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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,627 |
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New Member
United States
32 Posts |
Yesterday, I was at the laundry mat and I over heard a guy talking on his cell phone listing items in his father's coin collection that he was trying to get rid of. Unfortunately, he was still on the phone when I finished my laundry so I wrote him a note and told him to call me about the coins. While I have yet to hear from him, I am interested in hearing about the unexpected or the odd circumstances in which you all have secured some special finds. So, please share!
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Pillar of the Community
1028 Posts |
If somebody left me a note like that at the laundry mat without introducing themselves I'd think "there's no way I'm calling this guy". Did he even see you? Why didn't you just wait 5 minutes for him to get off the phone? You could have gotten a great deal and some nice coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3276 Posts |
Yeah I would have waited and talked to him. He might be creeped out that you overheard him talking and then just left a note. I don't think I would call if I were him either. But if you waited and introduced yourself and talked to him it would be more comfortable.
Who knows though, he may call you.
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Valued Member
United States
85 Posts |
I was on a plane reading "The Expert's Guide to Collecting & Investing in Rare Coins: Secrets Of Success" When a guy in the row behind me asked "Are you a coin collector?" He then proceeded to tell me his father had just passed and left behind a huge hoard of coins and asked if I had any advice what to do as he was just going to dump them in a coinstar. I was like no no, don't do that! I told him I wouldn't mind taking a look and helping him figure it out, I also suggested 2 local coin shops that would help and even some reading material.
On several other occasions I've got phone calls from the vault manager at a local bank. I friended him a few years back and everytime and older person comes in looking to swap old coins or deposit them he gives me a call and offers me first chance at little % over face.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3276 Posts |
That's rad emh. looks like you got the hookups.
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New Member
 United States
32 Posts |
I did wait for twenty minutes, but the guy was intent on chatting on the phone. There was no one else in the laundry mat, so I looked creepy just hanging around too. And yes the guy did see me, and we communicated non-verbally. Ah well, he never called anyway. Perhaps I should have handled it differently, but chalk it up to a lesson learned.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
968 Posts |
Don't give up hope. While he may have been talking about it, it may not be a high priority for him. He may take months to get around to it. Also, he may take it to a dealer first to get an idea of what they are worth before calling you. Hopefully he is savvy enough not to just take the dealer's offer without checking around for better offers (such as yours!) first.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1031 Posts |
The only coin/token find I have had recently is a silver 2 shilling coin for $1 at an estate sale. At the same sale I also picked up a free masons medal/token with member number for $3. Not sure how much that one was worth but it was nice to add to the collection.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
858 Posts |
Nice try - at least at the end of the day and you don't have to beat yourself up thinking, "I should have given that guy my number or left a note." He was busy on the phone as I'm sure you also did not have time to wait too long yourself. It was polite of you, in my opinion, to leave a note instead interrupting the man on the phone. Now the ball is in his court and you brought your interest to his attention. Remember - nothing ventured, nothing gained. I've encountered a few experiences with people I've met over the years that have taken inherited coins to dealers, but would have gladly sold them to me as well for the same price if only they'd known I was interested. I've learned to always let your interest be known if a decent opportunity presents itself. |
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,627 |
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Posted 10/05/2011 6:56 pm
