James Jackson Coins

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into James Jackson Coins in New Philadelphia, OH. 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

   “Best I can do” is a sentence, not an insult

   They have to sell it, hold it, and stay in business. You can say no. You can ask if they can do better on part of the lot. You should not treat a firm number as a personal slight. A calm “I need to think about that” is enough.

2. 02

   Follow the house rules without a debate

   Bags on the floor, backpacks zipped, one person at the glass — shops set these for a reason. Argue about it and the visit is already off. If a rule is unclear, ask. If it is clear, do it.

3. 03

   Decide if you are selling all of it or part of it

   “I need this gone” and “I only want to sell the silver” lead to different offers. Decide before you sit down. Changing the goal halfway through wastes their time and yours. It is fine to keep a piece that is sentimental. Say which one.

4. 04

   A hold is a promise. Mean it.

   If they hold a coin for you, ask how long and how you pay. Come back or call. Do not park the same piece at two shops. Dealers remember the customer who used a hold as a free option. They also remember the one who did what they said.

5. 05

   Give the counter some room

   Lean on the glass, hover over an open box, or park six relatives at the rail and nobody can work. Leave space for the dealer to move trays, use a loop, and talk privately. Extra people can wait in the shop or the car unless they are needed to decide.