James H Cohen Antique Weapons and Rare Coins

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into James H Cohen Antique Weapons and Rare Coins in New Orleans, LA. 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

   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.

3. 03

   A buy offer is not an appraisal

   An offer is what this shop will pay today. An appraisal is a written opinion, often for insurance or an estate, and it is a different service. If you need a document, say that first. Do not treat a verbal number as a formal appraisal.

4. 04

   Show week can empty the shop — or pack it

   If the dealer is on the road, the store may be closed or on shorter hours. If they just got back, they may be unpacking. Check this listing for upcoming shows and call if your visit is important. It is not personal. The bourse is part of the business.

5. 05

   You do not have to announce what you paid

   “I have three thousand in this” is not a grade or a melt value. It puts the dealer on defense and does not change what the coin is. Tell them what it is, where it came from if that matters, and what you want to do. Let the piece speak, then talk numbers.