Grand Valley Gold and Silver

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Grand Valley Gold and Silver in Grand Rapids, MI. 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

   Ask if they buy the whole lot or select pieces

   Some shops write one number for the box. Some pull the coins they can use. Neither is wrong. Ask which they do before they start. If you need everything gone today, say that. If you only want to sell the silver, say that too.

2. 02

   Check hours before you drive

   Listings show hours when the shop has shared them. They still change for lunch, shows, and appointments. If you are coming from across town, call or look at the hours on this page. A two-minute check beats a locked door.

3. 03

   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.

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

   Wait your turn at the counter

   A coin shop is not a buffet line. The person already at the glass is in a private conversation. Stand back, keep your box closed, and wait to be invited forward. Jumping in with “real quick” questions while someone is selling a collection is the fastest way to start a visit on the wrong foot.