Westford Ma Coin Show, Anyone Else Going?

Try to avoid as much as a backpack if you can, just to be polite. Expect to see prices over book, and expect to dicker. It's acceptable behavior as long as you don't insult with a ridiculous lowball. So you need to know fair market on what you're looking at. Cash talks at a show, loudly. I don't use plastic at shows. You can usually do better than FMV, especially on the last day if it's a multi-day show.

Some dealers will be conversational - especially with you being a relative YN- but some will just want to do business to the point of appearing gruff. You gotta feel your way with that. Don't be afraid to study stuff fairly closely, but only ask to look at one coin at a time.

Set your limits before you walk in the door, hold to them strictly, and have fun.

If you need to carry things, I recommend cargo shorts (or pants when it is chilly) instead of a backpack.

I think I might go. If I go I don't know if I will be there for long. The weather is suppose to as good as it gets for a fall weekend in MA. The dealers might not be there for long either so don't arrive to late. It is a good idea to bring a loupe, a price guide, and a list of what you are looking for. As a first timer, a backpack is somewhat discouraged since most of the dealers probably are not familiar with you and having a backpack in close proximity while looking at coins is going to make anyone a little nervous. Expect prices to be around book or even a little higher. Many dealers use greysheet for pricing. Don't be afraid to browse around as there may be a better value on a coin that you are looking at a few tables over but if you spot something that is well priced and you really like, buy it. If you browse, it might be sold by the time you come back for it. Good manners(please and thank you,waiting your turn) are strongly encouraged. Most important learn all you can and have fun. Don't forget to post pictures if you find anything. Good luck!

Just got home. It went well I think! Overall a good experience, a little nerve-wracking (I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, not fun ) I had a great time looking around at all of the inventory. It was in a nice, hotel setting, not as huge and crowded as I thought it would be (a plus).

You were right about the dealers' differing attitudes. Most were friendly or indifferent. But this one guy, I got a lecture from because I'm too picky, take too long, and I didn't know the price difference between F and VF Barber halves...I just smiled an nodded until I was red in the face lol.

On the bright side, I met D0ubl3Eagle at the show! I probably seemed a little aloof in person, but I warm up once I get to know a person.

Oh yeah, and I bought this. Link!

https://goccf.com/t/187485

I'd definitely go to a show again though. Also I told Tom about CCF and he might be joining!

Wheatchaser,

I would have liked to have made the show.

Did you happen to notice what generic silver rounds/bars were selling for? Or ASE's?

Thanks,

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the show, wheatchaser140! It was great to finally be to meet you! I am looking forward to seeing you again at a future show! The shows do tend to get busier as the weather cools and the holidays approach just so you know what to expect if you decide to attend another show later in the fall or winter months.



It is kind of like your local coin shop but times 20-50 for a local show and 500-1000 for a national show like FUN and World's Fair of Money. You definitely get to meet people that you might not of otherwise be able to meet and see things that you rarely will ever see. It can be a little overwhelming and nerve wracking being a room full of strangers but after a few shows you will get used to it. That was how I felt the first I went to one. It is definitely something to consider going to.



I was hoping wheatchaser140 remembers because I certainly wasn't paying attention this time. The only thing I remember was one of the dealers was selling 2011 silver panda's for $27 but I am assuming that is not something you are looking for.

Scratch that, I can't go to the next show. I'm getting confirmed that day...