All About Coins

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into All About Coins in South Salt Lake City, UT. 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

   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

   Buying a specific date? Call first.

   Shops cannot stock every date and mint. A one-minute call — or a want list — saves a trip. If they have it, they can pull it. If they do not, they can watch for it. Walking in cold for one coin is a hope, not a plan.

4. 04

   You do not have to announce what you paid

   “I have three thousand in this” is not a grade or a melt value. It puts the dealer on defense and does not change what the coin is. Tell them what it is, where it came from if that matters, and what you want to do. Let the piece speak, then talk numbers.

5. 05

   Follow the house rules without a debate

   Bags on the floor, backpacks zipped, one person at the glass — shops set these for a reason. Argue about it and the visit is already off. If a rule is unclear, ask. If it is clear, do it.