Getting ready to go to the Baltimore Coin Expo tomorrow; my first. Very excited. I know from personal experience that Trade Dollars are hard to find (slabbed at least, around my area), so that is at the top of my list. Are any of the other coins on my list in the same category as the trade dollar? I.e., they might be easier to find at a big coin show than my LCS, on eBay/Heritage/here, etc. Going for problem-free, common dates/mintmarks. I can't afford all of these at once, so I have to prioritize and make the most of my limited time at the show. Trade Dollar XF-AU 20-Cent Piece VG-XF Morgan Dollar MS63 DMPL Franklin Half Cameo Proof; 1964-1970 Kennedy Half Cameo Proof Flying Eagle Cent VF-XF Capped Bust 1/2 Dime VG Capped Bust Dime VG-F Capped Bust Quarter G-F Seated Liberty Half VF-XF Capped Bust Half G-VG Draped Bust Half G-VG Seated Liberty Dollar VG-VF Walking Liberty Half MS64/MS65 Seated Liberty Dollar VG-VF Lincoln Cents (09s,14d,24d,31s; all 1975+ "S" proofs) Error Coins (Lincoln Cents, Kennedy Halves) (Basically, I think I can afford the trade dollar and hopefully a few other coins)
I don't know where the Morgans lie on your priority list, but if you can afford an MS64DMPL, you might be happier with this than a 63. Many of the 63's tend to have a lot more chatter in the fields which, for some collectors, is very distracting. Also, you should try to look for one that was not struck on re-polished dies. It's pretty easy to tell the difference. DMPL's from re-polished dies tend to have seemingly hazy areas in parts of the fields like between the eagle's neck and wing or around the wreath and arrows. You can also see some polishing lines on these DMPL's. There should be plenty of them available at a large show like Baltimore, so you can compare the differences between grades. I don't know if Todd, aka blu62vette, will be in Baltimore, but if he is, he loves DMPL Morgans and would probably have a lot to choose from. Chris
Yup, you will find all of those. Before you go, do a little research on years/grades/prices. My first large coin show was an overwhelming experience - hundreds of tables and thousands of coins. I was truly lost. Now, I try to focus on one or two coins. Beforehand I research what grade range I can afford, what years to look for and approximate price ranges. As you know, not all coins in the same year and grade are priced the same. Don't jump on the first coin that catches your eye. You might find an example you like more (or a better value) at another table. Bring cash - many dealers don't take plastic or checks.
Just remember, most of the dealers have spent big bucks on travel and food/lodging. They are NOT likely to bring their low end material. That was always a problem for me with the ANA shows; much more so than a Whitman show.
