Fosters Coin and Stamp Co

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Fosters Coin and Stamp Co in Berkeley, CA. 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 identification on a larger visit

   A license in the car does not help at the counter. If you might sell, buy something expensive, or move cash, bring ID in with you. It speeds things up and avoids an awkward pause after you already agreed.

2. 02

   Count money together, then put it away

   Whether you are paying or getting paid, count at the counter where both of you can see. Then put it away. That protects you and the shop. If something is off, it is much easier to fix before anyone has left the glass.

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

   This is a working shop, not a museum desk

   They will talk coins. They will not give a free seminar on forty pieces while a line forms. Pick your best questions. Buy a book if you want to learn the series. A dealer who teaches a little is being generous with the clock.

5. 05

   Lunch and after-work can stack the counter

   Local shops get a rush when people are off the clock. If you have a box, those windows are the wrong time to expect a leisurely offer. Call and ask when they can sit with it. Most dealers would rather schedule you than rush you.