Tip Jar... What Would You Do?

Actually, if no one was looking id leave a roosie dime and take the coin. or Maybe a quarter depending on what I had. It's not stealing. If the person was there I would say thats a cool looking coin. Then I'd ask for a even exchange. Unless the person knew what it was worth, then i'd offer up to 1.50 or half of what it was probably worth. Business is business. Every business buys low and sells something higher. Granted coin collecting is a fun hobby. We live in a capitalist world.

eh, if you're caught on camera making an even exchange, no foul. Whatcha gonna do

The even exchange may prevent you from being prosecuted after going over the tape if youre lucky enough for the tap to clearly show thats all that was in your hand (they dont have vegas type cameras), but they certainly arent going to be happy about it

Sorry smokeriderdon, you are correct. In my example it was an even exchange of property that I owned and property that I didn't own. In the OP it was an unequal exchange of property that the OP didn't own and property that he did own. Either way it was morally questionable at best in my not so humble opinion. Lack of knowledge or care of an items value does not change its value and when there is no meeting of the minds on the exchange it can not be viewed as a "fair" trade. Had the clerk been offered an even exchange and accepted then you are in the clear as the owner of the Mercury dime was given the opportunity to accept the offer.

At the end of the day it doesn't really matter. There was no real harm done and it isn't likely that anyone knows or would care. I just don't think you can really justify anything that was done as being the right way to handle the situation. To each their own, I know I have enough of my own problems to worry about than to spend too much time debating this.

What if the waitress was totally hyped about the merc in her tip jar and turns around to see that someone's taken it ?

I can't believe you felt the need to continue reading such a useless thread and then posting on it. LOL

I read it because I find it funny how you all can dwell on this for so long.

I think it's a good debate. Anyone in business knows that people debate everything. For example, I put a return policy on my Craigslist coins I sell and other merchandise so people don't just show up and want their money back. Not the same thing here but we're trying to figure out the best way to avoid getting in trouble for getting this Mercury dime. Everyone's thoughts are different and matter.