What Do You Look For At A Coin Show?

Bullion coins tend to attract a lot of attention.

Dealers who don't abandon their location for hours on end, and don't pack up and leave the show hours before it ends would be a good start. Having prices on the coins would also help.

It depends a bit on what sort of show it's shaping up as. Family oriented, dads bringing their kids, that'd be one thing. Hard core, steely eyed collectors (more typical) is another.

In general I'd recommend (in no particular order) bullion, whether generic or gov't issued, if you're buying now and the price rises by then, as a possible winner. You won't get your money out of any bullion bought, say, a year or two ago, though. Circulated Morgan and Peace dollars, also Walking Liberty halves.Satnding Liberty quarters, and Mercury dimes, can be sold if bought right (like at melt). Wheat cents likewise. Amything 19th century and earlier, even well worn stuff.

If you're just going to sell out of stuff you already have, then of course what you can put out is to a degree preordained. But the above categories would be a starting point to avoid a dull day. And always remember when you have a table that a show can be a very good place to buy if you're willing to pay just a bit more than a real dealer. Put up a sign saying what you'd be interested in purchasing.

A clean and well lit sales area.
A knowledgeable dealer.
Presentable merchandise. (No soiled 2x2's with old prices crossed out.)
Reasonable prices clearly displayed.

I'm not a dealer (and probably never will be)so I can't give you any help from that end of a coin show, but hopefully my opinions as a buyer might be helpful. Of course, my wants might be totally different than other buyers, so my thoughts may not work for you.


I like it when item pricing is visibly shown. Having to guess what the dealer is charging for his/her items frustrates me enough to walk away.


I like when different conditions, and not just those above '60', are displayed. Sometimes sellers may have coins I'd buy but they are buried under 'the good stuff'.

I walk right past tables that sell slabbed coins exclusively. My brain (yes, it's small) automatically thinks "OVERPRICED".

I like things displayed cleanly and orderly. My time searching through a box full of a wide assortment of 2x2's doesn't last long.

I ALWAYS appreciate being asked by the dealer if I need any help with his items. Also, getting offered even a teeny deal makes me want to search even for of a seller's items or come back again later.

:) (: Being a polite and helpful dealer ALWAYS makes you better than being rude and/or unhelpful. Here's wishing you good luck with your table!

If it is for families, to me that means kids.

Set up some portion of your table with a selection of coins all at a low fixed price. Say a $1 and $5 section. I remember being a kid and only having $5 or so to spend and not wanting to hunt and find out that the dealer had no coins in my price range.

At a $5 range, a kid can have lots of items in his range. Nice silver quarter, maybe even a proof silver State Quarter. Sharp looking Mercury dimes or War Nickels. Maybe even a beat up Large Cent or Two Cent Piece.

Great chance to sell some pieces you have upgraded to some young kid at a fair price who will appreciate them much more than you.

Good luck.

Maybe a pic of your table would be nice for further discussion?