Decoding the Strategic Impact: What PAN Show Purchases Reveal About Modern Collecting Trends
October 21, 2025I Tested Every PAN Show Strategy: A Collector’s Data-Driven Comparison of What Actually Works
October 21, 2025
Welcome to coin collecting! If you’re planning your first trip to the big PAN Coin Show, don’t worry – we’ll walk you through exactly how to find great coins without feeling overwhelmed. As North America’s largest numismatic event, Pittsburgh’s PAN show can seem intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll be browsing like a pro.
First-Time at PAN? Start Here
The Nuts and Bolts of the Show
Think of PAN as a bustling coin city with three main groups:
- Collectors: From brand-new buyers to serious experts
- Dealers: Everyone from single-table specialists to big companies
- Helpers: Grading services and collecting clubs ready to assist you
Here’s what surprised me on my first visit: many dealers trade coins with each other before the show opens to the public. But don’t stress – plenty of amazing coins stay available for us regular collectors!
When to Visit for Best Results
PAN happens twice a year, and each season brings different opportunities:
- May Show: Great for finding newly available collections
- October Show: Perfect for deals as dealers clear inventory
One dealer told me something I always remember:
“October’s my favorite time for new collectors – more dealers are willing to negotiate before year-end.”
Your PAN Survival Kit
Prep Work That Pays Off
Your success starts before you leave home:
- Dealer Homework: Pick 5-10 dealers who specialize in coins you like
- Price Limits: Know your max budget for each coin using free online guides
- Grading Budget: Set aside $30-$50 per coin if you want professional authentication
My favorite trick: Email dealers a week before about specific coins. Many will bring them just for you!
What’s in Your Bag?
Pack these essentials:
- A 10x magnifier (they’re cheap online)
- A small LED flashlight (phone lights work in a pinch)
- Your priority list – I use a simple notebook
- Basic contact cards for following up
Leave flashy jewelry at home – you’ll be handling enough shiny coins already!
Smart Buying Strategies for New Collectors
The 70/20/10 Budget Rule
Try this simple spending plan:
- 70% Safe Bets: Coins you really want in good condition
- 20% Growth Picks: Coins that might increase in value
- 10% Fun Money: Interesting pieces that catch your eye
Let’s break it down: If you have $1,000:
$700 on a nice Morgan dollar (reliable value)
$200 on Buffalo nickels (potential risers)
$100 on cool foreign coins (pure enjoyment)
When to Buy at the Show
Timing affects prices more than you’d think:
- Setup Day (Thursday): Rare finds if you have early access
- First Public Day (Friday): Best selection but firm prices
- Closing Time Sunday: Negotiation goldmine – dealers don’t want to pack everything!
PAN Myths Debunked
“All the good coins sell before public hours”
Not true! Dealers save showcase pieces to attract collectors. Last spring, I bought a beautiful Mercury dime right at a dealer’s table during public hours.
“Show prices always beat online”
Check prices before you go using:
- Free certification lookup tools
- Auction results from the past month
- Online dealer price lists
Common coins might cost 10% more here – but you get to examine them in person!
“You need big money to play”
Absolutely false! Look for:
- $5-$20 bargain bins
- Affordable type coins under $100
- Dealers specializing in beginner collections
Last year’s show had an entire section just for collectors starting with small budgets.
After the Show: Do This Now
Right When You Get Home
- Take photos of all coins with certificates
- Record purchases in a simple spreadsheet
- Email dealers for receipts if you didn’t get them
My tracking method:
Date Bought | Coin Description | Grade | Cert Number | Price Paid
Growing Your Collector Network
The real magic happens after your first show. Since my initial PAN visit, I now get:
- Private lists of new coins before shows
- First dibs on coins in my collection focus
- Flexible payment options from trusted dealers
Ready for Your Coin Adventure?
Remember these three keys to PAN success:
- Knowledge beats impulse buys every time
- Good relationships mean better access
- Patience often gets you the best deals
You’ll go from nervous newbie to confident collector faster than you think. I still get excited before every show – maybe we’ll bump into each other at a dealer’s table this October!
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