2005 JCNS Coin Show: Lenexa, KS.

By Tim Oestreich | Tue, 10 Jul 2007

        I got some good deals, and this time I wasn't shy about pointing out flaws in coins, regardless of the mark on the flip - posed as polite questions, of course.  Lesson there:  Be polite, but don't be shy.  I think, if you point out flaws too aggressive, the dealer will feel put off, and not want to do business with you.  On the other hand, if you don't say anything, you will end up spending more than you needed to.  Besides, it shows experience, which is important, as well.  I got a few coins marked down significantly this way, and some of those I still passed on. 

        With a show this size, I think I was very fortunate to find a coin dealer who handled Spanish Colonial pillar coinage.  I didn't expect it, but I was able to find three pieces that fit right into my collection.

        So this time, I took an actual list of what I was looking for, and approximate prices I was willing to pay.  The idea was to keep myself on track, and either it worked, or I am getting a little more disciplined, because I didn't buy anything I later wished I had left on the table.  All told, I think I spent 5 hours at the show, and not one purchase was made without a reasonably careful inspection.  I ended up trading some coins, and spending a little cash.  I probably could have done better on the trade-ins, but I got pretty close to what I left the house expecting to get for them.

        Next month is the annual Topeka coin show.  It's about half the size, with somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 to 40 tables.  Last year, I attended this show as well, but didn't find a whole lot that I was looking for.