Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy Went to the Long Beach Show Wednesday Without Getting Ripped Off

Historical Significance

The Long Beach Expo, recently revitalized under new ownership, represents a golden opportunity for collectors to acquire rare and valuable coins in person. This show, which has historically been one of the premier coin events on the West Coast, offers access to dealers and inventory that might otherwise require extensive travel or online transactions. Understanding the historical context of this marketplace helps collectors appreciate why strategic buying at such events can yield exceptional finds.

Where to Buy: Navigating the Show Floor

The revamped Long Beach Show offers multiple purchasing avenues, each with distinct advantages. Pierre Fricke from Texas emerged as a standout vendor, offering Large Cents in various formats including jars priced at $10, $20, and $25, alongside slabbed and 2×2 housed specimens. This tiered pricing strategy allows collectors to find dates like the 1847 Large Cent (potentially grading VF 30) at accessible price points.

For those seeking higher-grade material, numerous dealers offered Indian Head Cents in RD (Red) and RB (Red-Brown) in uncirculated conditions. Morgan Dollars and Walking Liberty Half Dollars in MS65 were widely available, with some specimens receiving third-party authentication stickers while others remained raw. The show also featured increased representation of Mexican coins and older U.S. currency compared to previous years.

Key Buying Locations at the Show

• Stack’s Bowers tables – largest presence with on-site auction capabilities
• Pierre Fricke’s booth – exceptional value on Large Cents across grade and price ranges
• Heritage tables – established presence with quality inventory
• Various dealers offering 19th and early 20th century U.S. gold
• Currency specialists like Carl Bombara with expertise in Federal Reserve notes

Red Flags: What to Watch For

Several warning signs emerged from attendee reports that collectors should note. The show featured a noticeably reduced vendor roster, with notable absences including Legend and Todd’s coin photography services. This smaller footprint means less competition and potentially fewer opportunities to comparison shop.

Logistical issues were reported, including initial entry delays despite prepaid admission options. While these seem to have been resolved quickly, they indicate potential organizational challenges under new management. The absence of a printed dealer/exhibitor list upon entry and lack of coin supply vendors also suggests a less comprehensive show experience than in previous years.

For raw coins, pay particular attention to cleaning, tooling, and other alterations. The presence of both stickered and non-stickered coins in similar grades suggests varying quality standards among dealers. When examining silver pre-1965 material for sale, verify authenticity and weight, as these items were actively traded at the show.

Negotiating Tips: Getting the Best Deal

The market dynamics at Long Beach appeared mixed, with wholesale business remaining reasonable while retail purchasing in the $1,000-$10,000 range was reportedly slower than normal. This pricing gap creates negotiation opportunities for serious buyers.

Wednesday’s attendance was described as “crazy busy” with “lots of action all day,” suggesting that early-week visits might offer better selection before weekend crowds deplete inventory. However, the slower retail market indicates dealers may be more motivated to negotiate, particularly on higher-priced items.

When negotiating, leverage the ability to comparison shop across multiple dealers. The show featured various price points for similar material – for instance, Large Cents available in jars at $10-25 alongside slabbed specimens at premium prices. Use this range to negotiate effectively, pointing out comparable raw specimens when considering certified coins.

Effective Negotiation Strategies

• Visit multiple dealers offering similar items before making purchases
• Ask about bulk discounts when purchasing multiple coins
• Point out comparable raw specimens when considering certified coins
• Be prepared to walk away – dealers know serious collectors will comparison shop
• Consider timing – end-of-show hours may yield better deals as dealers prefer not to transport inventory

Raw vs. Slabbed: Making the Right Choice

The Long Beach Show presented a fascinating case study in the raw versus slabbed debate. Dealers offered coins across the spectrum – from jarred raw Large Cents at accessible prices to certified specimens with varying levels of authentication.

For budget-conscious collectors, the raw market offers exceptional value. The $25 jar containing potentially VF30 1847 Large Cents represents opportunities to acquire dates that might cost significantly more in certified holders. However, this approach requires knowledge to accurately grade and authenticate coins independently.

The slabbed market at the show catered to collectors seeking assurance and liquidity. MS65 Morgan Dollars and Walking Liberty Half Dollars were available both certified and raw, with certification stickers adding varying premiums depending on the dealer. For investment-grade material or coins where precise grading significantly impacts value, third-party authentication provides important protection.

Consider your collecting goals when choosing between formats. Type collectors might prefer certified examples for their albums, while date collectors assembling sets might find better value in carefully selected raw specimens from reputable dealers like Pierre Fricke.

Market Analysis and Future Outlook

The “slimmed down” nature of the current show, while limiting in some respects, may actually benefit serious collectors. With fewer vendors but maintained quality, the signal-to-noise ratio improves for finding genuine deals. The increased presence of Mexican coins and U.S. currency suggests evolving market interests that collectors should note.

Pre-1965 silver trading remained active, with prices varying between buyers – a reminder to always check multiple sources when selling precious metal content. The busy PCGS submission line contrasted with less crowded NGC and ANACS tables, potentially indicating collector preferences for particular authentication services.

Looking forward, the show’s “growing and fruitful” future suggests expanding opportunities. The September follow-up event will likely feature more vendors as word spreads about the show’s revival. Collectors should monitor these developments while taking advantage of the current market conditions.

Conclusion

The revitalized Long Beach Show offers collectors a unique opportunity to acquire coins across all price ranges and conditions. From $10 Large Cents in jars to high-grade certified silver dollars, the show caters to diverse collecting interests. By understanding where to buy, recognizing potential red flags, mastering negotiation techniques, and making informed choices between raw and slabbed coins, collectors can maximize their success at this evolving marketplace. The show’s future appears promising, making it worth regular attendance for serious collectors seeking both value and community connection.

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