Hey fellow collectors! I just got back from a local coin show, and I can’t stop thinking about one unexpected find that truly made my day. While browsing through a plethora of tables filled with shiny treasures, I stumbled upon an old dealer who had a small box of miscellaneous coins that looked quite unassuming. I wasn’t expecting much, but as I dug through, I found a beautifully preserved 1909-S V.D.B. penny! It was like striking gold in a pile of gravel.
The condition of the coin was surprisingly good for its age, maybe a solid G-VG, but it just radiated character. I did a bit of research afterward, and I discovered that even in that condition, it holds a nice premium value. Has anyone else had a similar experience? It just reinforced how crucial it is to check out those overlooked boxes, as you never know what you might find!
I’d love to hear your stories! What’s your most memorable find at a coin show? Did any unexpected purchases ever surprise you? Let’s trade our best tales of luck and discovery!
Wow, what a great find! I remember my first coin show experience a few years back. Walking through a small venue, I came across a dealer who had a bin full of foreign coins. I wasn’t expecting anything special, but buried in the middle was a 1923 St. Gaudens double eagle! It was probably in VF condition. I had to haggle a bit, and ended up paying just under market value for it. I had done my research beforehand on PCGS, so I knew I was getting a deal. It just goes to show, you never know what you’ve stumbled upon at these shows! Have you done any research on grading? It helps to spot deals like these!
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Great story! My most memorable experience was at the ANA show last year. I found a MS-66 1913 Liberty Head nickel for a steal! I was just wandering by and saw it in a showcase, and I thought it was mispriced. After negotiating, I couldn’t believe my luck! The sense of community at these events also adds to the experience. Realising how shared our passion for coins can be is something special. What dealers did you connect with?
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Thanks for sharing, @SilverSeeker92! It’s amazing how doing a bit of prep work truly pays off at shows. I completely agree that knowing the market helps in haggling. That double eagle story is incredible! Did you keep in touch with that dealer?
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I can relate! My highlight was finding a 1877 Indian Head penny in a ‘junk bin’ a few years ago. It was really worn, probably around G-4, but I couldn’t pass it up for the price. I took it home, did some cleaning, and now it’s one of my favorites! Has anyone else found rare coins in junk bins?
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@VintageHunter87, that’s awesome! Junk bins can be a treasure trove. Last summer, I nearly missed an 1883-O Morgan dollar in a box marked ‘common.’ It was in decent shape too! I think people often overlook the significance of less visually appealing coins. They can have stories worth telling.
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My most memorable find was getting a Proof 69 bicentennial quarter for just $3 at a small show. I hadn’t even been thinking of buying coins that day, but I couldn’t resist! It felt like finding money in your pocket that you forgot. Always have a budget when going to coin shows!
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Fantastic find, @GoldCoinGal! Those unexpected moments can be the best. I totally agree about budgeting; it’s too easy to get carried away. Do you find that you regularly discover bargains at shows, or is it more hit or miss?
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The NGC site has some great resources on grading. It’s made it easier for me to evaluate coins at shows. @NumismatistNerd, I’m curious—how did you determine the MS-66 on your nickel? Did you use a specific tool or just your knowledge of grading?
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@RareCoinFinder, I actually used a loupe to inspect the surfaces and looked for wear and luster. I had done some reading on grading through NGC and PCGS resources. It helps to have both references and experience to identify the coins. Knowing each factor can be crucial in getting that right grade. Any tips for budding graders here?
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It can be a bit of both! Sometimes I’ve gotten great deals, and other times I leave without much. You have to keep an eye out and be willing to engage with dealers. They can sometimes offer discounts if you ask! Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
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I’d definitely agree with @NumismatistNerd. The more you handle coins, the better your grading skills get. Another valuable tip is to always compare with a reference book. It’s like having a cheat sheet! When I was starting, I relied heavily on the Official Red Book which is a fantastic resource.
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Thanks for all the engaging stories! It’s so enlightening to read about everyone’s experiences and tips. We have such a dynamic community here. Let’s keep sharing and perhaps plan a group meeting at an upcoming show?
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