One thing that sickens me is a dealer ripping off an uneducated person in plain view at a coin show.
I saw it happen last show I attended. I do plan to bring this up when I get to a few meetings.
It is usually one of the first tables you see as you enter.
It is the prime spot for grandma or a single mother trying to make ends meet, and not knowing what they have, to walk up to and get robbed.
There is one or two dealers I see on the small circuit, every year.
They almost remind me of those traveling carnival workers that the local fire companies allow to come and set up their kiddie rides and Ferris wheel every year around here in PA.
The selling prices are crazy, or there is no price at all. Grading is grossly exaggerated.
They pay scrap prices for very collectible coins.
I never even say hello and would never ask them to show me a coin.
I think whatever coin show committee sends out the contracts should be addressed about this at the coin club level in public during open business. These scoundrels can be a reflection on all the more honest dealers present and the club or organization sponsoring the show as well.
As far as taking coins myself, at least I know what I have and it has always been OK to do a deal for me whether sell or trade.
But I don't just waltz up to a table and burst out with do you buy coins?
I usually sit down and start a little small talk, look at some of their coins and maybe ease into the topic at the right time when there is some privacy.
Edited by TNG
09/11/2009 6:09 pm