Coin Exchange NY

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Coin Exchange NY in Hartsdale, NY. 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

   One extra person is fine. A committee is not.

   A spouse or a sibling who must agree is welcome. A table of relatives debating every coin is not a shop visit. Pick the decision-makers. Leave the rest home or in the car. The dealer can talk to two people. They cannot run a family meeting.

2. 02

   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.

3. 03

   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 Do not offer to buy their coins, do not quote a price over their shoulder, and do not ask the shop to “introduce you.”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.

4. 04

   Ask before you touch anything in the case

   The dealer will hand you a coin or put it on a pad. Do not reach into a tray or slide a slab toward yourself. Handle coins by the edges if they are raw. If you drop something, say so immediately.

5. 05

   Not every coin shop is a pawn shop

   Some do jewelry and scrap. Some do not. Ask if you have gold jewelry, a watch, or diamonds. Do not assume, and do not be put out if coins are what they do. The right shop for coins may send you next door for the rest.