Twin City Gold

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Twin City Gold in Biddeford, ME. 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

   Large cash deals may require identification

   That is federal law on certain cash amounts, not the shop being nosy. Bring a government ID if you plan to move a lot of cash either direction. A dealer who asks for ID on a large deal is doing the job the right way.

2. 02

   Know roughly what you brought

   You do not need to be an expert. A simple list — silver dollars, a few proofs, a bag of wheat cents — helps. “I have no idea, you tell me” on a mixed box is fine once. It is harder when the box is huge and you cannot say what you want out of the visit.

3. 03

   Stay with your coins

   Do not leave a box on the counter and wander the cases. Do not ask the dealer to watch your bag while you go to the car. Your lot stays in front of you until the deal is done or you pack up. That is how both sides stay comfortable.

4. 04

   Do not make a deal with another customer at the counter

   If you overhear what someone is selling, that is not an invitation. Do not offer to buy their coins, do not quote a price over their shoulder, and do not ask the shop to “introduce you.” The counter is the shop’s workplace. Side deals in the aisle put the dealer in an ugly spot and make other customers uncomfortable.

5. 05

   Call ahead with a large collection or an estate

   A suitcase is not a walk-in impulse. Tell them roughly what you have and when you can come. They may want a second set of hands or a block of time. That is how you get a fair look instead of a glance between other customers.