Buffalo Coin Exchange

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Buffalo Coin Exchange in Buffalo, 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

   Never step behind the counter

   That side of the glass is staff only — even if you “just want to show them something in better light.” Hand the coins across. Wait to be invited if they have a viewing area. Crossing the rail uninvited is how visits end early.

2. 02

   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.

3. 03

   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.

4. 04

   Know roughly what you brought

   You do not need to be an expert. A simple list — silver dollars, a few proofs, a bag of wheat cents — helps. “I have no idea, you tell me” on a mixed box is fine once. It is harder when the box is huge and you cannot say what you want out of the visit.

5. 05

   Saturday morning is often the busy window

   That is when collections walk in and regulars stop by. Fine if you like energy. Less fine if you want a long, quiet look at an estate. Midweek late morning is often easier. If you need time, ask when they are slower.