Liberty Coin Service

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Liberty Coin Service in Lansing, MI. 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

   You do not have to announce what you paid

   “I have three thousand in this” is not a grade or a melt value. It puts the dealer on defense and does not change what the coin is. Tell them what it is, where it came from if that matters, and what you want to do. Let the piece speak, then talk numbers.

2. 02

   No magnets, acids, or scratch tests on the pad

   The shop has the tools if a test is needed. Do not perform experiments on the glass. You can damage the coin and the counter. If you think something is fake, say why and let them look.

3. 03

   If you are getting another offer, say so up front

   On a large lot it is fair to hear more than one shop. Tell them. A good dealer would rather know than spend an hour and find out you were only using them for a number. Do not treat a courtesy look as free inventory research for the next counter the same afternoon.

4. 04

   When metals jump, the shop gets busier

   A sharp day in gold or silver fills the parking lot. Offers take longer. Lines get real. If you can wait a quieter day, you will get a better conversation. If you cannot, bring patience and a simple list of what you have.

5. 05

   A written inventory helps on an estate

   Even a notebook list is better than a surprise pile. Heirs who write down what they think they have get a cleaner visit. If you are the executor, bring that fact and any papers. The shop can work faster when they are not inventing the catalog with you.