H H Pawn

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into H H Pawn in Owingsville, KY. 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

   Do not walk in at closing with a suitcase

   Five minutes to close is time to pick up a hold, not to dump an estate. Large lots take time to weigh, look up, and talk through. Call earlier in the day and ask when they can give you a proper look. A shop that is locking the door still has to balance the register and get home.

2. 02

   Cash is still common. That is normal.

   Coin and bullion shops have worked in cash for a long time. It is not shady by itself. Count together at the counter. Do not count a stack in the parking lot with the door open. If you are uncomfortable carrying cash, say so and ask what else they can do.

3. 03

   A written inventory helps on an estate

   Even a notebook list is better than a surprise pile. Heirs who write down what they think they have get a cleaner visit. If you are the executor, bring that fact and any papers. The shop can work faster when they are not inventing the catalog with you.

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

   Bullion and collector coins are different conversations

   Melt moves with the market. A key date does not. Say what you think you have, then let them look. Mixing “it’s old so it must be rare” with a junk-silver bag slows everyone down. Sort in your mind: weight versus date.