Coin Show etiquette.. any advice?

Pickpocketed one time in NYC...New Year's Eve,,,Times Square 1975 I think

 

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When I'm mingling in a crowd, or riding a crowded subway, I instinctively keep my thumb on my wallet while it's in my pocket. I also keep some cash in my shoe.

 

Front pocket is most notable for males - rear pocket is most notable for females.
By noticeable I mean you will react to someone touching you there or reaching for you there. Safest would be a buttoned pocket INSIDE cargo shorts pocket like we had on our jungle fatigues during the Vietnam War.

 

You're actually in more danger of electronic pickpockets these days. Look up info on RFID blockers to stay safe.

 

Makes sense. Now I might have to buy some cargo pants. Oh, wait, I don't think I like cargo pants. Rats!

 

I am not sure what "dumb down" means. I have been to a few shows and it seems that the better graded exhibits look more like AP English book reports with straight margins, contrasting backing paper for the text, plenty of facts and figures, but less of what makes the displayed item seem special to the collector. I would rather have more on the numismatic pieces and less fluff.

 

I also keep my hand on my wallet at all times. Just in case.

I have a couple pairs of cargo shorts, so I’ll make sure to keep that in mind.

 

I usually go wearing my 5.11 Tactical Shirt with a lot of button down or velcro pockets; pants (no, UK folks, they are trousers to you ) with adequate pockets, possibly with my inside pants wallet.

From travelling all over Asia, Europe, and the Americas on bidness trips, I carry my wallet in front left pants pocket. I used to carry a few ounces of gold in 1/10 and 1/4 TOZ increments in my belt (no need to anymore.)

In my whole 40 yr career, I have only been pickpocketed successfully once. I lost a small digital camera that was in a softcase on my belt while on a crowded ferry as we were landing in Macau back in the early 90's. (Yeah, I have busted a couple heads with attempted pickpockets.) Never again.

There are more pockets (big enough to hold a book), than meets the eye on this shirt. Great for CCW also.


No need for backpack, breifcase, satchel etc. Everything I need is on my body.
I subconsciouly tap check all filled pockets all the time.

I captured and carried these coins and several others (as well as gold) for a few days at shows.

RR Anon AR Heavy Denarius Quadrigatus Janus 225-215 BCE 21mm 6.7g Cr 28-3 Sear 31


RR Anon AR Heavy Quin Drachm Half Quadrigatus 225-212 BCE 3.1g 18mm Janus Jupiter in Quadriga L Victory ROMA Cr 28-4 S 35 SCARCE

 

A balance of both usually wins. It’s not supposed to be “coin porn”. It’s supposed to be like a museum display.

 

This one is due south of Williamsport and due east of State College.

 

Yup, too far -- I'd start with a 90-minute drive to get to 81 north of Harrisburg.

I'd love to hit one of the auctions you describe someday, if only to watch, but not this time.

 

There are two regular repeating ones just north of the PA line a few miles west of I-83. One usually has lesser stuff, and the one with the better stuff jumps around in series almost at random. You have to study the whole list. That said, I have snagged pieces at the lesser one from time to time. You just have to occasionally go home empty-handed.

 

Most dealers do not care how long you stay seated looking over their coins if you are an active buyer and buy some coins from them. If you are a tire kicker, then they want you to move on. One other observation, best place to buy a coin is at a coin show. Better prices because of the competition.

 

Yes, this is true. But you don't get to "block" everybody else. That's bad etiquette. You have an obligation to minimize your "footprint".

 

You must have zero dealer friends

 

As a Dealer , I find that most customers are very knowledgable about Coin Show Rules . A few go beyond time limits and take up space at my table. I had to tell others to please not look over the shoulder of other customers and had to get security involved , this is very rude along with listening in other conversations between the customer & dealer. I often suggest to see another dealer when my offer to buy is not what they wanted and in general they return to me. I am very polite as to how I treat customers and they return.

 

It’s very nice to hear from the other side of the coin, so to speak.

 

In the old days 'looking over the shoulder' was the only way to get to see anything. Coin shows and tables were often packed two and three people deep, all trying to get a look. And competition was fierce, too, on both sides. Customers looking to buy and dealers looking to sell. I have horror stories to be sure (as I've been a dealer for 30 years), and often involve some of the biggest names we all know and love.

 

We do not allow any coin dealing in the aisle as they call it dragging a bag around to buy & sell at shows unless it is to a dealer and you can be asked to leave the show.
As it was said before our tables cost between $ 35 up to $ 450 for a three day show.
Mike - Good Luck at future shows & Welcome to Coin Talk