Black Mountain Coins

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Black Mountain Coins in Black Mountain, NC. These rotate daily. They are general collector etiquette from CDXList — not this shop’s house rules. When something is unclear, ask the person at the counter.

1. 01

   Bring the holders, papers, and boxes they came in

   Original packaging, certificates, and grading-company holders matter. Do not dump everything into a bag to “make it easier.” The dealer would rather see it the way it has been kept. Leave coins in PCGS, NGC, or ANACS holders.

2. 02

   Ask how this shop likes to pay and get paid

   Cash, debit, credit, check, and wire are not universal. Some counters are cash-friendly on bullion. Some run cards every day. Some write a check on a larger buy. Ask before you assume. Have a backup so a good deal does not stall over the last step.

3. 03

   Say thank you even if you do not deal

   Looking is part of the hobby. Buying or selling is not required. If they spent time with you, say thanks and mean it. A short good visit is how regulars are made. A review later, if you had a fair experience, helps the shop more than a vague promise to “come back sometime.”

4. 04

   What happens at the counter is private

   Do not repeat another customer’s name, address, or what they sold. Do not film the register. Shops are small towns. Discretion is part of being a decent visitor. It is also how you get treated like one.

5. 05

   Bullion and collector coins are different conversations

   Melt moves with the market. A key date does not. Say what you think you have, then let them look. Mixing “it’s old so it must be rare” with a junk-silver bag slows everyone down. Sort in your mind: weight versus date.