First Coin Show

I have never been to a coin show either. I too would be interested in this information. I have heard that there are big coin shows in Charlotte, NC.

I went to the show in Atlanta yesterday. I went last year & told myself I would be better prepared this year. I was better prepared, but could have done better.

I took a few items I was interested in trading and/or selling, & got a good price for one of those. I also took a list of what I was looking for with prices I was willing to pay. Finally, I took a couple reference books. I don't like to carry a bunch of stuff so I left those in the car. I didn't need them, but it was nice to know they were available.

When I got to the show I walked the entire floor making mentals notes of coins I might have further interest in. After I had seen everything I went back for a close look at some of the coins I was interested in, narrowing down my list. Then I went back & negotiated on the coins I was interested in. My number one mistake was not writing down the location of the coins I was interested in, because one coin I was 90% sure I wanted to buy I couldn't find.

This was a pretty big show that is held every year. There were well over 100 tables, with a little bit of everything. Lots of really nice coins that were way out of my price range. I think the most expensive coins I saw were a pair of 1893S Morgans slabbed MS64 by NGC with an asking price of $250,000. No offense to the Morgan collectors, but they didn't look any better to me than a common date coin in the same condition.

1. A written want list; don't trust your memory. I usually have a first and second choice listed for each item I want.
2. I walk the floor first unless something really catches my eye.
3. Have patience; with the crowd, the dealers and yourself. Have fun, look at everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially if it's a slow day.
4. Thinking I HAD to buy something while I was there. I've learned to go home empty-handed and not be disappointed.

I forgot two more rules...

>9 bring plenty of cash or know where the ATM is located. Most dealers do not do credit cards at shows.

>10 Do NOT deal with another customer in front of a dealer's table.
What to be a dealer... pay the table rent.

Thanks for the great advice here and on the link to the previous thread. Right now my want list is small (or very large as the entire coin universe is up for consideration) but I will follow the advice given and get a little more prepared. I will probably use this first show to soak it all in and make a couple of calculated purchases. I think I read that there will be 60 tables at this show.

In addition to my last statement I would like to mention the security thing. This naturally depends on your location. I'm in the Chicago area and crime is rather common here so being carefull is second nature. We do have 3 or more coin shows a month here. Most are repeditive like the 1,2,3 Sundays of every month. Then there are the occational really big ones such as the international ones at the Rosemont Convention Center. Probably only well known to dealers.
1. If there is parking lot for your car in an area where you can see or be seen from the entrance, that is the safest place to park
2. When leaving if someone leaves at the same time, try waiting a few minutes. Better to be safe than sorry.
3. If you want to see how much money you still have at any time during the show, go to the washroom and into a stall to count money.
4. Small brief cases or such carrying things are a great place to put coins, books or magazines you purchase.
5. Always walk the entire floor before buying anything.
6. Do not eat or drink over a dealers table.
7. PLEASE DO NOT STOP and chat with someone you know in front of a dealers table.
8. Remember a coin show is basically a flea market so prices are flexable or should be. I always ask is this your best price?
9. I avoid dealers that do not have any prices on anything. This to me usually means their prices are based on how you look.
10. If no dealers are selling books and you want something like the Red Book, it may well pay to ask if they can get you one by the next show. Of course if your coin shows are very infrequent, that doesn't mean much.
11. Usually you would be wasting time to bring a price guide of any kind since the dealers have the price they are asking already set regardless of any listing you have. Many dealers have a code that indicates what they paid so regardless of what you think, say, can prove about a price, they will not sell for less than they paid.
12. If you feel someone kind of hanging all over you when attempting to make a deal, just give them a dirty look. Coins shows are filled with nosey people and I just don't know why.
13. Don't try wearing old, dirty clothing to make dealers feel sorry for you. They are there to make a living so your clothing just doesn't make a difference.
Coin shows are and could be a lot of fun. You may meet people there but I'd be carefull with that.

Couple more tips. I usually wear a fanny pack. Keep it in front of you for security. Definitely write down your wants. Believe me, you will get home and realize you forgot to buy that album, those cotton gloves etc. Dealers love it when you ask questions and sometimes, it even helps the potential purchase price of a coin you want. Always ask a dealer to see a coin, never open his case and if he is with someone else, be patient and eventually he/she will be with you. One more tip, I once noticed a St. Patrick Farthing that was double struck! This particular dealer had a ridiculously reasonable price on this coin. I decided to walk the rest of the floor and went back to buy the coin, it was sold! Keep that in mind too. You will learn to spot good deals. Avoid rude dealers. I once asked a dealer the price of a particular Morgan dollar and he said, "You see the price on the holder don't you!" Well, I finally saw the sticker but you don't need that. Needless to say, he will NEVER get my business. Most of all, have fun! also to FreezerBurn & ragpicker.

Usually to embarrased to tell this story but after a coin show one time where you were supposed to wear a name tag, most shows don't, I left and on the way home stopped at a grocery store. The cashier on the way out said come again Carl. I stopped at a gas station and the person inside said here is your change Carl. Now this started to get to me since I was at least 10 miles from home. Just how did so many people know my name. Finally at home I saw in the mirror that stupid name tag. DUHHHH.
One more thing is to elaborate on what vermontensium said. If at the show you suspect a dealer is in a talkative mood, do continue the conversation. Although a crowded place at times, if you sound intelligent, some dealers would appreciate a conversation with someone that can say more than how much. And in the long run, you may get a better deal.