Sullivan Numismatics

Collector notes

Visiting a coin shop

A few notes before you walk into Sullivan Numismatics in Land O Lakes, FL. 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

   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.”

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

   Say thank you even if you do not deal

   Looking is part of the hobby. Buying or selling is not required. If they spent time with you, say thanks and mean it. A short good visit is how regulars are made. A review later, if you had a fair experience, helps the shop more than a vague promise to “come back sometime.”

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

   Follow the house rules without a debate

   Bags on the floor, backpacks zipped, one person at the glass — shops set these for a reason. Argue about it and the visit is already off. If a rule is unclear, ask. If it is clear, do it.