Tuttis Antiques and Collectibles.

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Tuttis Antiques and Collectibles. in Mount Sterling, KY. 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

   Keep paper money flat and in sleeves if you have them

   Do not fold old notes to “fit the envelope.” Do not rubber-band a stack of large-size bills. Do not tape tears. Bring them as they are. Currency people would rather see an honest wrinkle than a new crease you added in the car.

2. 02

   Do not walk in at closing with a suitcase

   Five minutes to close is time to pick up a hold, not to dump an estate. Large lots take time to weigh, look up, and talk through. Call earlier in the day and ask when they can give you a proper look. A shop that is locking the door still has to balance the register and get home.

3. 03

   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.

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

   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.