What would you do. . . .

Draco

Every once in a while, I'll stop at a yard sale just to see if there are any coins. Recently, I stopped at one and was delighted to find an 1891 dime in XF or low AU condition hiding in a pile of various low to mid grade silver and wheat cents. I asked the elderly lady how much she wanted for it and was astounded to hear her say $5.00. My conscience would not allow me to simply give her $5 and drive away. I informed her that the coin was probably worth at least $40.00. She was understandably greatful for the information and told me that she would accept $25 for the coin and of course, I gave it to her.

I was telling this story to a fellow collector a few days ago and he basically called me a moron. He would have handed over the $5 she wanted for it and that was that. I'm not suggesting that his actions would have been dishonest because she should have looked it up, but I would have lost some sleep over doing that.

How many of you would have told her?

RevCoose

I would have offered her xxx amount for the whole box and made everyone happy!

digon

Call me honest but I would ask her if she would like me to price the rest of them at a fair price after I bought it for 25. I would not be able to sleep if I paid her 5.00 and walked away. You know that S.S doesnt pay much these days.

wingedliberty

<< <i>I would have offered her xxx amount for the whole box and made everyone happy! >>




Exactly!


Brian.

Twowood

That's a very noble thing for you to do.However, suppose you got the coin home and examined it more carefully only to find that it was worth only $10. Would she have given you a refund or would you have been told to take a hike?
I would have offered to buy the whole can for $20. Twowood.

cosmicdebris

I would have bought the whole box also.

Dog97

Who cares what your buddy says.....what's $20?

MrKelso

You did a good thing.

APA1709

You did the right thing, taking the high road....even for 20 dollars, is far better than feeling you took advantage of someone.....what goes around comes around...right? Maybe not in a coin you might want to sell some day, but nonetheless.....what goes around...... Good on you!

Conder101

I could have paid her the $5 and easily been able to sleep at night, I have no conscience. But I do have a well developed set of personal ethical standards (I have no morals either.) and I would have informed her as to the value as well.

Placid

I would have talked her down to $4.00 then got home and looked for more 64 proof sets on eBay with nice A.H. halfs in them for $10

KlectorKid

I would have bought it at 5 dollars, 20 dollars isnt to much. She shoud have checked the prices out before selling.

redhott

geez, it was a yard sale..... isn't that where folks try to get rid of their junk??? bet you overpaid due to sun glare.

mbbiker

I would have paid 5 for it. isn't that why you go to yard sales, to get good deals? If you were an antique collector and found a rare antique at a yard sale would you tell the person?

clw54

People with questionable ethics often tell honest people they are morons for not taking advantage of somebody. He's confusing intelligence with lack of conscience.

Bruce

I would have paid the $5 with a smile on my face. I would never try to downgrade, say if she had it marked at $25, I would consider that to be dishonest. But hey, if they offer me a bargain I will take it.