DAVE WNUCK NUMISMATICS LLC

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into DAVE WNUCK NUMISMATICS LLC in WALLINGFORD, CT. 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

   Tell them if a coin is damaged, cleaned, or already graded

   Hiding a problem wastes time and trust. “This one was cleaned” or “this already came back from PCGS” is useful. Dealers would rather adjust than feel tricked. Honesty on the small things makes the rest of the visit easier.

2. 02

   “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.

3. 03

   Ask before you photograph coins or people

   A picture of a piece in the case is often fine. A picture of another customer, an open buy, or the register is not. Ask first. Many shops are happy to let you shoot a coin you are considering. They are not a film set.

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

   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.