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JerrySpringer
Penny Hoarding Member
669 Posts |
 Posted - 07/08/2008 : 22:00:47
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I never have been to a coin show. Is it bad form to bring the Red book with you? Is that a sign of a newbie sucker? I'd probably want to purchase some early Lincoln pennies, if prices are cheap, for a collection. Maybe some silver coins for the silver value too but not much over that in price. Should I wait until the end of the show to haggle a price or two?
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misteroman
Administrator
USA
2565 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2008 : 23:34:09
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| Take the red book.Just be friendly with a dealer you may be interested in buying from and he should treat ya nice.If he's grumpy just walk away |
Buying CU cents!!!! Paying 1.2 unlimited amounts wanted. Can pick up if near Ohio area. |
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kieblera5
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
859 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2008 : 23:36:42
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quote:
Originally posted by JerrySpringer
I never have been to a coin show. Is it bad form to bring the Red book with you? Is that a sign of a newbie sucker? I'd probably want to purchase some early Lincoln pennies, if prices are cheap, for a collection. Maybe some silver coins for the silver value too but not much over that in price. Should I wait until the end of the show to haggle a price or two?
Always bring a price guide. That is not a sign of a newbie. Noone can remember all of the prices for every coin. Bring a good magnifying glass if you plan to buy higher grade coins. In each section of the red book, it gives details as what to look for in each grade. You can usually get good prices on early wheats if you can find a dealer with an incomplete book. I got a mostly complete book for less than $20, and most of the holes were filled. Also, the best deals are usually at the beginning of the show. Everyone cherrypicks the cheap stuff and the good stuff. If you wait until the end, you'll have "middle-of-the-road" stuff left.
A good tip when going to a coin show is to take your time to look. Ask dealers to hold things that you are interested in, when you go look for a lower price.
Another good tip is to carry a copy of the "Grey sheet", if you have one. This is the price that dealers buy at, and I have found that if you have it with you, the sellers price will lower sometimes because they know that you know what it's actually worth, and you won't pay high prices that stupid people will pay. Most importantly, dealers want your business. Never feel embarassed to ask if they can lower the price a little, politely of course.
Have fun at the show. |
Democracy is being allowed to vote for the candidate you dislike least.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you mercilessly with experience.
Caller number seven gets the Peace Prize!
Get coding tips, tricks, and more at: http://codingmonday.blogspot.com |
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CoinHunter53562
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1805 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2008 : 23:41:37
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I see people with price guides all the time at shows. Like someone mentioned, it's impossible to know all the prices in your head. Heck if you're more of a newbie collector, then feel free to bring a grading guide as well so that you can tell or point out if a coin is overgraded and therefore overpriced. Also, always remember that all prices are negotiable but within reason. Keep in mind that some of these dealers do this for a living and depend on the profit from sales to pay their bills and put food on the table. Always try to be respectful and hopefully you will receive the same in return. Dont be afraid to walk away from a dealer who is being a jerk.
Sorry for the long response but these are a few things I learned along the way that make going to coin shows more enjoyable for me as I dont feel intimitated and I go in there feeling like I have a certain level of knowledge. |
My hobby: collecting real money 1 copper cent or nickel at a time.
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moboman
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
2555 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2008 : 23:47:03
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| Most of the dealers are nice and will help a noobie out. It seems like the hobbyist type of dealers like to talk to the collectors more than they like selling coins. |
"99% of all lawyers give the rest of them a bad name" 
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CoinHunter53562
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1805 Posts |
Posted - 07/08/2008 : 23:50:57
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quote:
Most of the dealers are nice and will help a noobie out. It seems like the hobbyist type of dealers like to talk to the collectors more than they like selling coins.
Very true...I like doing business with those types.
One more note I should mention and that is to try not to monopolize a dealer's time too much. They are alot of times by themselves watching over an 8-foot table with thousands of dollars of inventory ripe for the picking. Just be respectful of the fact that some shows can have good turn outs and many people coming and going at the same time. Dealers are humans too so be patient with them if they cant give you 100% attention in finding that one $3 coin you need to finish a set. |
My hobby: collecting real money 1 copper cent or nickel at a time.
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JerrySpringer
Penny Hoarding Member
669 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2008 : 18:17:56
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| Also, is it a good idea to bring some of my own coins with me for either an informal appraisal or barter? I have a few 1955 Lincolns with very minor double die traces. I could at least see what they might bring from a dealer. |
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CoinHunter53562
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1805 Posts |
Posted - 07/09/2008 : 22:15:24
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| Yeah it cant hurt. Some dealers may be willing to help and give you advice or make an offer if that's what you're looking for. Every show I go to I always see numerous signs indicating that dealers are buying coins. |
My hobby: collecting real money 1 copper cent or nickel at a time.
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PennehChaos.
Penny Collector Member
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2008 : 12:16:05
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quote:
Originally posted by CoinHunter53562
I see people with price guides all the time at shows. Like someone mentioned, it's impossible to know all the prices in your head. Heck if you're more of a newbie collector, then feel free to bring a grading guide as well so that you can tell or point out if a coin is overgraded and therefore overpriced. Also, always remember that all prices are negotiable but within reason. Keep in mind that some of these dealers do this for a living and depend on the profit from sales to pay their bills and put food on the table. Always try to be respectful and hopefully you will receive the same in return. Dont be afraid to walk away from a dealer who is being a jerk.
Very good tips! The people who know grading standards inside and out, and keep price lists in their heads are out there, but more often than not they're not only seasoned collectors, but specialists in a certain area... They'll know Morgans or Bust Halves in every detail, but will break out a book for Indian Head Cents (for example).
If you want to step up and look all knowledgeable, you can always check out a table, make note of whatever interests you, then go a row or two over to reference your book before coming back to deal
Oh, one more- make yourself a "cheat sheet" before you go with silver spot, Coinflation values, etc, maybe look up some foreign coins as well. And bring a calculator.  |
Considering Verizon Business service? Perhaps you'd like to consider a nice drain cleaner enema instead? |
Edited by - PennehChaos. on 07/11/2008 12:10:45 |
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misteroman
Administrator
USA
2565 Posts |
Posted - 07/10/2008 : 12:25:22
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LOL, you might not want to tell them they are overgraded unless you are 110% sure and then you still may not want to.
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Buying CU cents!!!! Paying 1.2 unlimited amounts wanted. Can pick up if near Ohio area. |
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CoinHunter53562
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
1805 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2008 : 09:43:59
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Oh, one more- make yourself a "cheat sheet" before you go with silver spot, Coinflation values, etc, maybe look up some foreign coins as well. And bring a calculator.
Yes excellent point and I cant believe I forgot to mention this. I have a spreadsheet built where you can punch in spot and it will tell you the intrinsic silver values of dimes, quarters, halves, 40% halves, and silver dollars. It's a handy tool when searching for junk silver or through the bargain bins. |
My hobby: collecting real money 1 copper cent or nickel at a time.
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JerrySpringer
Penny Hoarding Member
669 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2008 : 10:59:01
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| Thanks for the tips folks. This will be my first coin show. I will treat it like a casino (!!) and only bring a certain amount of money I can afford to spend on the outing. Luckily, I expect coin dealers not to be a salesman like a car dealer would be as you go into their showroom. Am I wrong on that one? I expect the dealers to not bother me as I look at their coins. I will be polite and make an offer if I see something I like. Basically just looking for some Lincoln wheats and maybe junk silver right now. I don't know anything about Morgans, Franklins, Barbers or Bills and Teds right now. |
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misteroman
Administrator
USA
2565 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2008 : 11:12:53
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| first coin I ever boughtat a show was a 1911-s penny in the mid 80's(10 yrs old) after reading in a coin book that it was undervalued and a 'good bet' to go up.I'm pretty sure it had $9 on it and I got it for $8.Coin was in VF or about 400% more today. |
Buying CU cents!!!! Paying 1.2 unlimited amounts wanted. Can pick up if near Ohio area. |
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Flbandit
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
851 Posts |
Posted - 07/12/2008 : 20:02:26
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| I love shows! I tend to try to decide what my major purchase will be for that show (usually something nice for my collection) figure out what I'll willing to pay based on grade and value, and try for that. I always walk around first to try and get a feel for what is there, then look at buying. I also try to bring enough money for some junk silver and any suprise bargins. Of course, it depends on how much money I have. Last show I picked up a lovely 1955 Franklin, a nice Seated Quarter, and various wheats, and Buff nickels. |
Are you throwing that out? |
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just carl
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2008 : 21:47:15
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I go to about 2 to 4 coin shows a month. I seldom see people with a price guide. I've only once seen someone with a Red Book after well over 20 to 30 years. Most people make a list of what they want, need or would like. Then list the possible prices via what they see on ebay, the Red Book, The PCGS web site and possibly a few on line dealers. Then take those prices and average them and that is the highest price you would be willing to pay. Never pay what a dealer is asking. Coin shows are basically flea markets. Always ask what is your best or lowest price. If a dealer will not go down from his asking price, walk away. He has spotted you as a new collector or just is a dealer that thinks he knows everything.
Here are a few tips on going to coin shows.
1. Never carry a back pack. Most aisles are small and you will hit people.
2. Either go early or late for the best deals. Take your time and wonder through the place several times prior to buying anything.
3. Carry your money in a front pocket. Do now take a check book with you. Do not take credit cards unless you really know what your doing.
4. If anyone appears to be constantly near you, go to the washroom and see if they attempt to follow you there. If it becomes continuous, find a security person and mention it. Nothing to loose.
5. Make sure any coins you buy have a secure place on you.
6. When leaving a coin show and if anyone else appears to be leaving at the same time, go back inside and see what they do. If they also go back inside, do this several times over and over.
7. If you drive there, when leaving sit in your car for a few minutes to see if anyone else that left is also just sitting there. If so, go back inside again.
There are many safeguards involved in coin show situations so don't be a statistic. Be carefull. |
Carl |
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moboman
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
2555 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2008 : 22:28:59
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| I wonder what the percentage of people who are carrying is....I bet its pretty high |
"99% of all lawyers give the rest of them a bad name"
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NotABigDeal
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - 07/25/2008 : 06:29:32
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quote:
Originally posted by just carl
7. If you drive there, when leaving sit in your car for a few minutes to see if anyone else that left is also just sitting there. If so, go back inside again.
There are many safeguards involved in coin show situations so don't be a statistic. Be carefull.
Sitting in a parking lot in your car is probably not a good idea. They could just block you in, then you have a REAL situation. Hey moboman, you carrying....yet?
Deal |
Live free or die.
Plain and simple.
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your council or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."
- Samuel Adams |
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JerrySpringer
Penny Hoarding Member
669 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2008 : 13:39:37
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There are many safeguards involved in coin show situations so don't be a statistic. Be carefull.
A family friend once made a mistake on the lines of that. He left his briefcase of coins in the front seat of his car as he went into a grocery store. I think he was followed from his coin shop. The thief broke the window of his car to get the brief case. Great, huh? I have learned to always lock my car doors and never leave anything theft worthy in sight when I park. If you visit a coin shop, watch your back. |
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PennehChaos.
Penny Collector Member
USA
269 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2008 : 15:56:19
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quote:
Originally posted by NotABigDeal
Sitting in a parking lot in your car is probably not a good idea. They could just block you in, then you have a REAL situation. Hey moboman, you carrying....yet?
Deal
Depends what you're driving... i'm either on a bike, or in a pickup with a BIG steel bumper...  |
Considering Verizon Business service? Perhaps you'd like to consider a nice drain cleaner enema instead? |
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NotABigDeal
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2008 : 17:25:07
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If you are carrying, it doesn't really matter what you are driving. Just this weekend around here someone tried to rob an elderly couple at an ATM. The sixty-something year old man got out of the car and shot the would be robber. Awesome if you ask me.
Deal
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Live free or die.
Plain and simple.
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your council or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."
- Samuel Adams |
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just carl
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2008 : 08:47:56
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quote:
Sitting in a parking lot in your car is probably not a good idea. They could just block you in, then you have a REAL situation. Hey moboman, you carrying....yet?
Deal
All depends on the parking lot. If in plain site of the main door of the coin show it would look rather stupid to try that. Most, not all, coin shows have security guards, many have people lingering outside for air or smoking. Many have people coming and going all the time. If in some areas it is very difficult to determine if your being followed due to all that traffic. I always attempt to park in such an area where I am in plain site of the main entrance if possible.
One trick a person I know that was robbed told me he now does is find a police station in the area. When he leaves a coin show he heads there, parks and asks for directions. Not many criminals will also stop there. Never leave anything of value on a seat after leaving a coin store or coin show. Actually around where I live I leave nothing inside my car that is visable. Either under the seats or in a trunk. I've seen cars broken into for just groceries.
Remember at a coin show if you pay with a check or credit card, someone could be standing over your shoulder with a camera cell phone. If you insist on paying with such items, be carefull of how much is visable to others.
At coin shows around me I've learned to pay just as much attention to other people as the coins. We have way to many robberies in my area so it pays to be safe.
And if anyone is carrying a gun or knife at a coin show and it is spotted, without proper licenses, it is jail time. Most stores no longer sell guns of any type including air guns. Most stores don't even carry archery equipment now. At one of our largest flea markets even knives are not allowed. |
Carl |
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NotABigDeal
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2008 : 17:51:26
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quote:
Originally posted by just carl
And if anyone is carrying a gun or knife at a coin show and it is spotted, without proper licenses, it is jail time. Most stores no longer sell guns of any type including air guns. Most stores don't even carry archery equipment now. At one of our largest flea markets even knives are not allowed.
It would suck to live in Illinois. Sounds like a criminals paradise....
Deal |
Live free or die.
Plain and simple.
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your council or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."
- Samuel Adams |
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just carl
Penny Hoarding Member
USA
601 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2008 : 18:41:01
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quote:
Originally posted by NotABigDeal
It would suck to live in Illinois. Sounds like a criminals paradise....
Deal
Not only a criminals paradise but the politicians are doing OK too. We now have a 10.25% sales tax on everything. Highest in the country. So far no taxes at coin shows, yet. So far most shooting ranges are being closed down for one reason or other. The O'Hare airport expansion forced the closing of one of my favorite gun ranges and no one will allow them to reopen in the area.
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Carl |
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NotABigDeal
1000+ Penny Miser Member
USA
3890 Posts |
Posted - 08/25/2008 : 18:51:08
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quote:
Originally posted by just carl
Not only a criminals paradise but the politicians are doing OK too. We now have a 10.25% sales tax on everything. Highest in the country. So far no taxes at coin shows, yet. So far most shooting ranges are being closed down for one reason or other. The O'Hare airport expansion forced the closing of one of my favorite gun ranges and no one will allow them to reopen in the area.
Man, 10.25% sales tax! They rob you as well. It truly must suck to live in Illinois. At least they can't take your guns from you.
Deal |
Live free or die.
Plain and simple.
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your council or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."
- Samuel Adams |
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Coin show coming up in my town
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