I really enjoy going to local coin shows. The coin club I belong to is the only, as far as we can determine, the only coin club in New Mexico. We have two coin shows and two Trade Shows (members only) a year. The latest show is coming up November 4-6. There will be over 100 tables and 50+ dealers plus an ANACS rep. Texas has shows just across the border and of course, if I'm up for a 10 hour drive, Los Vegas has shows going on all the time. I go on Saturday, most shows that open on Friday are used by dealers to set up and do deals with other dealers. If you attend the show on a regular basis the dealers get to know you are more likely to be friendly and be willing to deal with you. Don't buy a coin the first time you see it, the same coin may be available from a dealer down the row at a better price. I tend to walk the entire show before I buy anything. I look at what the different dealers are offering and get an idea of what they are charging. Last show a dealer was charging $850 for a China kilo Panda, one row over another dealer was charging $650 for the same coin. Most dealers are friendly and will answer your questions, I'd rather spend a little more with a Dealer that is willing to talk to me and give me the information I need. One important rule is wait your turn, do not interrupt a dealer that is helping someone else, I tend to wait until there is no one at a dealers table before approaching him/her to ask questions and possibly buy a coin. I bring a copy of Numismatic News monthly coin price list and most dealers will meet or beat the price listed in the guide. I got the best prices from a dealer I had dealt with before, he told me he was closing his shop and clearing out as much as his stock as he could. I spent more than I had planned , but got great deals on coins I had been looking for for some time. Speaking of Numismatic News, they have lists of coin shows, by state, at the end of each issue.
I just read an ad for a gun show this weekend, in the morning paper. They listed some of the items that would be for sale at the show and coins were listed. Sure wouldn't want to get in an argument with someone over a coin at that show!
I went to coin show in Long Beach California last year and its a great place to find your favorite coins, meet the people, to educate yourself and grading your coins.
FYI...there is a small show in Catonsville, MD this Sunday...1010 Frederick Rd, SW Baltimore, just outside the 695 Beltway. Nice people.
Man, some of the advise on here is crazy. Not saying it's not good micro-suggestions but man, just go and have fun and everything will fall into place. The trick, especially for people who have never been and for those with little coin knowledge or little confidence in their abilities, is not to look for coins but to look for dealers you "vibe" or connect with. Chat them up and if you find yourself talking back and forth with a friendly dealer that's where you want to try to buy. Ask questions and let the dealer help and guide you. Find a dealer you'd go have a beer with after a small chat and 9 times out if 10 they'll help and will give you a better deal if they like you. That said, some dealers are total Richards and could care less or are just plain old grumpy. Stay away from those types. I only deal with them if they have something I really want or a killer unattributed vam or killer cherrypick coin.
If you have a local coin shop you can ask them if they know where a show is going to be. They might not be going but they probably keep up on that kind of info
Read up a bit on a few series, know general prices, etc. Then look for some inexpensive examples. Don't buy if you're unsure whether you are paying too much. Get some books of course too
CoinZip is set up so you can search Coin Shows, Coin Dealers and Coin Clubs by Zip Code or by State right from the home page... Its free for everyone to list their information and free for everyone to access the information. Rhode Island is a small state so you may have to expand your search into neighboring states for more results.
