My tip is to meet at some sort of table and set up a camera to monitor the transaction.
For extra security, have the camera recording to some sort of remote server.
If you intend to record video or audio then as a professional courtesy you should disclose that in advance. Many trading for cash are doing so with the preference for privacy and you recording that transaction conflicts with that.
Additionally, there are unintended consequences. Your camera setup will draw attention from bystanders and thus increase the risk of a potential robber seeing a wad of cash change hands -- something that might trigger that person's split-second decision to relieve you of that cash.
If you are trading a larger amount of funds it makes sense that you might want to use some of the same tools that would be employed by any financial organization dealing with similar amounts. For instance, to confirm the cash contains no counterfeits involves having adequate lighting and the liberty to raise each bill to the light to inspect the security features. For a small amount that can be done inconspicuously even in a coffee shop, but try doing that from a sample of fifty bills and you'll stick out like a sore thumb. I don't know the threshold but trading a couple hundred dollars worth of coins is going to be a night and day difference from a trade involving a thousand dollars or more.
Remember too the saying that you don't bring a knife to a gunfight. If you are thinking a camera will protect you from physical harm, you might be projecting too much significance with that mode of defense.
Fair points. Bringing your own camera may not be necessary if you're meeting at a place with plenty of security. Places like malls have security cameras so you don't have to bring your own.
And I agree with Stephen: if you do decide to bring your own camera, make sure to okay it with the other trader before you set everything up to record. Certain jurisdictions may have privacy laws that could open you up to legal trouble, and you wouldn't want to provoke an argument with someone who values his privacy. However, I could see the mention of bringing a camera being a preventive method: like I mentioned about the public locations, a camera may cause a mugger to change his mind about the deal, preventing the crime before it happens. I wouldn't rely on it as a deterrent though.
To Stephen: like I said in my original post, it would probably be easier to buy a marker that can detect false bills to bring with you. Less conspicuous than lifting large volumes of currency up to the lights and squinting at them.