Preview Dealer List and Floor Map
30 minutesDownload show dealer directory, highlight specialists in your series, and plan a walking route to avoid backtracking.
Beginner1 day
Coin Show Navigation Guide
Complete guide for coin show navigation — step-by-step workflow, tools, checklist, and expert tips to get started.
show attendeesnew buyers
Workflow
Build Want List with Grade and Price Ceilings
45 minutesList target coins with maximum grade and price from Red Book or recent auction realizations — stick to the list.
Inspect, Negotiate, and Authenticate on Floor
3-5 hoursExamine coins at table under dealer lamp, negotiate politely using cash discount leverage, and reject anything below your grade floor.
Log Purchases and Unfilled Want List Items
30 minutesRecord every purchase with dealer name, price, grade estimate, and update want list gaps for future shows.
Tools Used
- NotepadPrimary
Carry a printed want list with grade floors and price ceilings for disciplined floor buying.
- Time Duration CalculatorPrimary
Plan show visit duration and table route to cover specialist dealers before general admission rush ends.
- Percentage CalculatorSupporting
Calculate maximum offer as percentage of catalog or auction comp before negotiating at dealer tables.
- Image CompressorReference
Photograph purchases under show lighting for immediate inventory documentation.
Checklist
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Planning
Preparation
Finance
Equipment
Verification
Documentation
Reference Materials
Show Day KitTable
Essential items for productive coin show attendance.
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10× loupe | Grade inspection | Essential for raw purchases |
| Want list | Discipline | Prevents impulse buys |
| Cash in bands | Negotiation | Many dealers prefer cash discount |
| 2×2 flips | Transport | Separate purchases immediately |
Maximum Offer RuleFormula
Walk-away price = min(want list ceiling, 90% × recent auction comp) unless verified upgrade in grade.
Return Policy CheckStandard
Confirm dealer return window in writing on receipt — floor hype does not replace authentication period.
Early Bird
Best material surfaces in first hour — arrive at door opening for key series.
Walk Away Power
The coin you hesitate on will still exist — overpaying regret lasts longer.
Crowd Distraction
Busy tables increase misgrade risk — inspect under your own loupe, not dealer narrative.
Safety Notes
- Carry cash discreetly — coin shows attract pickpockets in crowded halls.
- Handle coins by edges and over dealer table pads — dropped coins cause rim damage.