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[Dollar1948]

Hi Keith and Sonny boy!!
Great info by all the contributers thus far. Not one bad piece of advise.
One that really stuck out for me was that indeed with the economy the way it is right now, you are in the drivers seat to negotiate a better deal with a dealer. Thats right too..move on to another if they don't budge. Just remember tho the dealer is trying to make a living, so don't be too aggresive. My fear is that they may see newbie written all over your faces and may think you dont have the interest and drive in strategic negotiating. One way I do it is ask, 'Whats the best you can do for this?'
Pay cash as well...to avoid paying sales tax as there is no paper trail for the dealer.
One last suggestion, if this is your 1st show, why not stick with buying the common dates that you need for his collection, and stick to his price guides. You are less likely to purchase something that may not be up to snuff as far as what it was the suggested grade. As you become more familiar with the format and atmosphere of a coin show and more educated on coins themselves you can step it up down the road with confidence
On another positive note you will find that buying at a coin show a great opportunity to window shop prior to buying. Its great being able to choose the best for the money which is something that lacks when you are going to a coin dealers store you frequent because he is the closest to your home. Your choices are limited. Make sure you get their business card and/or ebay-web addresses of any dealrs you meet that you like. I wouldn't dismiss buying from them on-line if you get a good gut feeling about them.
I think you will find that all dealers enjoy interacting with the younger crowd, as they always enjoy the 'kid-factor' with collecters.
Please make sure you let us know how you made out.