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Message:: [QUOTE="Jaelus, post: 2179659, member: 46237"]Some really great advice all around in this thread! You'll do fine. As for a loupe, I carry one to shows that has a built in bright LED. It helps a lot. The pinpoint light tends to make the coin look worse than it really is, so if it still looks good to me I know I'm going to be happy with it when I get it home. For negotiating, the most important part is to know how much what you're selling or buying is worth. Do your research before going to the show. Look at eBay/Heritage auctions to get a feel for the market rate. Also pick up a greysheet (I usually buy one issue back because it's a lot cheaper, within a few days of going to a show). That way you have a good idea of the wholesale values as well. If you know a coin has been in a dealer's inventory for a long time, the dealer is likely to negotiate more. Likewise if it's the end of a show and it's been slow, they might be more acceptable to offers. I've bought a few coins at nice prices where I've not been interested at what they were initially asking, but when I came back at the end of the show they were more willing to deal. Sometimes a coin is so overpriced though that it's best to just say thank you and walk away without making an offer. If it's the right coin but the wrong price, don't be afraid to walk away. With the exception of extremely rare material, you're likely to see one again, especially with internet sales.[/QUOTE]