Little Bits n’ Pieces Antiques, Collectibles, Art & Handmade Goods

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Little Bits n’ Pieces Antiques, Collectibles, Art & Handmade Goods in Quincy, IL. 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

   No magnets, acids, or scratch tests on the pad

   The shop has the tools if a test is needed. Do not perform experiments on the glass. You can damage the coin and the counter. If you think something is fake, say why and let them look.

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

   Saturday morning is often the busy window

   That is when collections walk in and regulars stop by. Fine if you like energy. Less fine if you want a long, quiet look at an estate. Midweek late morning is often easier. If you need time, ask when they are slower.

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.