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 Replies: 16 / Views: 4,064 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1523 Posts |
Well nickel,you are much more prepared than I ever am.I would hold of on the trade thing unless you really need it as you know you probably won't get a good deal there.You know how dealers are! Hahahaha
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1490 Posts |
I am not sure without looking up what the Bay bridge will cost you but with $1,500.00 I would have a VF-XF 27-S SLQ on my radar.
If you don't get what you want out of the trade I may be interested in your Pilgrim Commem. That is one that I want for my Dansco.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
731 Posts |
Good luck NickelSearcher! I may be going too, since I'll already be down in the DC/Balt area for the Alexandria show.
Friendly FYI for anyone who's going to the show...
Balt Area Tolls:
- Coming from eastern shore on Rt.50, $2.50 each way on Chesapeake Bay Bridge towards Baltimore.
- Coming from the south, I-95 no tolls.
- Coming from the north, I-895 or I-95, either Balt tunnels (BHT or FMT) are 2 bucks each way.
- Coming via I-695, FSK bridge is 2 bucks each way.
Smaller coin show in NoVA / DC - Alexandria Saturday too. About 50 miles south on I-95 from Balt to just over W-Wilson bridge.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Well David, The only thing I see that I would change is your magnifier. I think a 2x is not enough. I would use a 5x and a 10x loupe before I buy any coin.IMHO John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2661 Posts |
Get your supplies first. Then start looking at the coins and be sure to shop your trades/sells around as well as the coins you are looking to buy. I went to a show last year where prices varied from dealer to dealer as much as 50%. But most of all have fun! And one more thing......don't forget to hit the bargain bins, they could contain some hidden gems.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1409 Posts |
I agree with 1st improving your magnifier before buying any coins. Make sure you have sound guidance/knowledge on the SLQ grades, and buy slabbed if possible. Having $1500 cash and another $1200+ in trade will help you acquire some nice coins.
I'd make some notes on what tables have certain coins you are after, and do some good price shopping, don't be afraid to negotiate prices, etc. You'll kick yourself if you buy the first VF 1927S SLQ you find, and then 2 hours later come across it 10% cheaper in the same grade, or the same price in a better grade.
Good luck and have fun!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1745 Posts |
With all that cash, you can pick up a 10x Triplet at the show and be good to go for many years. Have fun!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1882 Posts |
I agree on getting a 10x loupe.
Having (and sticking to) a wish list is great. However, a show is a great place to look at coins you don't intend to purchase right now. Looking at slabbed coins in a series you aren't familiar with is a great learning experience. If you don't want feel like you are imposing, you can do that at a table where you are going to make a purchase.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I don't agree with the 10X magnifier unless your planning on really sitting in one spot checking every little thing about every coin. You could end up being at the show for the full 4 days.
My suggestions are as follows:
1. Keep all money or wallet in a front pocket
2. Do not take a back back. In some places they actually tell people with them to either leave or get rid of the thing. Bumps people in crowded places.
3. If you must carry and/or use a credit/debit card or personal check. Make sure when you produce it, no one is standing behind you with a camera phone.
4. Constantly check your pockets for your wallet and/or money
5. Bring a plastic bag for any coins you purchase so you don't have to put them in a pocket loose.
6. Try to notice if anyone is wandering around you a lot. If you see the same person constantly, try a trip to the washroom. If followed mention it to a security person.
7. Every time your bumped, recheck your money and/or wallet regardless of where it is. Note some are so good they can not only take your wallet, but put a blank one in it's place.
8. Never purchase the coins from the first dealer you look at unless it's the deal of a lifetime. Walk around for a while first.
9. Bring a list of what you want, a separate list of what you rea;;u meed amd one for what you'ld like to have.
10. Make sure you know the approximate values of the coins you plan on purchasing.
11. When leaving that show, double check to see if anyone is leaving the same time as you. If so, step back inside to see if they do the same.
12. When you get to your car, look to see if anyone pulls out when you do and stays with you in their car. If so, try pulling into a gas station to see if they do the same.
Have fun and don't buy up everything.
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Moderator
 United States
15435 Posts |
Thanks for all the great words of wisdom! My primary focus is on picking up a few new MS65+ silver commemorative .... but the SLQ series is calling my name so I'll use the opportunity tomorrow to learn a lot more about them by seeing live many examples. I will spend some time just looking at the other coins ...... start to learn the series and see what might be in my future. As far as physical security for my coins/wallet/cash ..... appreciate the good advise but I have that worry whipped. Short story in case it helps anyone else out there .... I travel Internationally on occasion for my job .... and learned long ago about the pickpockets out there. Trust me ..... losing your passport and cash in a foreign country is not recommended. Anyways ..... the absolute safest thing out there is a 'travel safe' .... sort of a safe that you wear around your waste. Mine is made of Kevlar fiber with steel webbing and double locking clasps. It would take a minimum of 30 seconds to break into the thing ..... and there is no way it could be done at all without my noticing. My coins (trade and new), cash and wallet will be inside the 'safe'. Might be a good idea to check one out if you find yourself at public shows with valuable coins/cash in your possession. I'll post a link to mine ...... I'm not advertising for them .... just a good safe feeling to have one like this: http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.ph...etail&id=134I'll keep you posted on what follows me home.  David Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
That being followed home is really popular in some areas. I always attempt to find a police station in the area of a coin show. When leaving it I suspect being followed, I head right for that station, pull up, try to find a cop and just ask for directions. This ploy gives me time to see if the possible follower is really following. There have been a few really nasty robberies of coins during stop in a restaurant. Also, some homes too.
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Valued Member
United States
60 Posts |
I "third" the 10X loupe suggestion. There are even some out there that have a built in battery powered LED light. I love mine...it really helps in environments where lighting is less than desirable.
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Moderator
United States
15435 Posts |
OK ..... I went to the show ..... and I purchased ..... well ... A 10x lighted loupe. Also bought "Grading Coins by Photographs" by Q. David Bowers ..... and 20 plastic nickel tubes. Did not purchase a single coin ..... tell the truth .... I was way overwhelmed by the number of dealers and stuff going on at the show. Maybe I need to find a smaller show ..... this was a good experience for me but I was way over my head in terms of knowledge to buy anything. Sooooo .... my money came home with me and I'll try it again when I am ready. Thanks for all the kind advise. David |
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Moderator
United States
188612 Posts |
Besides some supplies, you came away with the experience. Time well spent in my opinion.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Hopefully you can now find some smaller coin shows for comparisons. If you do I'm sure you'll find a much nicer dealerships, really much cheaper (lower) prices, friendlier other customers, less parking fees, less door admittance fees. If you can find the smaller, more consistant coin shows, you will also note the fairly constant repeat dealers. Talk to them and get to know them. Again, you'll find much better deals that way also.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 4,064 |
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Posted 03/04/2010 10:09 pm
