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Replies: 9 / Views: 496 |
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New Member
United States
1 Posts |
Poll Question
Hi All, By way of introductions, I am larryc and I hail from Northern California, formally known as the "Green Triangle" for um, the crops frequently found here, but now we are best known as "Wine Country". I recently returned to coin collecting after having dropped the hobby some 20 years ago. My approach is different now days, and since I am basically starting from scratch I took to going to the bank, requesting a box of pennies, taking said box home and sifting for the jewels within. This worked out well, initially, the joy of coin collecting has returned. But after the first box was completed I returned to the bank to request another box, and this is when my troubles began. My goal here is to inquire how you pro's out there would handle my situation, and any suggestions you might have to make the joy of collecting return. Upon returning the first box of pennies, the bank took an immediate dislike to me, they seek to discourage coin collecting. The next box of coins was all 2023 rolls, all NEW coins, not what I wanted. their explanation as it stands right now is that this is all they can get - new coins only. I went to other branches and they had plenty of mixed boxes. After sorting I would return them to my branch. They became curious, "where is larryc getting his pennies?" I am convinced that they put out the word to all the other branches "When the bald guy comes in looking for a box of pennies be sure to give him a box of new coins only". Because over night that is just what happened when I go to any branch in the county. (Yet my friend was able to go in and get a regular box of pennies). So I am convinced that my branch has black balled me. I cant get a decent box of pennies at any branch of the Bank of America, in this county, maybe the whole state. Questions: What am I to do about this? Change banks? Stop collecting?
I have been told that some banks think that there is still a coin shortage right now and coin collectors make the situation worse. True? Are we evil?
What to do, what to do.
What are your thoughts?
And my sincere thanks for listening. larryc_tms
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Moderator

United States
16661 Posts |
rggoodie aka Richard "catch em doing something right"
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Pillar of the Community

United States
6009 Posts |
Welcome to the Forum. You've come to a phenomenal place to share and learn.
Check out my counterstamped Lincoln Cent collection: http://goccf.com/t/303507
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11988 Posts |
We get these observations and questions on the forum every few months. First, always strive to never return coins to the branch where you get them. If possible, it's a sound idea to open an account at a different bank altogether--this increases your pickup and dump options. Always build positive relationships with branch tellers--and managers too when opportunities permit. Always be courteous and grateful. If you can only get a few rolls at a time--or perhaps nothing on a particular visit--leave with a smile and thank the teller.
I've been roll searching for many decades. I source three major banks and their branches. I've never had an issue when my requests (not demands) are reasonable. I'm not an industrial-grade searcher, wanting multiple boxes at a time. I keep it reasonable and pleasant--once in a while a box, but mostly a handful of rolls here and there per visit. I've built great relationships with tellers--a few have even gone out of their way to watch for interesting stuff and hold it for me--without my asking.
I'm sure others will be along and share their experiences.
Edited by ijn1944 03/31/2023 07:54 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
517 Posts |
I do the same thing with boxes of quarters at my bank and have no problems. It is a small branch bank with only two open teller windows (out of three) at a time. I have been cordial with the tellers and bring them doughnuts from time to time - mostly around holidays.
Since I swap out searched boxes for "new" boxes, it does not contribute to any coin shortages in any significant way.
I am extremely careful to always triple-check my coin counting so that I never miscount the coins I return. The clerks know this and never have to recount my return boxes - all they do is fetch me a box from the vault and return my box (with my initials on it) to the vault.
I am sure that it also helps that I have a substantial amount of money deposited in my bank in checking, money markets, savings and CD accounts.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11988 Posts |
Forgot to mention...I like searching through customer wrapped rolls, in addition to 'commercially-wrapped' roils (such as Loomis). Typically, customer wrapped rolls don't come in sealed boxes, at least not in my geographic area. Some of my best finds have come from customer wrapped,.
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Moderator

United States
124596 Posts |
 to the Community! Your post was moved to the appropriate forum for the proper attention.  Always return your searched coins to a different bank or branch.
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Pillar of the Community

Canada
4646 Posts |
Of course Banks don't welcome coin roll hunters . It costs banks money to do this and it is a very Unwelcome "customer " when a Rollie comes through the door . Try supporting local dealers by going through their inventory and junk boxes .
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11988 Posts |
I love the folks at the coin shop I frequent, but until they can provide quarter rolls at face value--like my bank with the friendly teller/assistant manager does--I'll keep going to my bank. One caveat here--I don't demand several boxes per week. I stay below the radar and pick up a hand full of rolls now and then. And, it's easy because I drive by that branch every other day or so.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
799 Posts |
You can probably sell the boxes of 2023 cents on eBay for well over $100.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 496 |
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