There was a local coin show, both yesterday and today. I would have probably been better off taking yesterday off and going. The coin show's hours today were 10 AM to 6PM. I had forgotten about the show and by the time I set out at 1 PM today various things came up and I was delayed until three. Based on other conventions of various kinds I've been to, dealers pack up in the middle of the day Saturday. Do you think I made the right choice just to give up and return home? There was only one dealer in ancients there and besides pick bins (which are usually fairly decrepit - at least they were 10 years ago), he usually only has more expensive coins. I've been looking for a toner Morgan, and this show might have been more suited for that. Although I have picked up some of my very favorite coins at coin shows (and 2 of the 3 came from him, but they were AV coins), 50% of the time it's aimless spending; stuff I quickly forget about. There is an LCS near me but it's more of a buy-gold-and-silver type place, and it has the world's worst parking lot - 5 spots. The best firm in town has three locations but all are really inconveniently located for my needs. Is there a U.S. coins version of vcoins/ma-shops? What are some of the better mail order dealers? I'd like to complete my mission of one nicely toned 1800's Morgan dollar. I do like the rainbow toners but those are mostly faux patinas, I hear. I'd probably be better off sticking to rim toning. The one I ordered in May might have done the trick but it disappeared in transit.
Been there, done that. I think I'm smarter now, maybe. At the time I thought "I should support one of these dealers for having Canadian silver" (US local coin show) but then I got home and not only did I already have one of the George VI dollars I bought, but he charged price guide in US dollars when the price guide was in Canadian dollars. Lesson learned. Anyway, I think both of us should have a better plan of attack when going to coin shows.
My most recent coin show was 2010 or 2011. I got a real beauty of a coin at that one. I went in with a plan at two of my most successful shows. There were also more ancients dealers at said shows. It's very easy to blow a couple hundred on the pick bins. I prefer the older term, junk boxes. A pick bin can be anything, even something expensive.
Upon attending a coin show, I walk the floor. Making no commitment to any given thing. After a few 'rounds', I make my determination. Be hasty not........
looking for a toner is tough and on-line dealers can be questionable even with 99.9% 5 star ratings... I did a quick peek at a dealer I know is dependable (goodness knows I've bought more then a few coins from him lol) and he happens to have a nice toned morgan at a nice price on his bin page. I can recommend other ebay dealers if needed but more then a few of those I would recommend will probably be reading this post lol https://www.ebay.com/str/eastcoastc...inc|folenttp:1&_trksid=p3542580.m47492.l74602
My psychology & behavior changes at a coin show. If I am buying "on line", I am much less susceptible to pricing urgencies/considerations & more tentative about "coin conditions/grades", since I can't see it "in hand". So I am not likely to "over pay" & may actually pass on a coin. But at a show (much more so than at a coin shop), where I can see everything in hand, have cash to spend & expect to spend it, and throwing in the entertainment value of just being there , I am more susceptible to making "that" purchase & perhaps paying more. (I never underestimate my "enjoyment" factor). It's the same when I go to a train show...I'm just as likely to buy that $800 steam engine as I am to scarf up the "3 cabooses for $25" or "6 box cars for $40, your choice" (you have to be there early to get the best selection! ). So, if you're going with a specific target in mind, do your homework & use your better discretion. Otherwise, throw caution to the wind & enjoy...!
