REDS Antiques, Flea Market, and Collectibles

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into REDS Antiques, Flea Market, and Collectibles in Farmington, MO. 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

   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.

2. 02

   Shopping an offer is etiquette when you are honest

   “I want to hear one more shop, then I will decide” is adult. “I already promised it to you” when you have not is not. If you come back, say what changed. Dealers respect a straight process. They do not respect being used as a foil.

3. 03

   If there is a card or check policy, they will tell you

   Do not guess at percentages. Do not argue from what another shop does. Ask what this shop does, listen, and decide. Policies differ for a reason. The honest move is a straight question, not a speech about “what everyone else charges.”

4. 04

   If you feel rushed, you can pause

   You are allowed to say you need a minute. You are allowed to pack up and think. You are not required to decide while someone is waiting behind you — step aside and let them go. A good shop would rather you be sure than sorry.

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.