So the only type of coin shows I've ever attended were very small and it was combined with a Sports Card show(same show twice a year, same tables and vendors everytime). There was maybe 40 tables, with 10 of them being coins. One of the dealers had a nice selection of graded coins, but most of the others were bullion sellers or dealers selling problem coins or low grade early type coins. I did find a gem(in my opinion) at these shows, my 1806/5 half dollar was found at one of these shows. It wasn't until the 3rd time I attended this show that I finally bought the coin. I'm going to be attending my first major show later in November when the Michigan State Numismatic Society 59th Annual Fall Convention and Show sets up in Warren, MI. It'll be a few hour drive to get there but with the 1913 V Nickel and 1804 Bust Dollar on display I want to see these coins and my wife already said we can go(bonus)! So here's my question, this show is a Friday/Saturday/Sunday show and I often read about members here paying early admission to get first looks at the coins and I understand you want to see everything in-case there's something there that might go quick. Yet aren't the dealers more likely to be softer on their prices on Sunday, the last day of the show so they don't have to bring home so much inventory? I know most of these dealers are going to a different show every weekend so they might not care to move anything under what their asking price is. If you've seen my pictures of what I buy you know I don't have just one series that I collect, I just buy what I think looks nice. Yet the down fall of that is I have no idea what the prices should be for the date and mm and I've been known to overpay for some of the items I own. I'm just trying to prepare myself to go into a coin show that has approx 200 dealer tables, that's a lot compared to the 10 I'm use to at my local show. What's the % of coins you think are still RAW at these coins shows that don't have problems and would actually be able to be sent in for grading? Any other advise for a newb? It also says that you have to register to attend the show? What all does that require?
I try to go first day when possible. This is when any new purchases the dealers made from other shows will be on display. Yes, they might be a little softer on Sunday, but remember they are packing up and will be at another show in a week or two, so its not like they are fire-saling inventory or something.
Cannot imagine that you need to register in order to attend the show as a visitor. Their website looks a little cluttered to me but I suppose that registration is required for dealers (sellers), and maybe for special activities such as lectures. See here. As for the day and time, usually I would go early. In the afternoon on the third day, you may experience empty tables instead of bargains ... Christian
