Selling At A Coin Show

Never sold at a show, on purchased. I expect that ebay will yield high returns, everyone that the show is looking to buy at the best deal available. the market place is much larger on ebay, too.
Jim

I do it all the time. Although, I do dealing on a part-time basis and I know most of the dealers pretty well so I have an understanding of what to expect ahead of time. I helped a friend sell part of his collection last weekend. He actually did fairly well.

Don't expect to get better than 10% in back of Bid on anything you're selling and you'll do fine. On your better material (semi-keys, truly rare coins, high grade classics, etc.) you'll probably be able to "name your price" but within reason and an eye on auction records.

One advantage to taking coins to sell at a show is that if you are looking for upgrades, many dealers will give you a trade-up and offer a little better money if you are purchasing a coin at the same time.

I usually bring a few coins that I wouldn't mind selling with me, so that if I see a truly spectacular coin that I just have to have, I can sell/trade them. At a show, dealers will vary drastically in how much they offer you. A few months ago, I sold an 1837 half. Three dealers offered me $50, while the fourth offered me $80 (which was the fair market price). I sold it to him on the spot. Just make sure that you have a price in mind, and don't play the "well, dealer x offered me $__. If you pay me $__ then I'll sell it to you. It's an easy way to get a lot of dealers mad at you.

I was looking for a 65 walker for my short set > I took a few coins to the Charlotte ANA show. 1 dealer had a Walker I wss intersted in. I asked him if he would trade. He took my coins and "tossed" the slabs on his table and said very loud "I don't want this s***t".

I told him that was beyond unprofessional and walked away.

I found another dealer. Found a very nice ms65 Walker. Handed him my coins and we went back and forth. I got a very fair trade and paid $50.00 for a $450.00 coin.

Many things to consider. Size of show, location, if your known, what you are trying to sell, amount you are trying to sell, grades you are trying to sell, etc. For example at a very large show there are more dealers so you can get a chance to find the best prices for your coins. At many small shows the dealers know each other and will stick to certain prices so as not to make enimies of fellow dealers. Also, smaller shows there is not that much business so profits must be better which means you get a lower price. I've only tried to sell coins at a coin show once and although I knew most of the dealers I was shocked at the attempt at low balling prices. From the standpoint of someone that frequents many, many coin shows I suggest only selling on ebay or other such web sites.