David Hogeland Rare Coins

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into David Hogeland Rare Coins in Alma, NE. 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

   This is a working shop, not a museum desk

   They will talk coins. They will not give a free seminar on forty pieces while a line forms. Pick your best questions. Buy a book if you want to learn the series. A dealer who teaches a little is being generous with the clock.

2. 02

   Large cash deals may require identification

   That is federal law on certain cash amounts, not the shop being nosy. Bring a government ID if you plan to move a lot of cash either direction. A dealer who asks for ID on a large deal is doing the job the right way.

3. 03

   Bring identification on a larger visit

   A license in the car does not help at the counter. If you might sell, buy something expensive, or move cash, bring ID in with you. It speeds things up and avoids an awkward pause after you already agreed.

4. 04

   Online asking prices are not what a shop pays

   A listing, a completed auction before fees, and a dealer buy price are three different numbers. Screenshots of asks are not a bid. Bring the coins. Let them look. Then talk. You will get further than arguing from a tab on your phone.

5. 05

   What happens at the counter is private

   Do not repeat another customer’s name, address, or what they sold. Do not film the register. Shops are small towns. Discretion is part of being a decent visitor. It is also how you get treated like one.