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 Replies: 30 / Views: 3,804 |
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
Hi, This week I plan to attend a coin show near me. It will be my second one ever and the first time I was overwhelmed with just how massive it was. I've read through the etiquette for attending on their website and in the back of the Red Book but was wondering if anyone on here could add some advice or tips. I don't really have a LCS either so this show in effect is all I have got for now really. I plan to look for, but not limited to, uncertified Mercury dimes in around EF-MS since the remaining dates I am still looking for are a little more pricier and I don't trust just pictures online and I don't really want to buy certified ones. Also, Is it common for the public to bring a bunch of coins and currency to try to sell or trade solely for the ability to just have more to spend there at that coin show? The only mode of transportation I have is via a train and want to bring some stuff with me but I don't want to haul a heavy bag or something all the way there for no reason. Thanks |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
 to CCF. "etiquette for attending on their website" did it say anything about bringing stuff to sell? Don't bring a lot to sell/trade. Bring a list of what you want to buy,a lighted loupe. Make sure you know the going price of what you want to buy. Before you buy,walk around the whole room (if not to many tables) and see what is available before you make a purchase.Stick to your budget. And of course have fun. Maybe bring a YN along also. John1  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Large shows can be quite intimidating . don't bring a lot of coins you want to sell or trade . John says to bring a loupe but I find a good pocket mag 7-10 X is enough for me. Bring a want list with grades you want and maximum price your willing to pay . No dealers price is written in stone, so don't hesitate to make them an offer if it's a coin you really want. If your unsure about pulling the trigger especially on a high priced item . DON'T do it ; there's nothing worse than going home with a coin and then saying Why the heck did I buy this , I really don't like it . I think all of us found themselves in that predicament at least once. Bottom line is , have fun .  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7390 Posts |
The Long Beach Expo can be quite intimidating for a first timer. Just go and have fun. If you have a list of coins you want bring it. Go from table to table and shoot the breeze with the dealers that have items that interest you. Don't see it as one big room, see it as a hundred tiny little rooms and go into the 'rooms' that catch your eye. If you want to sell stuff to fund purchases do it but I wouldn't bring a backpack full of common stuff. Just a few decent pieces that can get you some extra cash quickly. You don't want to spend all of your time toting a heavy backpack from table to table trying to sell a bunch of stuff or you might not have time to look at stuff you want to buy. Just remember that the main thing is to have fun and, network & make friends. The rest always falls into place  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1450 Posts |
If you are going to spend considerable money on a Mercury dime I would buy a certified coin. Anything over a few hundred dollars if you are not expert at grading coins you are taking a big chance. You will see these dealers once and maybe never again. It costs these dealers just a few bucks to get their coins certified and maybe an extra $25 for you. If you are buying a 1921-D in EF condition buy the certified coin unless you, yourself, know the coin you are buying is in the condition the dealer says it is in! The more common coins you can buy raw but you are taking a chance unless you are a constant customer of a dealer. Dealers don't tend to take advantage of steady customers, but if they see you one time at a big show.....well buyer beware. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1211 Posts |
Terry: That is bad advice, imo.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2023 Posts |
Jerseyben, why is that bad advice? It seems reasonable to me, especially if you aren't very experienced.
Personally, the one thing I learned is that some dealers won't take credit cards at the show -- cash or check, with valid ID. I got a good price for the one thing I wanted (2000 Library of Congress $10 bimetallic, PCGS PR69DCAM) but I had to go all the way home to get my checkbook.
And yes, bring a lighted loupe or magnifier of your choice.
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CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 Posts |
Dealers work on small margins. A 3% credit card fee will not work for most transactions.
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New Member
 United States
8 Posts |
Thanks for all this great advice! I have a much better idea about things now and know its going to be fun.
I didn't even think about the cash thing but clearly makes sense. I'm definitely going to leave the backpack at home now and maybe only bring one or two fairly desirable coins for when and only when the time seems right to bring them out.
The tip to add the grades or condition to my want list actually helped give me a clearer picture of my want list in general, which is especially helpful for me on coins who's dates suddenly and dramatically jump in value between two grades.
And I wont forget to bring my loupe this time.
Thank you again
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CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 Posts |
The want list is for you, not the dealers. We have had a thread previously about distributing Want Lists. Opinions were mixed, but were mostly on the side of it is a useless endeavor. Bring cash as well as checks. Cash is generally better.
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New Member
United States
8 Posts |
I think I read that thread the other day and also feel its best to not give out my want list.
Do some dealers prefer to accept checks over cash? I was just thinking the cash would give me a firm roof on my budget although I don't really have an issue with putting a couple extra checks in my wallet as well.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Yes, jerseyben, why is that bad advice?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
PMF Sichel - also please remember, if you DO make an offer, be prepared to pay up if it's accepted. to the CCF! |
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CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 Posts |
I don't know anyone that would prefer a check. Maybe if they've known you for years, it helps that they have less cash on hand, but in general, no. Lots of dealers buy and sell at the same show, so a bunch of checks can jam them up.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
946 Posts |
The way I usually see it when checks are floating around at shows are that it is usually a bigger transaction that would require significant amounts of cash. If your planning on spending alot of $$ being a few thousand in cash and a few checks.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
946 Posts |
I also use my flashlight on my phone for darkly lit tables. You can see each coin individually with a light on them. Also bring a loupe.
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Replies: 30 / Views: 3,804 |
Posted 06/07/2016 07:42 am
