You TOTALLY forgot about: 1) lunch and the possibility of food poisoning; 2) flat tires; 3) traffic jams; 4) if flying-- terrorist incidents [see Richard Reid aka: shoe bomber]] 5) upset stomachs, with no handy (clean) bathrooms; and lastly: fallout from nuclear warfare
Sheesh, whatever you do folks: DON'T GO TO COIN SHOWS. [Okay, bkozak: we'll have the place to ourselves.]
My purpose in creating this thread was to recognize exactly what some of my compatriots said in this offering--there are MANY ways to purchase nice coins. Dismissing shows, Brick and Mortar purchases, and other ways of seeing a coin in person prior to buying is silly. Likewise, good coins can be purchased from reputable sources online. Balance is the key, and developing working relationships with the people from which one buys is absolutely what the hobby is all about. As has been said, there are a zillion different MS 64 1884o Morgan dollars--some of which look fantastic, and some that don't. Photographs don't always capture the beauty of a coin, so personal interaction is often a desirable way of getting nice coins in an open and pleasant manner.