Hialeah Pawn

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Hialeah Pawn in Hialeah, FL. 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

   Tell them if a coin is damaged, cleaned, or already graded

   Hiding a problem wastes time and trust. “This one was cleaned” or “this already came back from PCGS” is useful. Dealers would rather adjust than feel tricked. Honesty on the small things makes the rest of the visit easier.

2. 02

   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.

3. 03

   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.

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

   Be present when it is your turn

   Take the call outside. Pull the earbuds. The dealer is about to look at your coins or pull something you asked for. A face-to-face minute is worth more than a half-distracted twenty. If you need to text a spouse about a number, say so and step aside.