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A few questions from a noob!
Hmann
Posts: 157
Hey everyone!
I have been lurking on this board and a few others for a month or two. I have decided this forum has about the most activity, most informed members, and very thoughful discussions. My son and I have decided to join up here to try to expand our knowledge.
A Quick story of how we got into coins recently then on to our questions:
My son got us both interested in coins about 6 months ago with the state quarters. He wanted a state quarter map and started going through all our change for the different quarters. Well this quickly developed into three map collections (one for each kid). About the same time the dollar coins were comming out, so we bought four rolls of those. Broke one open looking for the edge error and kept the rest.
Then OCD daddy started reading too many boards and visiting too many websites about coins. I've blown a bunch of money on his and now my coin collection.
A few quick questions to board members:
What are some other ways to find decent deals on coins??
We have visited the four coin stores in Louisville Ky, and have found one we like. We have hit every flea market (about 15) within 40 miles in any direction of where we live. I found a great guy in Simponsville Ky, that has a ton of good morgans with really good pricing. We have bought atleast 1k in rolled coins in the last couple of months to search through. We have visited a few pawn shops looking for coins at a decent prices, but this seems like a waste of time thus far. I tried ebay two times and hated it. One coin was decent and the other I got ripped off of 100.00. Not much but I closed my new ebay account after that. As yard sale season approaches I wonder if you guys have ever found anything there?? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
What in the world should we collect:
I do not want to spoil my son at all. I make him do chores around the house for his 20 bucks a week (his allowance has always been 2 bucks a week until we got into coins. He needed a bit of a raise to get anything accomplished) he gets to spend at our favorite coin store or the flea market we like. So he is on a small budget. He has been fairly deligent and finished a Kennedy Half collection, and is working on a Franklin Half set. When he has left over money he buys bufallo nickles for some reason. What are some other sets of coins he can get into after the franklin set that he can find most of the coins for under 20 bucks, that will be worth more when he is 25?
For me, I am not nearly as dedicated. I seem to go to these stores and buy a little of this and a little of that. I guess the set I have the most of is the Morgan silver dollar. Up until the last couple of months i've kept my coins under 300 per month.. But recently this has gone out the window as I have found some Morgans I just had to have. GSA's are awesome!!!
Decent books to read:
I have read a couple of books recently on the subject of coins. One only about morgans, and another called "coin collecter's survival guide" or something along those lines. Both were decent books, but kind of basic. I guess I am looking for intermediate books at this point. Also if you know of any coin collecting books aimed for under 12 yrs of age that would be great too.
Slabed or raw:
I guess this is my biggest fear. I have bought most of my coins unslabbed. If they are slabbed already it seems you have to pay every penny its worth to get the coin. My local dealer I like the most says If you want slabbed coins, buy them slabbed already so you don't have to pay for grading. I'm just at odds with that statement. I bought three morgans over the weekend; 1893o, 1883s, and 1887s. I spend about 550.00 on them, but two of the three have to be atleast ms60, and the other is probably going to grade mid 50's. I have read and read and read some more on grading. I have looked at past auction after past auction at heritage. My local coin dealer has pulled his slabbed morgans for me, and I've stuck them all in graded order on the counter and went over and over and over where and why each is graded where it is. As long as I am not totally off on the grading I will do much better over time buying raw coins. I guess I'm just looking for some thoughts from some folks that have been doing this for some time on the issue. I am going to send all my morgans in to be graded shortly (NGC i am thinking) this will either confirm my grading or let me know I should buy nothing but slabbed coins in the future. I'm hoping i'm half way decent on the grading.. Any thing else I can do to get better at grading? Any other thoughts on this issue?
How do you stay dedicated to finishing one coin set???
I have no dedication. I go out for the coin collecting day with the thought of buying morgans and working towards an end, but come home with other stuff. I guess this isn't something anyone can really help me with, just venting a bit.
Coin shows:
I've been reading about all your experiences at the coin shows, and I want a piece of it!!!!!! I don't want to spend 500 on airfare, car rental, and hotel to attend one. That would blow a bunch of my coin budget just to get there. Anyone know when/where the next show within about 250 miles of Louisville Ky. is? Cities like indy, cincinatti, nashville, st. louis, heck even chicago.
Any other advice:
I love feedback. The more negative the better. I want to get better and the only way I will is if u folks that are experts can see anything i'm doing wrong and let me know!
Thanks a ton in advance, and sorry for the wall of text. I've been doing this for a little while now and I guess I have a bunch of pent up questions!
I have been lurking on this board and a few others for a month or two. I have decided this forum has about the most activity, most informed members, and very thoughful discussions. My son and I have decided to join up here to try to expand our knowledge.
A Quick story of how we got into coins recently then on to our questions:
My son got us both interested in coins about 6 months ago with the state quarters. He wanted a state quarter map and started going through all our change for the different quarters. Well this quickly developed into three map collections (one for each kid). About the same time the dollar coins were comming out, so we bought four rolls of those. Broke one open looking for the edge error and kept the rest.
Then OCD daddy started reading too many boards and visiting too many websites about coins. I've blown a bunch of money on his and now my coin collection.
A few quick questions to board members:
What are some other ways to find decent deals on coins??
We have visited the four coin stores in Louisville Ky, and have found one we like. We have hit every flea market (about 15) within 40 miles in any direction of where we live. I found a great guy in Simponsville Ky, that has a ton of good morgans with really good pricing. We have bought atleast 1k in rolled coins in the last couple of months to search through. We have visited a few pawn shops looking for coins at a decent prices, but this seems like a waste of time thus far. I tried ebay two times and hated it. One coin was decent and the other I got ripped off of 100.00. Not much but I closed my new ebay account after that. As yard sale season approaches I wonder if you guys have ever found anything there?? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
What in the world should we collect:
I do not want to spoil my son at all. I make him do chores around the house for his 20 bucks a week (his allowance has always been 2 bucks a week until we got into coins. He needed a bit of a raise to get anything accomplished) he gets to spend at our favorite coin store or the flea market we like. So he is on a small budget. He has been fairly deligent and finished a Kennedy Half collection, and is working on a Franklin Half set. When he has left over money he buys bufallo nickles for some reason. What are some other sets of coins he can get into after the franklin set that he can find most of the coins for under 20 bucks, that will be worth more when he is 25?
For me, I am not nearly as dedicated. I seem to go to these stores and buy a little of this and a little of that. I guess the set I have the most of is the Morgan silver dollar. Up until the last couple of months i've kept my coins under 300 per month.. But recently this has gone out the window as I have found some Morgans I just had to have. GSA's are awesome!!!
Decent books to read:
I have read a couple of books recently on the subject of coins. One only about morgans, and another called "coin collecter's survival guide" or something along those lines. Both were decent books, but kind of basic. I guess I am looking for intermediate books at this point. Also if you know of any coin collecting books aimed for under 12 yrs of age that would be great too.
Slabed or raw:
I guess this is my biggest fear. I have bought most of my coins unslabbed. If they are slabbed already it seems you have to pay every penny its worth to get the coin. My local dealer I like the most says If you want slabbed coins, buy them slabbed already so you don't have to pay for grading. I'm just at odds with that statement. I bought three morgans over the weekend; 1893o, 1883s, and 1887s. I spend about 550.00 on them, but two of the three have to be atleast ms60, and the other is probably going to grade mid 50's. I have read and read and read some more on grading. I have looked at past auction after past auction at heritage. My local coin dealer has pulled his slabbed morgans for me, and I've stuck them all in graded order on the counter and went over and over and over where and why each is graded where it is. As long as I am not totally off on the grading I will do much better over time buying raw coins. I guess I'm just looking for some thoughts from some folks that have been doing this for some time on the issue. I am going to send all my morgans in to be graded shortly (NGC i am thinking) this will either confirm my grading or let me know I should buy nothing but slabbed coins in the future. I'm hoping i'm half way decent on the grading.. Any thing else I can do to get better at grading? Any other thoughts on this issue?
How do you stay dedicated to finishing one coin set???
I have no dedication. I go out for the coin collecting day with the thought of buying morgans and working towards an end, but come home with other stuff. I guess this isn't something anyone can really help me with, just venting a bit.
Coin shows:
I've been reading about all your experiences at the coin shows, and I want a piece of it!!!!!! I don't want to spend 500 on airfare, car rental, and hotel to attend one. That would blow a bunch of my coin budget just to get there. Anyone know when/where the next show within about 250 miles of Louisville Ky. is? Cities like indy, cincinatti, nashville, st. louis, heck even chicago.
Any other advice:
I love feedback. The more negative the better. I want to get better and the only way I will is if u folks that are experts can see anything i'm doing wrong and let me know!
Thanks a ton in advance, and sorry for the wall of text. I've been doing this for a little while now and I guess I have a bunch of pent up questions!
0
Comments
Visit the Coins+ stores in Cincy and see Brad Karoleff. There can't be too many better dealers in the area than Brad.
The Central States Numismatic Society has a show in St. Louis 10-13 May. Google it for more info.
Spend less, read and "browse" more while you are beginning...you will be happy for it later.
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Wow! Lots and lots of questions! Which is really good.
The best advice I could offer has already been given by barndog. Other than that, always second guess yourself when buying raw coins especially if you are laying out more than a $100 per coin. David Hall has stated that ownership is worth a point and this is so very true. After all, we never buy coins that we don't think will meet or exceed grade right? If your submissions to NGC hit your marks, be very very pleased as you will have accomplished what few newbies have.
Grading a raw coin is only half the battle. The other half consists of:
Is the coin counterfeit?
Has the coin been cleaned or altered in anyway that would earn it a N/G or body bag?
Many times new folks to collecting will find what they feel is the perfect coin only to have a TPG reject it for cleaning, altered surfaces or artificial toning. These are the subjects you really need to learn about in addition to the grading aspect.
Best of Luck and again Welcome!
The name is LEE!
I would stop spending hundreds of dollars a month on raw coins until you are sure you are getting your money's worth. What alarms me is you said you found a dealer with "really good pricing". I hope that is true, but I would be wanting to make sure before buying any more. Even experienced collectors can be fooled by sliders - raw coins which look great but are actually AU. There's a risk in looking at slabbed Unc coins and thinking you can apply what you saw to raw ones. Did the dealer explain the five criteria which make up a grade - luster, strike, surface marks, eye appeal and toning? Most people new to the hobby focus on surface marks too much because it's the easiest to quantify. If you buy a raw coin with the same amount of surface marks as a MS63, that coin could still be an AU58. The difference can be very, very slight.
With GSA's your risk is pretty small. Just make sure the case is intact.
The good news is there are plenty of coin shows in the area you are willing to travel to. Pick up a copy of Coin World or Numismatic News for listings or check coinshows.com (but it's not as complete as what's in CW or NN). If the show is large enough, some of the regulars here will be attending and perhaps they would be willing to look at what you've bought and give you some feedback.
In no way do I want to discourage you from collecting but buying raw coins from a small-town seller who has "really good pricing" is a big red flag to me. I just don't want to see you waste your coin funds.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
I would start with a basic type set to get familiar with all the different types of coins out there. Buy with in your comfort zone. For higher priced items, buy PCGS/NGC/ANACS graded coins. When VERY cheap, pick up a cleaned/whizzed/tooled coin or two to help you spot them.
Collect what you (and your son) like. Enjoy the hobby. It seems both of you are already developing preferences. Keep in mind that a Morgan date and mintmark set can cost huge money (over $100,000). A Morgan date set (one from each year) can be more reasonable.
How to get good deals? Same way you learn about grading. Take some time. It takes time to develop contacts and develop skill at grading. The more contacts you have, and the better sense of the market and grading you have, the better the deals will be. The cliche is that there is no Santa Claus in numismatics. Deals that seem too good to be true, usually end up biting. Hopefully your experience will be better, but scams, altered or enhanced coins are par for the course for beginners seeking bargains.
Good luck on your Morgan submission to NGC. You have done more homework than the average new collector. However, many new submitters get a rude awakening when they get their first grades. Maybe you are one of the few that has a natural talent for grading. In any case, hopefully, the coins were bought from a dealer you can work with. Hopefully the 1893-O is real and has no problems. If it grades out to AU50 or above you have done well with your $550 for three better date coins. Normally, I would strongly suggest certified for high dollar value coins for new collectors. This tends to be a good idea for key dates, unless buying from a trusted dealer. Some fakes or altered dates can be quite convincing, and these tend to find homes with new collectors.
The PCGS grading guide is a decent book. The top 100 VAM book for Morgans may be of interest if you want to get into die varieties. Same deal with the Cherrypickers Guide (for general coins).
Read all you can on the hobby. Go to the library where the books are free.
P. S....it's a great hobby. I've been at it since 1964.
<< <i> If they are slabbed already it seems you have to pay every penny its worth to get the coin. >>
What is wrong with paying what a coin is worth?
Welcome!
As a fellow newbie I offer a little advice. Be very weary of raw coins. I have been learning that so so many of the raw coins out there are that way for a reason. Not all of them of course, but a lot anyway. I have found most raw coins that seem like good deals are altered in some way or another. Whizzed (which I feel comfortable with identifying), dipped (I can't seem to get the hang of identifying) or cleaned in other ways. Very few raw coins I deal with are counterfeit because I can't afford the coins that most people counterfeit, but you need a scale and a good eye.
I am saddened to hear you did not like ebay. I buy a LOT on ebay. If you are patient and look things over carefully you can find good deals. As a beginner I would recommend you do like I do. Only buy from people with greater than 100 feedback, 300 is better that have 99.5% or higher feedback. Ebay is a great way to buy modern slabs, they are usually problem free and buying the coin sight unseen is usually safe, so far I have only had one bad experience (a partial thumb print) from a slabbed PCGS coin. Maybe give ebay another try but don't buy ANY raw coins on there unless it is from a very reputable ebay coin seller, NEVER from some "estate" collection or something like that.
-Invest in a very good loupe, there are tons out there and use how to use it to look for signs of altered coins.
-Buy a scale (can be had at many web sites or from a local coin shop)
-Read this forum every day.
-Listen to the people here who have been board members a long time.
-Realize that this forum has the "pinnacle" of members, so many of the people here at top notch at their various specialties.
-Don't get discouraged when you find you bought a bad coin, it happens to us all (well, newbies that is).
-Get as many books as you can, I just bought four books last week while on vacation.
-Always pay for things with even dollars so you get change (I got a 1917s penny in change from a drug store while on vacation).
-Buy rolls of coins, go through them and pick out good ones, roll the remaining and take them to the bank. I recommend buying from one bank and returning to another. Otherwise the one bank you use will get sick of you buying and then selling back all the time.
-I used to not ask, but now I do. When you go to the bank politely ask if the teller has anything "odd" or that they don't want in their till. If they offer you something (halves, 2 dollar bills, etc) try your best to buy them even if they may not be what you are looking for. The teller will remember and after time will get to know you collect and if they don't collect, will save things for you.
-Buy and use the new GW dollars, people who get them sometimes ask about them, you can tell them and also tell them you collect coins, good way of networking.
-Subscribe to a weekly or monthly magazine. I like Numismatic News, but that is just a personal preference.
-Consider giving Ebay another chance, in my opinion it is the best source for coins (but then again I live in a smaller town). Just use ebay smartly
I could go on and on, but I will leave now before I bore you to death. Best wishes and good hunting.
Rob the Newbie
Yard sales tend to be very poor for coins but it's not too unusual to find a token
or a few foreign coins. The best bet is to ask.
Man you guys give some awesome advice.
I have seemed to trust my little flea market guy out in the middle of nowhere a bit much I guess. I'm in sales (real estate broker), and usually very good at spotting the bullsh**ers quickly! I really can't imagine this guy being full of it, and ripping me off, but who knows. I'll send the coins into ngc this week and see what kind of grades I get, and if the coins from him were to be body bagged i'll go pay him another visit sooner rather than later. Again I believe this guy to be a very very good person ( he is a bit older, and seems to just like to talk more than anything else), and would be shocked to find out otherwise. I won't buy anymore raw coins over 100.00 until I confirm I am atleast not dead wrong in my grading skills! He just offered to break up his personal morgan collection for me, he has had it 20 years, and has all but 2 morgans in it. Said he paid more for it 20 years ago then a car he bought a couple of months ago. This guy probably doesn't know the internet exists, and I really don't think the local population of simpsonville Ky, buys too many expensive coins from him. O well only one way to find out!
Thanks again for being sooo friendly and shooting straight!
Great forum!!!!!
Welcome. As a fellow newbie, I'd say you've already had a great deal of success. Having developed a fascinating hobby in your son (age ?), you're already a winner. For him, he's gotten his allowance up 10 fold, so we know collecting works for him! In truth, he probably values the shared time/interest with you more than the coins.
Most of the comments I've read here support your tendency to learn to grade raw coins vs buying slabs. Also, I got a lot out of Scott Travers books, as you mentioned. The wisdom on this board has been to the effect, "buy the book, then the coin." I've found that to be right on. If you're looking at Morgans, try the Bowers book. Coin collecting can be reminiscent of the Chinese story about a man who got on his horse and rode off in 8 directions... Easy to fall into that morass with coins.
Whatever it was that independently drew your son's interest into the Buff nickels is particularly curious. He's obviously a sharp young man. Who does he like in the Derby?
raz
As to what to collect, just do as you and your family want and can afford. Just take your time.
Noticed you didn't mention coin shows. Not sure of where you live but I've found the greatest amount of education, visual aid, coin accessories, coins themselves are available at coin shows. However, there may not be any in your area. Fortunately we have at least 3 a month withing 14 miles or so of my house.
Flea markets are OK but scattered around and seldom have a good selection of coins unless you hit one that has a lot of dealers. We had a flea market around here that had at least 6 coin dealers but that one closed and not to many left for the present.
One of the best places I've acquired coins of value for almost no output is in garage/yard sales and estate sales. Not estate auctions, just estate sales. Sort of like a family cleaning out a deceased relatives house. The really big trick is you have to ASK. People normally walk in, look around and leave. You have to ASK. When you go to these types of sales just ASK if there are any old jars, cans, boxes, etc of coins laying around. People at these sales do not want to put stuff like that out on display due to it vanishing when not looking, so they just leave it in the house somewhere. I've had people go in thier houses and come out with all kinds of coins. At one place a jar of cents and the bottom was loaded with Indian Head cents. they wanted me to sit there and count them but I made an offer of $50 and they took it. Ended up with over $30 in face but just fantastic amount of coin value. You have to ASK.
<< <i>I really can't imagine this guy being full of it, and ripping me off, but who knows. I'll send the coins into ngc this week and see what kind of grades I get, and if the coins from him were to be body bagged i'll go pay him another visit sooner rather than later. Again I believe this guy to be a very very good person ( he is a bit older, and seems to just like to talk more than anything else), and would be shocked to find out otherwise. >>
If it turns out you got some bad coins, do not assume this guy is purposefully ripping you off. He may be someone who buys or gets coins to sell them and simply opens the newest redbook for prices without realizing some of his coins are bad (cleaned, whatever). Or he may indeed be ripping people off, but give the benefit of the doubt as he may not know.
So many people think they know how to grade when they don't. I figure I need about 2-4 more years before I can say I can look and grade within 3 steps accurately. Right now I have so much to learn I don't think I will ever figure it out. But slowly it is making more sense.
As to the poster who does not like ebay, that is understandable, some people really do not like it, but I think that with a little patience and buying from reputable ebayers you can do ok.
Rob the Newbie
Nice to see you here. I agree with many of the others. This is a great hobby, but there are many reasons to be careful.
Your experience on ebay is not unique. You can have the same experience in a coin shop, a flea market, a coin show, or an auction. I would suggest getting your ebay account back, but don't use it - for now, at least. Ebay is a good source to learn about what the coin market is doing. You can also see what coins become available, and with what frequency. After awhile, you will realize that a coin doesn't have to be purchased today - you can shop for the one you really want. It lends some perspective.
The point is - only with knowledge and a little experience will you avoid being ripped off!! There is a learning curve with grading, with coin valuation, and with collecting coins in general. You will never stop learning, and this forum is a great resource in that regard.
I would recommend subscribing to both Coin World and Numismatic News. Coin World also has a section with many Coin Publications that are available. Borders and Barnes & Noble both have a reasonable selection of coin literature, too. Getting a weekly coin periodical is educational in both current news updates and in providing the history behind many collectible coin series.
I do see you making a few mistakes - not fatal, but still worthy of note. I would slow down on the accumulation phase. More to my point - take a few of the coins you have accumulated, and sell them!!! Yes, sell them. It might be a very valuable lesson, before you get in too deep.
Not every coin is a "good deal" and not every price is a "good price." Learning how to grade coins is absolutely essential. If you make a mistake in grading, it can easily cost you!! By selling a few of your coins, you may learn a grading lesson that will be worth many times more to you than any loss you might have to eat on the sale.
I am not suggesting that you are being ripped off. There are alot of really dishonest scumbags out there, make no mistake about that - but I am suggesting that even the most honest dealer makes a profit. It might be awhile before you recoup your money, even from an honest dealer. That strictly depends upon the coin, and how well you bought it.
There are some coins that may never appreciate in price. That doesn't mean that it's not fun to collect them. The fun is in the learning and in the journey, especially if you have your sons involved with you. Therein lies the value. Nevertheless, it also makes good sense to avoid throwing money away in bundles, and to avoid that, you need time, knowledge and experience.
My advice - keep it conservative for awhile. The money you save now will be more fun to deploy after your trip up the learning curve.
Welcome to the boards!
I knew it would happen.
Sounds like you will fit in perfectly here...
For many folks, the standard coin outlets are local shows, and a few online auction houses that are middle of the road financially- especially heritage galleries, david lawrence rare coins, even teletrade. Ebay can be fine if you have a decent idea of who you're dealing with-many folks around here sell coins on ebay.
I would take things slow if you're starting to buy raw morgan dollars that are nicer dates (like the 93O and 83S you mentioned)- if you're not fairly accomplished with your grading skills, you can get stuck with junk very easily and still spend a lot. Focus on eye appeal, and figure out how to spot cleanings and altered surfaces. With time, you will know what constitutes nice eye appeal from a particular mint and date- quality control was all over the place with morgans depending on which mint and time period you're talking about. You found a good place to help with your learning!
My Odds&Ends eBay Stuff to fuel my coin habit (No Coins)
I will slow down as that seems to be the general feedback from everyone. Atleast until I get coins graded to see how I am doing. I've already commited to buy an 85 gsa next week (just waiting until next month so the wife doesnt get crabby with me for expenditures), so after that one I will wait for some grades!
Barndog: You mentioned coin stores in Cincy, and "Brad Koroleff". Could you tell me the name of the store he owns or works at please. I would like to make that my next stop after I get some grades back. Thanks a ton for the info on the St. Louis coin show. I will be there! Another quick question reguarding coin shows. Is it better to get there as soon as it opens to see everything, or would it be better to go the last day around closing time to find good deals??? I realize "good deals" seems to yank a lot of goats around here, maybe I should come up with some different phrases!!!!
RedTiger: I will get the PCGS grading book tomorrow if its at a barnes & Nobel, if not I'll order it.
Rob85635: GREAT GREAT feedback!!! I will get a loupe & Scale asap and before I buy another coin. I do have a wonderful relationship with a local bank (10 branches or so), as I send them about 5 new mortgages a month. I will take that cute son of mine in there with me and ask for any odd coins for him, and to keep an eye out for him as well. Thats the perfect venue for the broke 8 yr old! I subscribed to coinworld about a month ago, and will hit barnes and noble tonight to grab a numismatic news to read and subscribe to as well. Any other periodicals of interest I should subscribe to??
Carl: I love your estate sale idea. I have a wonderful relationship with a lot of the local real estate auctioneers. The investors I represent buy a lot of their homes. I have noticed in the past some coin collections selling for cheap, but this was prior to getting hooked on coins personally. I do need to explore this more. I think I will call the local auction companies and let them know I love coins. If they tip me off to a coin collection I'll bring a ton of investors (that promise not to bid on the coins) to bid on their house. The auction companies generally could care less about the personal contents, they make most of their money on the house sale. Maybe I can work out a deal with the estate or auction company to buy the collection prior to the auction.
Myggy: GO STEELERS. Always good to meet another steeler fan!!!! Thanks for your imput!
Mheffner2: I don't hate any team more than your ravens!!!! Thanks for the feedback though... I am going to explore coin auctions too!
Thanks everyone... Its so fun meeting other folks that seem to be as addicted to coins as myself and my son!!!
My Odds&Ends eBay Stuff to fuel my coin habit (No Coins)
Just kidding.
That was a great post. Welcome to the forums and enjoy your stay here. This is a great place to learn.
-------------
etexmike
<< <i>Another quick question reguarding coin shows. Is it better to get there as soon as it opens to see everything, or would it be better to go the last day around closing time to find good deals??? >>
Sooner is better than later. Depending on the show, sometimes half the dealers (or more!) will be gone by lunchtime on the closing day.
When you get your Coin World, look in the back where they list upcoming coin shows (they are listed by state, so you'll need to check out the states you can get to). And yes, you'll want to get to the shows early on the first day if you possibly can. If you go on the last day, you'll find a lot of dealers have already gone home.
New collectors, please educate yourself before spending money on coins; there are people who believe that using numismatic knowledge to rip the naïve is what this hobby is all about.
I have a hard time thinking of a more disgusting and classless organization than the baltimore ravens.... but I'll try to not hold it against anybody here...