Home› U.S. Coin Forum

I got kicked out of a "so called" Grand Cayman Coin shop.

beckesbeckes Posts: 158
in U.S. Coin Forum

We just got back from there. My Wife wanted to shop down where the Cruise ships come in, which meant I was going to stay at the bar and have beer!

Instead, I find this coin shop that advertised a bunch of sunken treasure coins, whick looked like they were strait from China. Anyway, they have these 2 medium sized bowls of Indianhead pennies and Buffalo nickels. I ask for a glass and start looking through the pennies. They were all in great shape. One of the ladies stands there watching me like a hawk. This goes on for 10 minutes and she says, "are you going to look at every one of them, they are all the same except for the date!!" LOL I don't find anything, so ask for the Buff's. Now she starts reading off dates at the same time I am looking, of course knowing nothing about the back of the coin. I politely say that I need to see them myself. She says, "I don't have time for this". I look around and I am the only one in there, and there are 3 employees doing nothing, which I point out. She takes the bowl away and sends me packing!!! They did have about 10 mint sets priced 10 bucks lower than melt which I was going to buy. Oh Well!

Anyway, when we travel from now on out of country, I am going to look around a little, rather than drink beer during those unbearable shopping sprees!

Comments

  • pakasmompakasmom Posts: 1,920 ✭
    Can't blame her. I mean, REALLY! The audacity of you wanting to look at something before you buy it! Ugly American. image




    Edit for spelling.
  • coirncoirn Posts: 500
    Should have purchased the mint sets first and then asked to look at the buffalo nickels. . .
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,539 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Too bad about those mint sets...or maybe go back in and ask if you can buy those then leave...just an idea?
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,492 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Too bad about those mint sets...or maybe go back in and ask if you can buy those then leave...just an idea? >>

    I think he's back in the States.
    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Go back and tell them you will take the mint sets. Then leave.image


    Hoard the keys.
  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158

    I am back home. I guess there could have been a DCAM in there also. When someone acts that way, I guess I'll give up a quick hundred bucks just not to support them. I forgot to say, when she was trying to tell me that some coins were the original US dollars ordered by Jefferson and found at the bottom of the sea, I asked if she ever considered getting them authenticated. She goes into this Rooster like stance, with her hands on her hips and say, "EXCUSE ME!!!! I personally met the guy who sells these!" Who need PCGS when you have that kind of proof??! HAHAHA

  • SaorAlbaSaorAlba Posts: 7,593 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Obviously their business is targeted to oblivious tourist types that just lay down the dosh.
    Tir nam beann, nan gleann, s'nan gaisgeach ~ Saorstat Albanaich a nis!
  • Bayard1908Bayard1908 Posts: 4,093 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I am back home. I guess there could have been a DCAM in there also. When someone acts that way, I guess I'll give up a quick hundred bucks just not to support them. I forgot to say, when she was trying to tell me that some coins were the original US dollars ordered by Jefferson and found at the bottom of the sea, I asked if she ever considered getting them authenticated. She goes into this Rooster like stance, with her hands on her hips and say, "EXCUSE ME!!!! I personally met the guy who sells these!" Who need PCGS when you have that kind of proof??! HAHAHA >>



    I'll bet she bobbed her head from side to side too.
  • bolivarshagnastybolivarshagnasty Posts: 7,353 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think I was in that place a few years ago. They had a guy dressed up like a Pirate working the customers outside the door. Mel
  • scotty1419scotty1419 Posts: 933 ✭✭✭
    I know that place - I bought a really beat 8 reales there after a visit to the local margaritaville this past Xmas image
  • WTCGWTCG Posts: 8,940 ✭✭✭
    Not every coin seller, domestic or international, is captain personality and many are often difficult to work with. If the cruise called at Grand Cayman then I'm certain the itinerary also included a port of call somewhere in Jamaica. Go enjoy Jamaica, where there are plenty of ways to forget about the bad experience on the most boring island in the Caribbean.
    Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup
    Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
  • JamesMurrayJamesMurray Posts: 4,036 ✭


    << <i>Not every coin seller, domestic or international, is captain personality and many are often difficult to work with. If the cruise called at Grand Cayman then I'm certain the itinerary also included a port of call somewhere in Jamaica. Go enjoy Jamaica, where there are plenty of ways to forget about the bad experience on the most boring island in the Caribbean. >>



    Ja Mon imageimage
  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 13,111 ✭✭✭✭✭

    This might be the same shop I went into back in the ninties when I had a day to kill in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

    Seeing all the shipwreck coins and gold there got me interested again in numismatics.
    On a vacation a few years later I bought an an 1895 Double Eagle (whizzed image ), checked pricing on ebay, and found this forum through the free (at the time) PCGS Price Guide.

    "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso

  • magikbillymagikbilly Posts: 6,780 ✭
    I generally (so far in 42 years) do not let a personality stand in the way of something I collect. I am not collecting the salesman. It leaves it a win-win for them IMHO - they really don't seem to care and they seem to want to be rude. Let them. I recall a dealer in another area who has a sign in front of his table at shows "Not Responsible for Hurt Feelings". Take their stock at good prices though when you can. Think of it as a service to the hobby. Most people I knew avoided the dealer i mentions like the plague. But now that he's dead, all the "...he is mean, his prices are insane" talk has turned to "I miss him" and "where did he GET that stuff?" image


    Eric

    Edited for spelling
  • GritsManGritsMan Posts: 2,599 ✭✭✭
    Funny story. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you didn't buy anything! No, you don't buy a personality, but I'd rather support the nicer people in the world than the curmudgeons!
    Winner of the Coveted Devil Award June 8th, 2010
  • CaptHenwayCaptHenway Posts: 32,752 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Did you tell them that you have been thrown out of better coin shops than that one????

    image
    Numismatist. 50 year member ANA. Winner of four ANA Heath Literary Awards; three Wayte and Olga Raymond Literary Awards; Numismatist of the Year Award 2009, and Lifetime Achievement Award 2020. Winner numerous NLG Literary Awards.
  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158


    << <i>Did you tell them that you have been thrown out of better coin shops than that one????

    image >>



    That was funny! Still laughing.

  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158
    I can understand my guy downtown, as I sit there and look through IH pennies in a bowl. He knows the 77 is not in there! These folks didn't know anything about US coins. A Japanese fellow came in during my ordeal and was asking if they had any "walking liberty's". It was hilarious. They didn't have any idea what he was talking about. (There were a couple 64 halves in a case so he figured he might ask. They were also priced below melt.) One of the locals was talking to him and all I heard over and over again was, "WHAT"??? I still laugh thinking about it.

    I did finally yell across the room,,,,,, NO! They DON"T!

    No disrespect intended here. He was talking just fine. Even though they speak English there, I could not understand most of the talk.

  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158


    << <i>I know that place - I bought a really beat 8 reales there after a visit to the local margaritaville this past Xmas image >>



    That is the place! I was going to climb the stairs and drink brew when I saw the shop. That pool on the 2nd floor is neat by the way. (Yes, I did finally settle in for a couple!)
  • magikbillymagikbilly Posts: 6,780 ✭


    << <i>Funny story. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you didn't buy anything! No, you don't buy a personality, but I'd rather support the nicer people in the world than the curmudgeons! >>



    I agree - to a point, but how would this apply to an auction scenario etc.? Ebay?

    Best,
    Eric
  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158


    << <i>This might be the same shop I went into back in the ninties when I had a day to kill in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

    Seeing all the shipwreck coins and gold there got me interested again in numismatics.
    On a vacation a few years later I bought an an 1895 Double Eagle (whizzed image ), checked pricing on ebay, and found this forum through the free (at the time) PCGS Price Guide. >>



    I am shocked they had that coin! If they knew anything at all, the silver would have been priced accordingly. As I type this the mint sets are now priced about $13.00 below melt. (Yes they were charging US dollars at this place because of the cruise ships.)

    If you are going to Georgetown soon, go pick them up!
  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158


    << <i>I think I was in that place a few years ago. They had a guy dressed up like a Pirate working the customers outside the door. Mel >>



    I am glad the Pirate was not there last Tuesday. It could have been WAY worse than it was!

  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158


    << <i>

    << <i>Funny story. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you didn't buy anything! No, you don't buy a personality, but I'd rather support the nicer people in the world than the curmudgeons! >>



    I agree - to a point, but how would this apply to an auction scenario etc.? Ebay?

    Best,
    Eric >>



    Of course I should have bought them. Watch me find out they had a 50-51 proof in the back room! My Wife came back and asked why I was standing outside? I got kicked out Honey! "You have not even been drinking"!!?? LOL
  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158

    I'm talking to much here. They were guarding those common date pennies like gold. I never realized I looked like such a bum. How much can you get for a penny on Grand Cayman? Yet, they thought I was there to steal!!
  • MonstavetMonstavet Posts: 1,235 ✭✭
    It is funny, but it was actually a Carribean cruise that led me into numismatics...or at least back into it since I had collected a little bit when I was a young. I remember getting a half dollar from a casino that happened to be my birth year, which led me to start putting together year sets for all denominations. Eventually led to me Ebay, then here to these forums. Seems like a long time ago...

    I don't think I ever told anyone that before. Given the thread, it seemed appropriate.
    Send Email or PM for free veterinary advice.
  • scotty1419scotty1419 Posts: 933 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>This might be the same shop I went into back in the ninties when I had a day to kill in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

    Seeing all the shipwreck coins and gold there got me interested again in numismatics.
    On a vacation a few years later I bought an an 1895 Double Eagle (whizzed image ), checked pricing on ebay, and found this forum through the free (at the time) PCGS Price Guide. >>



    I am shocked they had that coin! If they knew anything at all, the silver would have been priced accordingly. As I type this the mint sets are now priced about $13.00 below melt. (Yes they were charging US dollars at this place because of the cruise ships.)

    If you are going to Georgetown soon, go pick them up! >>



    They were way OVER spot when I was there back in December image Guess they just haven't changed the prices - not the main subject matter for that shop I'd say.
  • SwampboySwampboy Posts: 13,111 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>This might be the same shop I went into back in the ninties when I had a day to kill in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.

    Seeing all the shipwreck coins and gold there got me interested again in numismatics.
    On a vacation a few years later I bought an an 1895 Double Eagle (whizzed image ), checked pricing on ebay, and found this forum through the free (at the time) PCGS Price Guide. >>



    I am shocked they had that coin! If they knew anything at all, the silver would have been priced accordingly. As I type this the mint sets are now priced about $13.00 below melt. (Yes they were charging US dollars at this place because of the cruise ships.)

    If you are going to Georgetown soon, go pick them up! >>



    They were way OVER spot when I was there back in December image Guess they just haven't changed the prices - not the main subject matter for that shop I'd say. >>



    Sorry for any misunderstanding.
    The later vacation was in Montana not in the Caribbean.

    "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso

  • sweetwillietsweetwilliet Posts: 2,315 ✭✭✭
    I'm sure you know this, but they are souvenir sellers and not numismatists. I just got back from a week in Grand Cayman and had a great time. I stayed at Rum Point on the opposite side of the island (not too far away, the island isn't all that big) and had a great time. It's a bit less touristy over there and is good for just sitting in the sun and drinking a few, if you like that rather than shopping. My in-laws did buy an 8 reale from the El Cazador shipwreck there years ago, still got it and will give it to my son when he is old enough not to lose it.image
    Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
    Will’sProoflikes
  • sweetwillietsweetwilliet Posts: 2,315 ✭✭✭
    Here's my 8 reale purchased on Grand Cayman

    imageimage
    Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
    Will’sProoflikes
  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158


    << <i>I'm sure you know this, but they are souvenir sellers and not numismatists. I just got back from a week in Grand Cayman and had a great time. I stayed at Rum Point on the opposite side of the island (not too far away, the island isn't all that big) and had a great time. It's a bit less touristy over there and is good for just sitting in the sun and drinking a few, if you like that rather than shopping. My in-laws did buy an 8 reale from the El Cazador shipwreck there years ago, still got it and will give it to my son when he is old enough not to lose it.image >>



    Greetings. We also drove out to rum point. (I had to have some rum in me to do so by the way!)

    Beach at the Marriott was just as quiet.

    Cheers!
  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158


    << <i>Here's my 8 reale purchased on Grand Cayman

    imageimage >>



    I saw these as well.

    How does someone know they are (REALE??)) HAHAHA!
  • MsMorrisineMsMorrisine Posts: 35,927 ✭✭✭✭✭
    you wanted to pay with a so called dollar, didn't you?

    it took 2 pages for this joke to appear?

    Current maintainer of Stone's Master List of Favorite Websites // My BST transactions
  • robkoolrobkool Posts: 5,934 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Seems like they have lots of silver there priced below melt... image WOW !!! I need to book my trip to Grand Cayman a.s.a.p.
    Ebay items for sale Current BIN's / The Kingdom Collection
  • dragondragon Posts: 4,548 ✭✭
    <<< I ask for a glass and start looking through the pennies. They were all in great shape. One of the ladies stands there watching me like a hawk. This goes on for 10 minutes and she says, "are you going to look at every one of them, they are all the same except for the date!!" LOL I don't find anything, so ask for the Buff's. Now she starts reading off dates at the same time I am looking, of course knowing nothing about the back of the coin. I politely say that I need to see them myself. She says, "I don't have time for this". I look around and I am the only one in there, and there are 3 employees doing nothing, which I point out. She takes the bowl away and sends me packing!!! >>>






    Perhaps you should have explained to her that you really had no intention on buying anything unless you could take an hour of her time and then only if you were able to find a several hundred dollar key date coin in one of the junk bowls. I'm sure in that case she would have been far more receptive and spent several hours with you while you cherry picked over her entire store, found nothing you could rip, and then left without spending a dime.
  • keyman64keyman64 Posts: 15,539 ✭✭✭✭✭
    This has been an entertaining thread. image
    "If it's not fun, it's not worth it." - KeyMan64
    Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners. :smile:
  • sweetwillietsweetwilliet Posts: 2,315 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Here's my 8 reale purchased on Grand Cayman

    imageimage >>



    I saw these as well.

    How does someone know they are (REALE??)) HAHAHA! >>



    Oh, you can bet that my reale is really real!!image

    (PS It is ANACS certified now.)image
    Listen. Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
    Will’sProoflikes
  • WinPitcherWinPitcher Posts: 27,726 ✭✭✭
    lol Dragon.
    Good for you.
  • beckesbeckes Posts: 158
    [qPerhaps you should have explained to her that you really had no intention on buying anything unless you could take an hour of her time and then only if you were able to find a several hundred dollar key date coin in one of the junk bowls. I'm sure in that case she would have been far more receptive and spent several hours with you while you cherry picked over her entire store, found nothing you could rip, and then left without spending a dime. >>



    Correction, I got kicked out without spending a dime!!! That makes me feel better!

    I spent 50 bucks next door. The cost of 4 beers and a cheeseburger!
  • crazyhounddogcrazyhounddog Posts: 14,071 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Sounds like your one of the lucky ones...image
    The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
  • ZriderZrider Posts: 365
    You should of bought the whole bowl of pennies ..and took them next door.
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,825 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Years ago on a trip to Bermuda, I went into t coin shop in Hamilton. I was buying a few Bermuda collector coins and looking at some of the modern stuff. I asked about purchasing a Bermuda half dollar, and the woman behind the counter snapped at me, "We are not a bank!"
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 46,859 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Years ago on a trip to Bermuda, I went into t coin shop in Hamilton. I was buying a few Bermuda collector coins and looking at some of the modern stuff. I asked about purchasing a Bermuda half dollar, and the woman behind the counter snapped at me, "We are not a bank!" >>



    How did you respond? Did you explain that the Bermuda half dollar is a coin and they were a coin shop?

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,825 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I didn't say anything. I bought a Bermuda Proof set and a commemorative silver dollar that recognized their railroad from years ago at another store. My wife commented about how rude they were, but since they are ANA members with a big sign out front I cut them a break. image
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • questor54questor54 Posts: 1,351 ✭


    << <i>You should of bought the whole bowl of pennies ..and took them next door. >>



    Never buy a coin you don't want.
  • questor54questor54 Posts: 1,351 ✭


    << <i>Years ago on a trip to Bermuda, I went into t coin shop in Hamilton. I was buying a few Bermuda collector coins and looking at some of the modern stuff. I asked about purchasing a Bermuda half dollar, and the woman behind the counter snapped at me, "We are not a bank!" >>



    Life in an island paradise can be tough. It can make people cranky.

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Format
SpoilerCodeQuote
Heading 2Heading 1
Emoji
:):D:(;):/:o:s:p:'(:|B):#:*<3o:)>:)
Url
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file
Home • U.S. Coin ForumComment As ...