Levant Gold & Silver

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Levant Gold & Silver in San Bernardino, CA. 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

   Kids are welcome when they stay with you

   Most shops like young collectors. Keep children next to you, not behind the counter or in the cases. Hands off other people’s coins. A short visit with one or two questions beats a long visit where the dealer is watching the room instead of helping you.

2. 02

   Call ahead with a large collection or an estate

   A suitcase is not a walk-in impulse. Tell them roughly what you have and when you can come. They may want a second set of hands or a block of time. That is how you get a fair look instead of a glance between other customers.

3. 03

   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.

4. 04

   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.

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.