Numismatic Etiquette?

Dentuck · February 28, 2010 7:19AM

What, in your opinion, are some of the "Golden Rules" of numismatic etiquette?

Are there certain courtesies that were observed in years past, but seem to be on the decline?

Any behavior that rankles you, that you'd like to see changed?

Any advice for collectors new and old --- on the bourse, in the shop, at the auction?

johnny9434 · February 28, 2010 7:23AM

1) be polite 2) keep your voice down 3) treat who ever with respect

lkenefic · February 28, 2010 7:28AM

Ask first.

Don't touch.

SilverEagles92 · February 28, 2010 7:29AM

Dealers: Just because a customer is 40 years younger than you does not mean he/she doesn't have deep pockets. It also doesn't mean that they don't know what they're doing.

BNBAnalytics · February 28, 2010 7:32AM

<< <i>What, in your opinion, are some of the "Golden Rules" of numismatic etiquette?

Are there certain courtesies that were observed in years past, but seem to be on the decline?

Any behavior that rankles you, that you'd like to see changed?

Any advice for collectors new and old --- on the bourse, in the shop, at the auction? >>

Yell loud, touch first ask later, negotiate as hard as you can..

Wait, did we say what "not" to do??

Haha, I would say just respect those around you.. You never know what kind of relationships you will form with them in the future.

bnb

PerryHall · February 28, 2010 7:41AM

Ask permission before handling a dealers coin or reaching into a dealer's case.

Don't cover a dealer's display case with your books and papers. Others may want to see his coins.

Don't interrup when someone is in negotiation during a coin sale.

Don't pay for a coin with a bad check.

If you make an offer, it will be considered to be binding if your offer is accepted.

stinkinlincoln · February 28, 2010 3:43PM

Dealers:
Say hello when you see me enter your business or come to your table. I dont care if youre heloing someone else. Say hi, its easy and goes a real long way with a low brow types.

Dont hand me a coin I want to see by slapping your fingers all over both sides of a potential buy for me, it will end any chance of a sale on said piece.

If you have the time, chat me up.

I like talking coins and learing, time is money so its not a must, but like #1, it goes a long way with building a come back buyer. Im loyal and will always buy from a nice guy. ALWAYS

Other than that, from a dealers side, its easy, treat me fair and Ill do the same.

Buyers:
Dont touch anything without asking first, even if you know the guy. Its a respect and personaly space thing and I find its alot easier getting a backstage pass for a glass case this way.

Dont drop anything.

Dont remove anything from the dealers eye sight. Like the 2 for dealers, this goes along way.

Be polite, and dont beat up a coin you dont like.

Dont be obviously cherrypicking the guy and if asked, be honest and say what youre looking for. Most of the time, theyre interested in whats out there. Ive helped two dealers get into varieties this way and they still allow me to cherrypick them. Just be honest and share youre score in a respectful way. And if a major score, greese the wheels abit. Those that you take care of will do the same for you.

Dont drop anything.

And dont be a pain and hassle price to the point of blinding rage for the dealer. If they have room to work, they will. I know thats assuming all of you dealers are good guys.

And that might be a strecth...JK But if theres a deal to be made, itll be made, dont be pushy.

For the most part, Ive had some luck in finding some good dealers by doing this and think its common sense really.

Hope that helped some way.

Steve27 · February 28, 2010 8:55PM

"What, in your opinion, are some of the "Golden Rules" of numismatic etiquette?"

Don't expect any etiquette on either side of the table; that 's the only rule.

ricko · February 28, 2010 9:16PM

Unfortunately, since it means dealing with the public, there are that percentage of people who are incapable of proper social behavior. They conduct themselves as if they are the center of the universe and all others are the enemy. Of course, (particularly at coin shows), there are the percentage of dealers that should not be allowed to deal with the public. People are people, and in any large group, you will find the complete bell curve. It is likely that dealers have the worst problem since they cannot walk away from the boors and fools. Customers can just walk away (or not stop) at the anti-social dealers table or store. Cheers, RickO

TwoSides2aCoin · February 28, 2010 11:08PM

The Golden Rule* is ageless & priceless. This doesn't mean a Tazer wouldn't be effective, in some instances.

ThePennyLady · March 1, 2010 4:09AM

I recently wrote an article for a coin publication about a day in the life of a coin dealer, and included these suggestions from a dealer's side (some of these were already mentioned here):

• If a dealer is already involved with another customer, please don’t interrupt, either wait or come back later.
• Don’t place food or beverages on top of the dealer’s case, put them on your lap or on the floor.
• Unless you’re interested in possibly purchasing a coin, please don’t ask the dealer to get coins out of their case just to do a price comparison to a coin you already have or just purchased.
• Don’t spread your want lists, price lists, reference books, or briefcase on a dealer’s case while examining a coin, thereby blocking other potential buyers’ view of the dealer’s coins.
• Always keep the coin(s) the dealer hands you on top of the case and not down below eye level.
• When you hand a coin back, make sure the dealer knows you have given it back – don’t just leave it on top of the case and walk away.
• If you don’t like a coin, please don’t criticize it, just hand it back and say thank you.

Walmann · March 1, 2010 5:06AM

Keep in mind how the person on the other side of the table would like to be treated.

Utilize astral projection and see how others are perceiving you, judge yourself first.

RWB · March 1, 2010 5:54AM

Is this the next subject for the Guide Book series?

Dentuck · March 1, 2010 6:01AM

A Guide Book of Numismatic Etiquette, by Morgan Dahler; foreword by Nicholai Spent

Dentuck · March 1, 2010 6:02AM

... introduction by Sir Irving Platter

RWB · March 1, 2010 6:48AM

It could be accompanied by Etiquette Trading Cards with photos of nice and not-so-nice dealers on them. (Higher ranking card = nicer dealer. Farran Zerbe could be the Joker. QDB would have to be one of the Kings. My liability insurance does not permit me to expound further.)