Brian Andrew & Associates

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Brian Andrew & Associates in Chicago, IL. 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

   Check hours before you drive

   Listings show hours when the shop has shared them. They still change for lunch, shows, and appointments. If you are coming from across town, call or look at the hours on this page. A two-minute check beats a locked door.

2. 02

   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.

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

   If you are getting another offer, say so up front

   On a large lot it is fair to hear more than one shop. Tell them. A good dealer would rather know than spend an hour and find out you were only using them for a number. Do not treat a courtesy look as free inventory research for the next counter the same afternoon.

5. 05

   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.