October 8, 2006 3:29AM

I'd like to emphasize bringing directions to the show if it's in an unfamiliar location, your checklist of what you're looking for, your price guides and grading guide (even if you don't agree on grade you might agree on price), cash and your checkbook and know how much available funds you have, coins to sell or trade (dealers have to buy so they can sell), your loupe or magnifying glass, pens so you can write checks and take notes, comfortable shoes, a bottle or two of water or soda (hydration is important), an energy bar or two in case you don't find time for lunch.