Nevada City Mint

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Nevada City Mint in Grass Valley, 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

   Keep paper money flat and in sleeves if you have them

   Do not fold old notes to “fit the envelope.” Do not rubber-band a stack of large-size bills. Do not tape tears. Bring them as they are. Currency people would rather see an honest wrinkle than a new crease you added in the car.

2. 02

   Decide if you are selling all of it or part of it

   “I need this gone” and “I only want to sell the silver” lead to different offers. Decide before you sit down. Changing the goal halfway through wastes their time and yours. It is fine to keep a piece that is sentimental. Say which one.

3. 03

   Large cash deals may require identification

   That is federal law on certain cash amounts, not the shop being nosy. Bring a government ID if you plan to move a lot of cash either direction. A dealer who asks for ID on a large deal is doing the job the right way.

4. 04

   Cameras and a locked door are normal

   Buzz-in doors, counters, and cameras protect the shop and the people in it. They are not aimed at you personally. Follow the house rules. If you are asked to wait to be let in, wait. That is a well-run store, not a cold shoulder.

5. 05

   If you are getting another offer, say so up front

   On a large lot it is fair to hear more than one shop. Tell them. A good dealer would rather know than spend an hour and find out you were only using them for a number. Do not treat a courtesy look as free inventory research for the next counter the same afternoon.