Reliance Numismatic Services

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Reliance Numismatic Services in Oshkosh, WI. 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

   Do not assume every shop takes a credit card

   Many do. Some do not. Some take cards on retail and prefer another method when they are buying from you. None of that is a trick. Ask, “Do you take cards?” before you empty your wallet. If they say no, that is an answer, not a negotiation.

3. 03

   A real look takes more than thirty seconds

   Dates, mint marks, damage, weight, and whether something is collectible or melt all take time. Do not rush a careful dealer. Do not dump two hundred coins and ask for a number while you check email. Stay with the lot. Answer questions.

4. 04

   Do not crack a graded holder in the shop

   PCGS, NGC, ANACS, and CAC holders are part of the product. Opening one at the counter to “see it better” can wreck the value. If you want it out, that is a decision you make at home, not a demonstration.

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.