Recent trip to my LCS
thisistheshow
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I have posted several times in the
past about my trips to the LCS. I like to do this as a way of discussing and showing alternative ways to enjoy the hobby. Alternative to simply buying online for example. And alternative to spending much money, or even any money at all sometimes.
I would encourage anyone who is able to try to find an LCS that is both customer friendly and where conversation and questions are common and welcome. I realize this is not for everyone, but you would be surprised at the enjoyment and education to be had by speaking with other collectors or numismatists, whether that be the employees or customers, etc.
I realize that I am fortunate to have one close by, and one that I like at that. The owner and his family have become like friends over the years. My visits can bring conversation on all sorts of topics and chances to meet other "regulars" like myself. I don't go there as often as some, I am sure, but if it has been more than one month between my visits that is rare. And I will stop in a couple times per week occasionally. I enjoy the talk about politics, local issues, family, society, or whatever else comes up in addition to the coin and bullion discussions. For anyone who is trying to gauge sentiment on any issue, spending an afternoon observing the customers and conversations is very informative. Having a good relationship with some local business owners is also a great way to find referrals/suggestions if you are in need of any service. As an example, I had my roof work done by a man who is also a customer.
Sorry if these details are a bit boring and pedantic. I'm just trying to convey the idea that a trip to an LCS is a great way to enjoy this hobby, even without spending a cent. I collect in the shallow end anyway. As I've mentioned before, a lot of my trips to this store ( or others, or a coin show) involve going through 90% and world silver. I can enjoy this whether or not I find something to buy. When it comes to 90%, I long ago realized that my perusing was best spent utilizing a search list. On my list are date/mintmark combinations for Barber coinage and Washington Quarters that I will buy regardless of condition.
During my most recent trip there, I went through a couple trays of 90%. Both yielded finds only at the end - reminding me to always go through all of the coins if I have time. Washington Quarters are my favorite series, and there is a short list of date/mm I will pull. I found these three and was happy to leave with them for a price just above spot. 
Comments
Nice grabs and there is plenty of meat and good surfaces on that '35-S.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
No LCS is ever going to have anything I ever want to buy. It's what I collect.
That is a good point and should probably be a caveat to my post. The LCS is not for everyone. And it will not always have what I, or anyone else, wants (and often not at the right price). A lot of purchases can only be made online.
You should learn some of the better doubled dies and over Mint marks to be found in the Washingtons. You'd be surprised what's out there. This site-http://varietyvista.com/ would be a good place to start.
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Yes, and thank you for the helpful reminder. I honestly haven't put as much effort into this as I should. It would be a great way to expand my lists. For the most part, i only pull type B reverses. But I know there is much more to look for. I am never quite good at identifying type C reverses on a 64D. I am almost to the point of thinking of buying a slabbed one to keep with me and reference.
You never know, mine mostly deals in bullion, and never has what I collect. Then one day I went in and he whipped this one out.
what a d.o.g. !
And I had to have it.
I loved working for the LCS. Talking and building experiences with the regulars was really one of the best parts of being there.
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The LCS is one of my favorite places to go. The one I go to has an awesome owner who’s always willing to show you things and talk about coins.
Very nice Washington quarters. I got an UNC 1935-S once in junk silver at my LCS... just needs a quick dip. Always go for those 1935-39 S mints.
"You can't get just one gun." "You can't get just one tattoo." "You can't get just one 1796 Draped Bust Large Cent."
Not boring or pedantic at all. A good coin shop with friendly owners/employees who are not in a rush is a treasure!
I sure wish there were coin shops around here. I miss them. When I lived in the PNW there were several. Cheers, RickO
This isn't really worth starting a new discussion, of course, so I am bumping my own thread after my trip to the LCS yesterday. When I was last there, the owner's son was about to go in for minor surgery, so I wanted to check in with him and catch up.
I'm not a watch guy. Meaning, I like watches, and I know enough about them to know that I really don't know anything about them. The owner's brother was thinking abut buying a Rolex that the owner had bought in a lot. It was $3,300. Very nice. I checked it out a bit. We had some conversation about watches, getting good prices/value etc and then about people coming in sometimes with fakes. Interesting for me. You never know what will come up.
Today is the first day of "constitutional carry" here in Texas. New law. Anyone who legally is allowed to own a handgun is now allowed to carry a handgun openly or concealed without any additional licensing. I know other states already have this, but Texas is the largest state by far to now have this law. Before in Texas you had to get a concealed handgun license to carry. Myself and the owner and his family have actually been talking about this impending law for quite some time and how it would possibly affect their business. Interesting stuff.
I did go through some 90%. Like I said before , I have certain date and mint mark combinations I will pull of either Washington Quarters or Barber coinage. Didn't see anything on my list, but I did take home two Barber quarters for just above spot price. Even if they are not on my list, if a Barber has any visible "Liberty" it is often one I might snag just to have.
No LCS in or near my home town.
I really miss the comradery of just being able to shoot the breeze and look at all the coins in the display cases.
I so remember pressing the button so the trays would rotate.
Wayne
Kennedys are my quest...
........
That, right there, just about sums it up. I agree.
I patronize one really nice lcs near my VA campus in NJ. Always great browse his inventory. Peace Roy
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