Question About First Coin Show

Looking for some insight from seasoned coin show attendees. Was wondering if I should bring my Bust Half Dollar collection along with me in a brief case (minus the .45 Kimber of course) to show interested vendors/visitors of the show.

Please don't flame me too much or chastise me for such a stupid question, but I really don't know if it would be advisable. My gut tells me NO, there is too much of a chance of loosing all or part of it to a thief or quick hands by a shady dealer. Keep in mind all the coins are in protective sheets in a relatively large binder which is about the size of the GutenBurg Bible, and weighs about 10 lbs., LOL.

Thanks for the input...
Ben

 

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I personally wouldn't want to bring anything that big. There is the security issue of it, and I wouldn't want to lug it around with me either. Most of the shows I've been to have had like 6 armed and uniform wearing cops, so thats pretty good security I think. Out in the parking lot and during the drive I would be kinda nervous though. I personally would bring some of the coins in in my pockets.

 

Yes, I wouldn't want to haul it either Bone. You will find that you get quite tired of bending over to peer into dealer's cases, much less with a 10 pound brick hanging on you. Also, not to dash your hopes, but... it will be a "flip of the coin" as to whether or not you can find a dealer or attendee to sit down and talk about your coins you brought. Many of the dealers might not be interested unless you're showing them to sell something or if you're showing them so that they can help you plug some holes. As far as whether or not you find someone with similar interests to talk to, that's more up to you I think. At the shows that I've been too, there hasn't been an area where collectors just kind of congregate and chat. I'm not very outgoing at shows either, so that's part of it too. Good luck to you whatever you decide to do. I think you'll have a very interesting and educational experience.

 

Go light! Nothing worse than carrying around extra baggage in a crowded show. I find that even my small portfolio can become rather bothersome if the tables are crowded. Take some nice photos of your collection that way you have it to show if someone wants to see it.

 

I agree with AdamL and tcore... it's a physical convenience issue. If you don't mind lugging it around, I say give it a go.

I personally have no security concerns; shows I've been to are totally safe.

When you say "to show interested vendors/visitors to the show", is that for educational / networking reasons ("show and tell") or are you considering selling ?

If the former, I would think you would do us a great service bringing your expertise and collection ! I for one would love to sit around and pick up a few pointers. I recently dove into Overton and am learning attribution. Interesting stuff.

My impression is you have a very broad ranging collection of die varieties. Could be very educational.

Might want to contact the show's organizer and bounce your ideas off him. I'll bet there are many who would love to "talk shop"... not always on the bourse floor; sometimes off-line.

Have you considered teaching a seminar at a show ? Maybe use a projector to show images of your coins.

 

Flame on . I have 2 questions for you bone. why would you want to do something that your gut tells you not do? and Why would you carry a huge bulky briefcase around that apart from damaging your muscles will make everyone take notice of you?

 

Thanks guys, knew I'd get some pointers. Important things to think about Adam. 900, I've given a talk at out local club and I guess they have an important part in this show. ACW, that's good advice. Doug, as far as selling any I don't plan on it, so it looks like everything will remain at home, except my "play money..." LOL Tcore, appreciate the advise.

Thanks Again
Ben

 

Spock, I'm flame proof, LOL...

 

Ben:
I am sure that you would enjoy it, but only other collectors would want to see them.
Most dealers wouldn't be interested, unless you are a friend, unless you are selling.

Go forth and have fun.

 

Might take some stamps I've got (30s and 40s Adolph Hitler, Hmmm... ) and see what I can get for them. Probably just a few bucks.

Take Care Buddy
Ben

 

Leave em at home Ben. I can tell you that I go to probably 2-3 shows a month looking for Busties and Large Cents mainly. Very few dealers know anything about Busties and could care less. Its not a coin that is in high demand is what I am told over and over again.

Doug has solid advice, take what you want to sell or maybe have a question about. Leave the rest where they are safe and sound.

 

hope you are weight proof too after carying the weight for 8 hours if you manage to sell any bent graded coins dont forget to send me my check

 

I would just bring what you want to sell. Then you will get the experience of tring to trade money the opposite way across the table/counter. It's humbling, but highly recomended.

When I do shows, the most I ever bring is a cpl in the pocket, or one 2x2 storage box with coins in flips, not stapled in a 2x2. No grade or info on the flip insert either, nothing.....raw raw raw. Your written grade will ususally always get smirked at, no matter how accurate it is. It is a starting point for them to go down.....and only down.

 

bonedigger you can leave them with me while you go to the show. i will be glad to watch them .

wvrick

 

Great tips Jack, thanks. I'm not planning on selling just looking and maybe an odd purchase or two. Nothing really I'm aggressively looking for...

wvrick, your offer is awfully nice but, I'll pass, LOL...

Take Care
Ben

 

I'll have to agree with the majority here Ben. If it was me and I had a suitcase full of Bust halves I believe I'd leave them at home also. It only draws unwanted attention, the kind you certainly dont want. I never carry any of my coins to coin shows. I figure there's too much opportunity for thieves between the show building and the time it takes to get to or from the vehicle. I even keep my coin show purchases well concealed when I leave a show.

 

Yep. I didn't think to mention what tcore said about getting tired. Making your rounds of the whole show - if its a good sized one - and bending over to look at all the shiny coins that catch your eye in various cases all day can be quite tiring, even when your only carrying your cash and your loupe. Not to mention the walk that tcore and I made to avoid paying a bunch of money for parking at the show a few months ago, LOL!!! It can really wear you out.

 

Ha ha ha... Yeah, AdamL and I are cheap [you know whats]. ha ha ha. We didn't even want to pay the $3 or $5 or whatever it was for parking, so we parked down the street and walked!

 

I vote that you take the .45 and leave the coins at home.

Once a Marine....

Have fun at the show! Cherrypick an R-5 for me! Mike