Hey fellow collectors! I just wanted to share my experience from my first-ever coin show last month, where I decided to focus on VAM varieties. I was a bit nervous at first, especially since I’m still learning the ropes, but I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming everyone was. It was incredible to see so many coins in one place and to meet others who share my passion.
During the show, I managed to score a few coins that I’ve been eyeing for ages—a 1888-O Morgan and a 1921 Peace dollar, both with some interesting VAM attributes. The condition was decent; the Morgan had some circulation marks but could clean up nicely with a little TLC. I’ve done a fair bit of research on VAMs but seeing them in person helped me appreciate the subtle differences. The discussions I had with fellow collectors about their own VAM finds were inspiring!
Has anyone else here participated in a coin show? What were some of your memorable moments? Did you have any standout finds, especially with VAMs? I’d love to hear your stories and tips for making the most of these events!
Congrats on your first coin show! It’s always thrilling to dive into the world of coins in person. Your focus on VAM varieties is also intriguing—there’s so much to learn there! I remember my first show too; I went for the same reasons as you, wanting to explore more about VAMs.
- Did you get to compare notes with other collectors?
- What were the highlights of your discussions?
- Did you find any rare varieties that caught your eye aside from the ones you bought?
I picked up a few decent pieces and even managed to trade a couple of duplicates from my collection. The thrill of trading and sharing stories was the best part! Looking forward to hearing more from you about your experience!
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Thanks, @SilverSeeker77! I really appreciate your encouragement. Yes, I had great discussions, especially with some seasoned collectors about identifying VAMs. It was eye-opening to realize how the same coin can have so many interpretations! I didn’t find anything extremely rare, but the atmosphere of trading and sharing stories definitely made it memorable. Can’t wait for my next show!
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That’s awesome, @CoinHunter88! I went to a show last year focusing on Morgan dollars and ended up finding a 1901 O with a slightly different die variety. It’s mind-blowing how many varieties there are! I suggest keeping a checklist of VAMs you’re hunting for next time. It really helps when you’re on the floor! Have you thought about what your next target might be? I’m sure there’s plenty more to discover!
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Great advice, @NumisNerd88! I didn’t think about using a checklist, but it’s such a practical approach for the next show. I’m considering focusing more on the Peace dollars next time, especially trying to find examples with known VAM attributes. Any recommendations on what to look out for?
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Yes! @CoinHunter88, focusing on Peace dollars can be very rewarding. I’d recommend looking for the VAM 1D, which has some unique characteristics that set it apart. You can find more about it on VAM World for details on what to look for. Having a good reference point can make all the difference!
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I’ve never been to a coin show, but I’ve been thinking about it! Your experience sounds fantastic. Do you think as a newbie I’d feel out of place? How did you find the atmosphere?
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Good question, @CoinCollector99! I felt a bit overwhelmed at first, but everyone was really welcoming and eager to share their knowledge. I think you’ll be surprised at how friendly the community is. Plus, there’s always something new to learn. Don’t hesitate to jump in—ask questions and share what you’ve got!
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Sounds like a blast! Coin shows are like a candy store for collectors! I remember finding an awesome VAM that I thought was lost forever. By the way, have you tried bringing some of your extra coins to trade? It’s an excellent way to interact and possibly snag something cool! Plus, you’d be amazed at the stories behind every deal!
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That’s a great tip, @GoldDiggingGamer! I didn’t bring any extras this time, but I feel like next time I’ll definitely pack some duplicates for trade. It’s such a good way to engage with others! What do you think is the best way to approach trading?
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When it comes to trading, just be friendly and honest! Most collectors appreciate transparency. I’ve found that mentioning the history of the coin or why it’s special to you helps build a rapport. Also, don’t hesitate to negotiate a bit—everyone loves a good deal! Best of luck on your future shows!
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