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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,519 |
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Valued Member
United States
124 Posts |
I'm T minus 12 days and counting till my second coin show attendance. Any tips on some of the better deals to buy at most coin shows? Last time I got a few interesting bullion ounces at decent prices, picked through some bargain bins for world coins, and got a couple inexpensive old US coins. I couldn't find a good price on junk silver or low premiums on popular bullion. Edited by LordWrathbone
07/19/2015 11:07 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4337 Posts |
Are looking for something to hold long term? Just find a type coin you like or a series and dive in. I have gone to only a couple of shows myself and when I did I went with a budget and bought one or two coins at most each time but spent my entire budget on them. I think you can find lower than FMV pricing at shows if you key in a few items as a goal and go to as many booths as you can and load up some good choices to think about. What series do you collect? Seated coinage is very popular among 19th Century collectors so it holds its value. Capeed Bust halves are very popular in the collectors world as well. $2.5 Indians are probably a decent buy at a larger show as a percentage of dealers are bound to have them in their cases. Good luck  Post Pics!  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I go to at least 2 coin shows a Month. I never go to any of them looking for anything particular. I do make and take a list of what I want but I prefer wandering around checking with everyone to see what they have. Sometimes I buy nothing and other times buy to much. It really depends one who has what, how much and do I really want or need whatever.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2543 Posts |
I usually don't go with stringent specifics in mind. But at our big annual show, I usually update all ofy ongoing bullion collections, to save tax and S&H. .This year I picked up 2015 ASE, Panda and Philharmonic to update my Dansco's. A 2015 NGC MS-69 brown label for my son's ongoing collection. A couple of copper rounds for my young son's collection. Two American Legacy proof sets for my unique proof series collection and two more pieces for my MS-64 Peace dollar series. Got them all for at or less than my local LCS or online. Plus O got to pick up and examine each coin and set before I bought it. No surprises in the mail  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12057 Posts |
I have lists, but usually that goes by the wayside and I buy whatever happens to catch my eye, even if I've already got one, or if I'm not actively pursuing it.
My opinion only: LCS owners with show tables tend to be a bit more fair than some of the "supersellers" that set up the mega-tables at every big show. If you are polite, respectful, and friendly, that greatly increases your chances of getting a better deal. Also, you should probably have some idea of what you're willing to pay for something you want/need, and don't be afraid to negotiate (reasonably) -- if you know the coin you want, and you know what it's worth to you, counter with your offer and hush up. The seller will either take it, counter you, or (rarely) tell you to beat it. If you can't get anywhere near your price, either keep looking, or re-evaluate what you're willing to spend.
The investors tell you if you have $1k budget to buy the nicest $1k coin you can afford, but I'd rather have 10 $100 coins or better yet 20 $50 coins. Walking in, buying one coin, and leaving just doesn't do it for me. Give me your culls, your poor-01 lowballs, your 20 x face tray denizens, your circulated raw large cents yearning to be free!
On the other hand, your terminology makes me think slightly that you may be a bullion investor? That will change your mission. If you're there to invest, not to collect, you're not going to find much upside in bullion at a coin show. They're not (usually) marketed toward that crowd. You'd be better off trading futures on a PMX.
Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis |
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Valued Member
 United States
124 Posts |
I am looking to hold long term. So far I have started with Mercury dimes as a type. Cheap, readily available, and bullion at the same time. I'm working my way up to more expensive pieces, slowly. When I got world coins I stared with look only, then went old/silver. When I got silver, I started with Peace/Morgan/cheap .999, I have since gotten a variety of BU rolls(maple/onza/britannia etc). Just started with gold, first a 1/10th eagle, then a 2.5g Pamp. For old US coinage, the highest I've spent is $15-30 each on a 1858 cent, Flying Eagle cent, 3 cent etc. Going into the show, I may be persuaded to get the right bullion at the right price, as well as junk if it's reasonable. I also love type sets, so checking off early US coinage is an interest. I also have been honing my eye for world coins and could be convinced on a few nicer pieces this time(world and US). My tastes change so much from month to month as I run down one branch of things to buy, then find myself chasing down another soon after. I'll always try to balance numismatic and metal investments, favoring investments more. But I still love dipping my foot in the numismatics. One thing I haven't done yet is ancient coinage... Thanks for telling me what you guys like to buy, gives me good ideas to consider trying! Edited by LordWrathbone
07/19/2015 11:20 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12057 Posts |
Watch out for Ancients, it's an extremely addicting passion!
Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1554 Posts |
My advice is always to buy the best coin within your budget. Don't waste money on junk coins as that is generally what they are. there is virtually no resale value on junk items and in the long run it ends up being wasted money. For me I would rather own one nice coin than 10 junk coins....Just my humble opinion.
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Moderator
 United States
189325 Posts |
Coin show are great fun. Definitely updated your lists and research prices before going. Overall, keep your mind and eyes open. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
I looked for US type and Ancient Chinese last show I was at. The US type I needed was either too expensive or overpriced for what it was. The ancient chinese had some underpriced and overpriced specimens. I bought all of the underpriced ones.  1. In summary, get an idea of what you want or are looking for. 2. Know the markets for the coins you want. 3. Also know how to grade and how to detect cleaned coins. 4. Steer clear of dealers with overgraded coins or cleaned coins marked as problem free. 5. Browse the bourse and see what dealers have in stock before you blow your budget on something 6. Don't just look at the stuff you are looking for; look around as there might be some hidden deals or varieties in the coins that you are not specifically looking for. 7. Get a general feel for the dealers' inventory. Some price their stuff at wholesale. 8. Use your gut instinct when applicable. 9. Bring a price guide and maybe a reference or two. 10. Don't try to look at every coin at the coin show; try to stick to what you are familiar with. 11. If you fall completely in love with a coin, buy it so you have no regrets about it. 12. Most importantly, have fun! Your time is very valuable, so make the most of it. |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,519 |
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Posted 07/19/2015 8:55 pm
