cvargo Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 So as I stated in the getting to know you section, I inherited alot of my Grandfather's collection. But he bought from Littleton (good coins but overpriced). Over the last year I have been buying a little on eBay or at local coin shops. But this weekend I am going to attend my first coin show. I was wondering if I could get some basic etiquette rules ie: haggling, carrying the red/blue book with you, how to sell a coin. Also if anyone knows the quality of this coin show that would be awesome. Are coin shows usually overpriced? Basically give me some do's and don'ts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Stilson Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Personally I carry my red book. But I mark the coins I have in it to avoid buying duplicates. Also sometimes if I'm interested in buying a specific coin or two. I will search ebay completed sales for actual prices paid. Making note of grade and grading company. I have a set amount I may spend there. So I try to keep in the price range. Plus I'll have what I call impulse money. A few bucks to get that little coin that catches my eye. According to the price quoted if reasonable I'll buy. According to how the dealer seems I may say how about xxx. Some dealers will work with you some won't. Some may cut a deal on cut a deal on a couple buys but not on a single. Hard to tell. Also one thing to consider is when you are going. Most of the time at the first of the show you have better choice. Toward the end you may get better prices but limited or picked through coins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 So as I stated in the getting to know you section, I inherited alot of my Grandfather's collection. But he bought from Littleton (good coins but overpriced). Over the last year I have been buying a little on eBay or at local coin shops. But this weekend I am going to attend my first coin show. I was wondering if I could get some basic etiquette rules ie: haggling, carrying the red/blue book with you, how to sell a coin. Also if anyone knows the quality of this coin show that would be awesome. Are coin shows usually overpriced? Basically give me some do's and don'ts Two web references: first second Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Art Posted October 18, 2011 Report Share Posted October 18, 2011 Very good advice there. Your personal "style" is an important part of having fun at a show. I do not like to haggle and so I don't. I look at a coin. If I want it, I ask the price. If it's a good price I pay the dealer cash immediately. I don't stockpile coins and then go for a "package" deal. I find it really annoying when people do this. I usually walk the whole floor and get an idea of the dealers who have the type of merchandise I'm interested in. I also like to get a feel for the dealers and how they interact with customers. I like friendly customer oriented people - who doesn't, but I don't like to be mother-hened or lectured. If the dealer has a good general setup of items that interest me, I'll start a discussion such as "Hi! I'm looking for an 1864-L Indian Head Cent. XF, chocolate brown, no damage, clean face. Have anything?" Then see where that goes. If it doesn't progress well I move on. Above all have a great time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tealeaf Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Interesting links Bill, thank you! ( And I learned a new word, Bourse.) Has anyone on Coin People ever had anything swiped at a show? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YeOldeCollector Posted October 19, 2011 Report Share Posted October 19, 2011 Has anyone on Coin People ever had anything swiped at a show? Not I but I was at a show in London when a gang took a fair few pieces. I also know a dealer who was targeted on his way back from the show as he had a car load of goodies. But you must remember that these are very far and few between. I'm sure you'll enjoy your first experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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