I've never attended a major coin show before, but this week I'm privileged to have the American Numismatic Association's National Money Show a mere thirty miles from my house.
Frankly, I'm scared.
I have a 14-year old daughter. I've watched her walk into a clothing store. Her eyes get wide, and she almost loses control. Her head is on a swivel as she scans the store, not really focused on anything in particular and reveling in the entire shopping experience. She moves impulsively from rack to rack in a state of excitement which approaches agitation. When she leaves the store she can't tell you much about its inventory as a whole, but she knows that she liked (or hated) the store and the clothing she saw. She carries one or more items in her hands that she got at a good price, but will probably not be nearly as excited about in a week as she is as she exits the store.
I'm afraid that I'll be that way with the National Money Show in Fort Worth. I'm excited, and that makes me afraid that I'm going to waste the experience.
So, I'm trying to prepare myself for the show.
Priorities are being set. Research into grades and pricing is being performed. A strict budget is being put into place. A strategy is being developed.
As of right now, keys to that strategy include:
1. Don't miss the show itself. Frankly, part of going to Fort Worth is taking in the spectacle of hundreds of coins in one place. It's being around hundreds of people with similar interests, and with a great deal of knowledge about coins and collecting. It's about becoming more enthusiastic about a great hobby.
2. Choose one or two types of coins and become much more familiar with them before walking in the door. The show is only three days long. I don't know that I'll be able to attend all three days, so I need to be sure that I am focusing primarily on specific interests for a good portion of the time. Research ahead of time makes it more likely that I will see and appreciate more, that I will be aware of current trends, and that I will actually walk away better informed than I entered the show because I'll be able to talk knowledgeably with experts. Flying Eagles, Indian Head Cents, and Lincoln Cents will probably be my focus...but I'm always looking for nice Peace Dollars and Walking Liberty Half Dollars as well. If I focus on much more than these, I will probably be extraordinarily unproductive.
3. Have the Tools I Need in Hand. My 5x magnifier and 16x loupe are already on the nightstand where I keep my glasses. I have chosen a couple reference books to accompany me. I have a portfolio in which I can notes made both before and during the show, can carry purchases that I make, and can place business cards that I may pick up. Information, tools, and security are essential for a good show experience.
4. Be Ready to Establish Relationships. Clubs, dealers, and individuals are all of value to me. I need a way to initiate contact with them, or let them make contact with me. I've printed some "business cards" (really just a card with name and e-mail address) to leave with people for that purpose. I'm not a professional numismatist or a dealer, but having some sort of contact method can be extremely helpful.
5. Use Time Wisely. Seminars are great, but they are not the whole reason I'm going. Dealers are wonderful, but they are not the whole reason I'm going. The fellowship of like-minded individuals is great, but again...not the whole reason for traveling to Fort Worth. I've printed out the schedule of events and have identified things that I want to go to. Setting priorities for time use is necessary.
6. Be Happy About What Happens. My wife tells me that I can dwell on missing an opportunity for weeks rather than focusing on the good things that happen. She is probably right. When the show is over, I want to carry the wonderful memories that I an going to develop with me, rather than saying, "If only I'd gone to one more seminar," or "I should have talked with him or her," or even, "If I'd only offered a little more (or less) for that coin and negotiated a little harder..." Expecting to have a good time and then focusing on the positive is REALLY important. It's what makes a hobby fun.
So, those are my thoughts several days before the show. I'll let you know what happens during the show. And I'll let you know what I thought about the show after everything is over...and maybe have some coin images to share!
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