Well, something amazing and unprecedented has come to pass ! I went to a coin show and didn't spend a dime. It wasn't because there weren't good buys. There were plenty. For some reason, for me, this particular coin show was all about learning. That wasn't my original intent, but that's the way it worked out... and I couldn't be happier about the whole thing. Here's some things I learned (some I already "knew", but became a little more aware...) Talk to several different dealers. I sweep the room once, find the ones whose taste matches mine, and visit with them. Most dealers like to talk about just about anything, not just coins. Form relationships with these folks. I got good time with several, learned about them, and I'm sure we'll visit in the future and will know each other. When the conversation turns to coins, ask plenty of questions. For instance, I'm still a little unsure about this "proofs have square rims" thing. I saw an 1874 25c Arrows slabbed as a proof. It was heavily toned, and I would not have guessed it was a proof as there was no discernible reflectivity. So I chatted up the dealer and we talked about it. I still haven't mastered the "square rims" thing - I still would not have picked that 25c as a proof, nor could I discern it from a strong business strike - but hey... ya gotta start somewhere. Don't be afraid to ask to look at coins you know you can't afford. Just because you have no intention to buy today doesn't you'll never buy it. And you want to be in the know long before buying, so learn now for tomorrow's buy (or sell). I looked over a 1795 H10c AU50. Well beyond my price range. I noticed a small dot on the right wing, adjacent to the eagle's breast. I asked "Is that post-mint damage ? ... or is it a centering dot, part of the die ?" Well, that kicked off an interesting conversation involving several folks. No one was certain, not even dealers. I checked Heritage pics later... it clearly is mint-made. Every one I looked at had the exact same dot. And one on the obverse, near the ear lobe. I learned a lot about planchet quality on Early American Copper from a true authority. Priceless ! Thanks much... you know who you are ! :smile I cast my eye upon thousands of coins and practiced my grading vs. the TPG. I think I'm improving. And hey.... on MS $2.5 Indian gold.... those TPG numbers are all over the place ! =~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~=~ Howza 'bout you ? What stories do you have about Coin Shows as Education ? What other hints and pointers can you share ?
Hey there 900fine, what a great post! These shows can be great educational experiences if one will only initiate conversation. Your point that acquiring knowledge can be just as rewarding as coming home with that new purchase was spot on. Excellent post and insight!
Have to agree it is great fun when you can go to a show and come away with a deeper understanding of our hobby :bow:
Here's an interesting caveat about that 1795 H10c AU50... Greysheet is $7700. If the coin drops only one level to "only" XF, it's "only" $4700. Which means if you're at that level of play, you can blow $3000 for an overgraded coin really fast. You've got to be able to grade for yourself. The difference 'twixt XF and AU can be subtle, but it can be big $$$. But even for the great masses of us who never consider purchasing coins that expensive, the same rule holds true. If a certain coin in XF is $47 and $77 in AU, that's ~60% increase based on one notch in the grading scale. How many XF coins are hanging around in AU holders ? Who wants to overpay by 60% due to an inflated number on a slab ?
There is no substitute for seeing coins in hand. You can read hundreds of coin books and periodicals, view every coin sale by every auction house on their web sites and read every thread on CoinTalk and learn a LOT. But you must examine actual coins in person to put that knowledge to use.
agree, an education for sure! I learnt that the Canadian tombac nickels have morse code instead of denticles around the outside. spelling out "we win when we work willingly"... I had no idea, it was under my nose the whole time
