<< <i>Posted by a dealer on Saturday: . CUSTOMER CALLED TRYING TO CASH IN SOME BERMUDA DOLLARS ... SAYS THEY ARE US CURRENCY ... WE ASKED WHO WAS ON THE FRONT OF THE BILLS ... HE SAID QUEEN ELIZABETH ... THE QUEEN OF USA ... I WONDER HOW THEY HAVE ENOUGH BRAIN POWER TO RUN THEIR HEART AND LUNGS >>
The Queen of USA... This is great!
Capt, what is the D2D network? Is it sort of a blast email to several dealers' addresses? Just curious. >>
It is the old dealer to dealer teletype machine network, which now transmits from member to member via the internet. There are categories where you can post buys or sells, or maintain a standing page with spreads.
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.
<< <i>Between going to coin shows and answering the phones regarding error coins for 40 years, I could easily make this a 500-count thread with some of my stories.
For example, in the past few years, I've started to hear a new retort when I tell someone that their coin was either hit with a hammer, or run over by a train......their reply?
"Why would the Mint do that?"
I think I've found the right subject for the next Whitman Publishing numismatic book ! >>
I would buy it..... I think it would be an interesting read and quite humorous!
Awarded the coveted "You Suck" Award on 22 Oct 2010 for finding a 1942/1 D Dime in silver, and on 7 Feb 2011 Cherrypicking a 1914 MPL Cent on Ebay!
Wednesday additions from the dealer-to-dealer network:
"True story: Guy just called and asked if we could sell him some American pennies for less than face...................."
and later from a different dealer:
"8:43 pm RING-RING---- "Can you quote me a price on about 300K in gold and silver and I can come up Saturday afternoon?" Buddy, I can't quote you for an hour from now. Right now gold is at $1800/oz.
"NOT! I just got off the phone to another dealer 10 minutes ago and he Said it saw $1772.00!"
That's what I'm trying to tell you."
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.
Dealer A on Coinnet: "Ever notice that nothing ever scares off a "customer" as much as having it in stock?"
Dealer B: "...bout 15 yrs ago i was doing a coin show in pittsburgh, pa. and had decided to display my national banks notes. a doofus walks up with his girlfriend , or wife, and is admiring my display. says to to his companion how long he's been looking for any denom. note from some very obscure little pennsylvania town. (i have since forgotten which) says he would buy and grade, any denomination and would pay almost any price. turns his head to me and asks if by some chance i had one in my inventory, with a smug look on his face, as though he already knew the answer.., well i did have one. i pulled it out and offered at to him at a reasonable price. well., i never saw so much hemming n hawing coming from one's mouth. nope, didnt buy it. dont remember what excuse he used."
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.
Me : A Coin Shop Caller: Do you buy ? Me: Buy what ? Caller: Stamps Me: Yes Caller: How much do you pay ? Me: Forty seven cents, but I get them at the Post Office. Caller hangs up. How rude !
Today I went to a second hand store that recently opened and asked the guy if they had any coins or numismatic related items, he said let me check as he wondered towards the back office he turned around and asked "what denomination is numismatic?"
<< <i>Just remember - they vote. And they reproduce. >>
And we need to stop them lest the world be thrown into another "Dark Ages."
Ron >>
Too late. Already happened in 2008.
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
<< <i>Today I went to a second hand store that recently opened and asked the guy if they had any coins or numismatic related items, he said let me check as he wondered towards the back office he turned around and asked "what denomination is numismatic?" >>
This belongs in the "Why coin collectors drink" thread.
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
<< <i>Just remember - they vote. And they reproduce. >>
And we need to stop them lest the world be thrown into another "Dark Ages."
Ron >>
Too late. Already happened in 2008. >>
No political hate mail in my thread, please.
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.
Today's contributions. Part One: . "oh just great! Now have a guy in here talking to the friggin wall....wonder who he sees....cause he sure given em hell...last week he was here fussing at someone we could not see...mom said he was telling someone over in the corner to shut up cause he was trying to think...there was nobody there...at least not in this dimension. . and Part Two: . "Sounds like the guy I had years ago in the store with his little dog in his arms. He started at one end of the store and showed the dog every coin in the joint and told him about the coin and its history. pretty hard to keep a straight face. Wish I had taped this gig. It was the 100 grand winner on Funniest video's for sure."
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.
Today a guy poked his head in the shop and said : "Do you sell cologne ?" I answered with: "Do I sell what ? " He asks again : " Do you sell cologne ? " I said : "Sir, this is a coin shop".
He left, so I went outside and had to look at the sign again to see if it was misspelled. Sure enough it read C O I N It did not make me want to take up drinking, it made me want to teach English as a second language.
<< <i>Today a guy poked his head in the shop and said : "Do you sell cologne ?" I answered with: "Do I sell what ? " He asks again : " Do you sell cologne ? " I said : "Sir, this is a coin shop".
He left, so I went outside and had to look at the sign again to see if it was misspelled. Sure enough it read C O I N It did not make me want to take up drinking, it made me want to teach English as a second language. >>
You should have sold him a jar of e-z-est.
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
Another reason why dealers drink....from a dealer whose check for $100,000 I would gladly take: . "Anyone having trouble with Wells Fargo? We write big checks on our local TD bank. Our customers, mostly dealers, deposit the checks to their Wells Fargo checking account. Wells Fargo holds the checks for 8 days before crediting their account. In the mean time they send the customer a notice that they are declaring the check NSF. This has caused us considerable turmoil. We have traced the checks and they were paid, cleared in one day and there is no NSF. We have never had a NSF check, and we are going to get a lawyer, I guess. I hate crap like this... "
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.
<< <i>Today a guy poked his head in the shop and said : "Do you sell cologne ?" I answered with: "Do I sell what ? " He asks again : " Do you sell cologne ? " I said : "Sir, this is a coin shop".
He left, so I went outside and had to look at the sign again to see if it was misspelled. Sure enough it read C O I N It did not make me want to take up drinking, it made me want to teach English as a second language. >>
You should have sold him a jar of e-z-est. >>
A dab of e-z-est behind the ears is a powerful aphrodisiac in certain circles!
LOL!
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.
<< <i>Between going to coin shows and answering the phones regarding error coins for 40 years, I could easily make this a 500-count thread with some of my stories.
For example, in the past few years, I've started to hear a new retort when I tell someone that their coin was either hit with a hammer, or run over by a train......their reply?
"Why would the Mint do that?"
I think I've found the right subject for the next Whitman Publishing numismatic book ! >>
Fred, please, in the name of all that is Holy ... start working on the book. Self-publish if you have to do so! It will sell. Stories of how "other" people are stupid are treasured.
Lane
Numismatist Ordinaire See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
Great story. I'm not sure that I believe it but it's still a great story just the same.
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
Great story. I'm not sure that I believe it but it's still a great story just the same. >>
not only did LordMarcovan link the story for us, he wrote it. So I suspect it is true. >>
If he was there and actually witnessed the 3 legged buffalo being taken out of the roll then, yes, I would believe him. Otherwise, I've heard too many coin dealer "tall tales" that I've become a bit skeptical of such stories.
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
Yep. I saw that one with my own two eyes, and have gotten plenty of mileage out of the story ever since.
Carl picked it up along with a few of my other ramblings, and put it on his website.
I should add that though I'm small potatoes and a mere economic peasant on the Numismatic Who's Who list, I've seen a few things in my 35 years as a numismatist that would qualify as freakish "lightning strikes" - freakish coincidences, amazing discoveries, and grand cherrypicks.
For instance, take the time when a potential $5-30K rarity was inadvertently plucked right off my very own Holey Coin Vest by a forum friend. I played the donkey in that deal, but was given a consolation gift and gained another tale to tell. (Rich Sayre mentioned in the story is "Cladiator".)
I stayed open late tonight. A lady and her boyfriend came in to sell some scrap gold. The chain was marked "Italy 14K". Was it ? How can you tell ? Don't ask Jack Daniels. He don't know Jack. ... A strong magnet will tell the truth , long before chemicals are needed.
Her: Hi, do you buy coins? Me: Yes ma'am we do Her: How much do you pay? Me: (speechless) uhhhh it depends on what kind ma'am.. Her: How much do you pay for the kind I have? Me: I need you to hold it closer to the phone so I can see it better. Her: (pissed off huffing) *click*
or "oh this one is really nice" "ok lemme look up really nice in the greysheet real quick hold on"
<< <i>Sometimes the dealer gets the last laugh, though. >> >>
Similar story back in the early 80's a friend was at a shop and watched the whole deal go down. This guy walked in he had an envelope full ($50-60) worth of silver certificates the guy said to the dealer " I aint taken less than 75 cents a piece for these"
"Hey, you buy coins, right?" "Ocasionally" "How much for platinum state quarters?" "Spend 'em. That are just plated platinum" "Not these! These are solid. I bought them from the mint" "OK...The mint didn't make platinum quarters, solid or plated. These are plated outside the mint" "Wrong! They were special editions, you had to sign up for them! I started in 1999 and got every year." "Hmmm. So you've got all ten sets? And they're solid platinum? What'd you pay for them if I can ask?" "Eleven sets, last one's the territories. They were $19.99 a set. And now that metals are so high, I want to sell them." "Well, too rich for my blood. Have you tried taking them to the coin shops?" "Not yet. I know and trust you so I figured I'd ask you first. My brother said the silver ones are worth about $6 each and platinum is way more than that." "Yeah. Sure is. Let me know how this goes for you. I'm kinda interested."
Had a caller that actually yelled at me when I told him he didn't have a 1926 Morgan silver dollar today.
Him "No, this is a Morgan, you obviously have no clue what you're doing and shouldn't be a numismatic....."
Me "Can you see the word "PEACE" on it?
Him - "Of course, all Morgans have that."
click...
Can't even count the number of people who were furious over not being paid full spot for a pure ounce of gold for an ounce of 14K.
And of course being called a cheat by people for trying to pull the old "31.1 grams in an ounce" trick when they know for a fact there is only 28.5g in an ounce.
Ignorance may be bliss, but it is also very common.........
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.
Had another winner today. A lady comes in and asks what we charge for a roll or 2 of Silver Eagles. I quoted the lady spot +4 which is pretty reasonable these days based on competitors pricing for that quantity. The lady gets really pissed off at me and goes, well there is a company out in CA that will sell them to me and ship them to me insured for spot +5. My response was OK... would you like me to sell them to you for spot +5 and ship them to you? She became very angry and responded, well you should sell them cheaper because you don't have to ship them. I responded we are... they are a dollar cheaper. She proceeded to get mad at our revolving door and left.
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.
Me: "W******* Rare Coins" Him: "Is this W******* Rare Coins?" Me: "Well...yes." Him: "Do you deal in coins there?" Me: *sigh* "Yes." Him *pause*...Well? Me: "Well what?" Him: "How much do you pay?" Me: "For what?" Him: "Coins! What else?" Me: "Well, it depends on exactly what you have." Him: "I HAVE OLD COINS! AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH YOU PAY! DO YOU BUY THEM OR NOT?" Me (realizing this is going nowhere but still hanging in there): "Yes, we buy them but the value depends on what you have, the date of the coins, how scarce they are and their condition." Him: "Well, I am not going to take all day telling you what I have over the phone!" Me: "There's no need to do that. We would need to see them to be able to evaluate them." Him: "NO WAY. I'm not taking them out of the house. You guys are all alike!" *click*
(Silly coin dealer. Actually wanting to see something before buying it.)
Here's another one from earlier this week: Guy calls me on the phone, says he has not one, but two 1797 "half a dollars", both in "mint shape". I tell him we buy things like that, and tell him to bring them in...though I'm slightly skeptical. He comes in and shows me two 1797 DOLLARS...both of course are Chinese fakes, complete with shallow strikes, undersized nonsilver planchets and reeded edges. I inform him of this...his response? "$%^#! These were an inheritance from my grandfather and he was almost 90 when he died!" I respond by showing him illustrations of a genuine in the Redbook, and point out that it should have a lettered edge and weigh 5 grams more than either of his pieces. His response? "You guys are all the same- You don't know what you're talking about. These aren't the same coins as those, these are special made issues." ...and stomps out.
I guess he was kinda right...they were specially made- in Shanghai...
Hey, I think I've talked to that guy in the past!!!!!!!
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.
It's so funny it makes you want to cry, especially if you are the one taking the phone call.
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.
Another classic phone call that I just took. Caller: I have a $1000 bill what is it worth Me: $1100 and up depending on the condition Caller: Well up to what Me: More it all depends on the condition, I have to see the note Caller: Well what could it be Me:$1200, $1500, More it all depends on the condition Caller: So you are saying it is only worth $500 more? Me: No I am saying it is worth $1100 and up, I need to see it Caller: Well if its only worth $1100 I will hold on to it. :::click:::
Over the years I've become convinced of the following regarding phone callers:
- Quoting numbers on the phone is almost always futile and usually leads to nothing good. - If they spend longer than 60 seconds telling you the background story on their item, you'll never own it. - If they have a relative or friend with a Littleton catalog that they look to as their coin guru, you'll never own it. - If the 'phrase "I have the Certificate of Authenticity" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal. - If the letters HSN or QVC enter the convo, it's a nowhere deal. - If the phrase "But I've had these XX years!" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
<< <i>Over the years I've become convinced of the following regarding phone callers:
- Quoting numbers on the phone is almost always futile and usually leads to nothing good. - If they spend longer than 60 seconds telling you the background story on their item, you'll never own it. - If they have a relative or friend with a Littleton catalog that they look to as their coin guru, you'll never own it. - If the 'phrase "I have the Certificate of Authenticity" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal. - If the letters HSN or QVC enter the convo, it's a nowhere deal. - If the phrase "But I've had these XX years!" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
<< <i>Over the years I've become convinced of the following regarding phone callers:
- Quoting numbers on the phone is almost always futile and usually leads to nothing good. - If they spend longer than 60 seconds telling you the background story on their item, you'll never own it. - If they have a relative or friend with a Littleton catalog that they look to as their coin guru, you'll never own it. - If the 'phrase "I have the Certificate of Authenticity" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal. - If the letters HSN or QVC enter the convo, it's a nowhere deal. - If the phrase "But I've had these XX years!" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
I'm sure others can expand on this list... >>
But...but, it's really old! >>
How about:
"My friend told me it's valuable, and he's really smart!"
"The coin is in great condition. You can even see the date."
"It shined up real good!"
But, in fairness, I guess we were all there at one point in our lives, a long, long, time ago.
Larry L.
Autism Awareness: There is no limit to the good you can do, if you don't care who gets the credit.
Ya know, as I read these and chuckle about them, I can hear the voice in the back of my head: "there but for the grace of God, go you". I work for a home improvement retailer and on a DAILY basis, these conversations take place. Just change the context.
Comments
<< <i>
<< <i>Posted by a dealer on Saturday:
.
CUSTOMER CALLED TRYING TO CASH IN SOME BERMUDA DOLLARS ... SAYS
THEY ARE US CURRENCY ... WE ASKED WHO WAS ON THE FRONT OF THE
BILLS ... HE SAID QUEEN ELIZABETH ... THE QUEEN OF USA ...
I WONDER HOW THEY HAVE ENOUGH BRAIN POWER TO RUN THEIR HEART AND LUNGS >>
The Queen of USA...
This is great!
Capt, what is the D2D network? Is it sort of a blast email to several dealers' addresses?
Just curious. >>
It is the old dealer to dealer teletype machine network, which now transmits from member to member via the internet. There are categories where you can post buys or sells, or maintain a standing page with spreads.
<< <i>Between going to coin shows and answering the
phones regarding error coins for 40 years, I could
easily make this a 500-count thread with some of
my stories.
For example, in the past few years, I've started to
hear a new retort when I tell someone that their
coin was either hit with a hammer, or run over by
a train......their reply?
"Why would the Mint do that?"
I think I've found the right subject for the next
Whitman Publishing numismatic book ! >>
I would buy it..... I think it would be an interesting read and quite humorous!
Successful BST Transactions!SIconbuster, Meltdown, Mission16, slothman2000, RGjohn, braddick, au58lover, allcoinsrule, commemdude, gerard, lablade, PCcoins, greencopper, kaz, tydye, cucamongacoin, mkman123, SeaEaglecoins, Doh!, AnkurJ, Airplanenut, ArizonaJack, JJM,Tee135,LordMarcovan, Swampboy, piecesofme, Ahrensdad,
"True story: Guy just called and asked if we could sell him
some American pennies for less than face...................."
and later from a different dealer:
"8:43 pm
RING-RING----
"Can you quote me a price on about 300K in gold and silver
and I can come up Saturday afternoon?"
Buddy, I can't quote you for an hour from now. Right now
gold is at $1800/oz.
"NOT! I just got off the phone to another dealer 10 minutes
ago and he Said it saw $1772.00!"
That's what I'm trying to tell you."
<< <i>Wednesday additions from the dealer-to-dealer network:
"True story: Guy just called and asked if we could sell him
some American pennies for less than face...................."
q]
Cant blame a guy for trying to make a profit
"Ever notice that nothing ever scares off a "customer"
as much as having it in stock?"
Dealer B:
"...bout 15 yrs ago i was doing a coin show in pittsburgh, pa. and had decided
to display my national banks notes. a doofus walks up with his girlfriend , or
wife, and is admiring my display. says to to his companion how long he's been
looking for any denom. note from some very obscure little pennsylvania town.
(i have since forgotten which) says he would buy and grade, any denomination
and would pay almost any price. turns his head to me and asks if by some
chance i had one in my inventory, with a smug look on his face, as though he
already knew the answer.., well i did have one. i pulled it out and offered
at to him at a reasonable price. well., i never saw so much hemming n hawing
coming from one's mouth. nope, didnt buy it. dont remember what excuse he
used."
<< <i>Just remember - they vote. And they reproduce. >>
And we need to stop them lest the world be thrown into another "Dark Ages."
Ron
Me : A Coin Shop
Caller: Do you buy ?
Me: Buy what ?
Caller: Stamps
Me: Yes
Caller: How much do you pay ?
Me: Forty seven cents, but I get them at the Post Office.
Caller hangs up.
How rude !
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>
<< <i>Just remember - they vote. And they reproduce. >>
And we need to stop them lest the world be thrown into another "Dark Ages."
Ron >>
Too late. Already happened in 2008.
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
<< <i>Today I went to a second hand store that recently opened and asked the guy if they had any coins or numismatic related items, he said let me check as he wondered towards the back office he turned around and asked "what denomination is numismatic?" >>
This belongs in the "Why coin collectors drink" thread.
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
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Just remember - they vote. And they reproduce. >>
And we need to stop them lest the world be thrown into another "Dark Ages."
Ron >>
Too late. Already happened in 2008.
No political hate mail in my thread, please.
.
"oh just great! Now have a guy in here talking to the
friggin wall....wonder who he sees....cause he sure
given em hell...last week he was here fussing at
someone we could not see...mom said he was telling someone
over in the corner to shut up cause he was
trying to think...there was nobody there...at least not in this
dimension.
.
and Part Two:
.
"Sounds like the guy I had years ago in the store with his little dog in
his arms. He started at one end of the store and showed the dog every coin in
the joint and told him about the coin and its history. pretty hard to keep a
straight face. Wish I had taped this gig. It was the 100 grand winner on
Funniest video's for sure."
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
I answered with: "Do I sell what ? "
He asks again : " Do you sell cologne ? "
I said : "Sir, this is a coin shop".
He left, so I went outside and had to look at the sign again to see if it was misspelled. Sure enough it read C O I N
It did not make me want to take up drinking, it made me want to teach English as a second language.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Him: Hey! How y'all doon? Lemme axe you a queshin. Y'all buy kawns?
Me: Yes, sir. We buy coins.
Him: whakina kawns you buy?
Me: Sir, we buy coins from around the world from all times in history.
Him: hey I gottis two headed kawn. Whassit werf?
Me: Sir that isn't a real coin, it's...(interrupted)
Him: Oh no, dissun real!
Me: O.K. sir! Thanks for calling! Bye!
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
<< <i>Today a guy poked his head in the shop and said : "Do you sell cologne ?"
I answered with: "Do I sell what ? "
He asks again : " Do you sell cologne ? "
I said : "Sir, this is a coin shop".
He left, so I went outside and had to look at the sign again to see if it was misspelled. Sure enough it read C O I N
It did not make me want to take up drinking, it made me want to teach English as a second language. >>
You should have sold him a jar of e-z-est.
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
.
"Anyone having trouble with Wells Fargo? We write big checks on our
local TD bank. Our customers, mostly dealers, deposit the checks to
their Wells Fargo checking account. Wells Fargo holds the checks for
8 days before crediting their account. In the mean time they send the
customer a notice that they are declaring the check NSF. This has
caused us considerable turmoil. We have traced the checks and they
were paid, cleared in one day and there is no NSF. We have never had
a NSF check, and we are going to get a lawyer, I guess. I hate crap
like this... "
<< <i>
<< <i>Today a guy poked his head in the shop and said : "Do you sell cologne ?"
I answered with: "Do I sell what ? "
He asks again : " Do you sell cologne ? "
I said : "Sir, this is a coin shop".
He left, so I went outside and had to look at the sign again to see if it was misspelled. Sure enough it read C O I N
It did not make me want to take up drinking, it made me want to teach English as a second language. >>
You should have sold him a jar of e-z-est.
A dab of e-z-est behind the ears is a powerful aphrodisiac in certain circles!
LOL!
<< <i>Me: Sir, we buy coins from around the world from all times in history. >>
That's a pretty good response to that age-old questions of, "What kind of coins do you buy?"
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
<< <i>Between going to coin shows and answering the
phones regarding error coins for 40 years, I could
easily make this a 500-count thread with some of
my stories.
For example, in the past few years, I've started to
hear a new retort when I tell someone that their
coin was either hit with a hammer, or run over by
a train......their reply?
"Why would the Mint do that?"
I think I've found the right subject for the next
Whitman Publishing numismatic book ! >>
Fred, please, in the name of all that is Holy ... start working on the book. Self-publish if you have to do so! It will sell. Stories of how "other" people are stupid are treasured.
Lane
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
<< <i>Sometimes the dealer gets the last laugh, though. >>
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
<< <i>Sometimes the dealer gets the last laugh, though. >>
Great story. I'm not sure that I believe it but it's still a great story just the same.
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
<< <i>
<< <i>Sometimes the dealer gets the last laugh, though. >>
Great story. I'm not sure that I believe it but it's still a great story just the same.
not only did LordMarcovan link the story for us, he wrote it. So I suspect it is true.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Sometimes the dealer gets the last laugh, though. >>
Great story. I'm not sure that I believe it but it's still a great story just the same.
not only did LordMarcovan link the story for us, he wrote it. So I suspect it is true. >>
If he was there and actually witnessed the 3 legged buffalo being taken out of the roll then, yes, I would believe him. Otherwise, I've heard too many coin dealer "tall tales" that I've become a bit skeptical of such stories.
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
Carl picked it up along with a few of my other ramblings, and put it on his website.
I should add that though I'm small potatoes and a mere economic peasant on the Numismatic Who's Who list, I've seen a few things in my 35 years as a numismatist that would qualify as freakish "lightning strikes" - freakish coincidences, amazing discoveries, and grand cherrypicks.
For instance, take the time when a potential $5-30K rarity was inadvertently plucked right off my very own Holey Coin Vest by a forum friend. I played the donkey in that deal, but was given a consolation gift and gained another tale to tell. (Rich Sayre mentioned in the story is "Cladiator".)
<< <i>Geez...........you can't fix stupid. >>
Ron White cant say it better if he tried.
Caller: Hey! Lemme ask you a question.
Me: O.K.
Caller: Do you buy rare coins?
Me: Yes sir, occasionally.
Caller: Well I got this really rare coin. How much can I get for it?
Me: Uh, well what is it?
Caller: Its a really rare coin. Its a 2009 Lady Liberty.
Me: Sir, can you elaborate a little on the description?
Caller: Yea. Its the really rare 2009 Silver Lady Liberty. Ya know the Dan Carr 2009 DC.
Me: Uh sir, that isn't a coin.
Caller: click...
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Her: Hi, do you buy coins?
Me: Yes ma'am we do
Her: How much do you pay?
Me: (speechless) uhhhh it depends on what kind ma'am..
Her: How much do you pay for the kind I have?
Me: I need you to hold it closer to the phone so I can see it better.
Her: (pissed off huffing) *click*
or "oh this one is really nice"
"ok lemme look up really nice in the greysheet real quick hold on"
gotta love coin shop customers hahah
<< <i>Sometimes the dealer gets the last laugh, though. >> >>
Similar story back in the early 80's a friend was at a shop and watched the whole deal go down. This guy walked in he had an envelope full ($50-60) worth of silver certificates the guy said to the dealer " I aint taken less than 75 cents a piece for these"
"Hey, you buy coins, right?"
"Ocasionally"
"How much for platinum state quarters?"
"Spend 'em. That are just plated platinum"
"Not these! These are solid. I bought them from the mint"
"OK...The mint didn't make platinum quarters, solid or plated. These are plated outside the mint"
"Wrong! They were special editions, you had to sign up for them! I started in 1999 and got every year."
"Hmmm. So you've got all ten sets? And they're solid platinum? What'd you pay for them if I can ask?"
"Eleven sets, last one's the territories. They were $19.99 a set. And now that metals are so high, I want to sell them."
"Well, too rich for my blood. Have you tried taking them to the coin shops?"
"Not yet. I know and trust you so I figured I'd ask you first. My brother said the silver ones are worth about $6 each and platinum is way more than that."
"Yeah. Sure is. Let me know how this goes for you. I'm kinda interested."
Him "No, this is a Morgan, you obviously have no clue what you're doing and shouldn't be a numismatic....."
Me "Can you see the word "PEACE" on it?
Him - "Of course, all Morgans have that."
click...
Can't even count the number of people who were furious over not being paid full spot for a pure ounce of gold for an ounce of 14K.
And of course being called a cheat by people for trying to pull the old "31.1 grams in an ounce" trick when they know for a fact there is only 28.5g in an ounce.
gold/silver prices go up, they
celebrate. When prices go down
they become depressed and
also drink !!!
Phone convo... last month.
Me: "W******* Rare Coins"
Him: "Is this W******* Rare Coins?"
Me: "Well...yes."
Him: "Do you deal in coins there?"
Me: *sigh* "Yes."
Him *pause*...Well?
Me: "Well what?"
Him: "How much do you pay?"
Me: "For what?"
Him: "Coins! What else?"
Me: "Well, it depends on exactly what you have."
Him: "I HAVE OLD COINS! AND I WANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH YOU PAY! DO YOU BUY THEM OR NOT?"
Me (realizing this is going nowhere but still hanging in there): "Yes, we buy them but the value depends on what you have, the date of the coins, how scarce they are and their condition."
Him: "Well, I am not going to take all day telling you what I have over the phone!"
Me: "There's no need to do that. We would need to see them to be able to evaluate them."
Him: "NO WAY. I'm not taking them out of the house. You guys are all alike!" *click*
(Silly coin dealer. Actually wanting to see something before buying it.)
Here's another one from earlier this week:
Guy calls me on the phone, says he has not one, but two 1797 "half a dollars", both in "mint shape".
I tell him we buy things like that, and tell him to bring them in...though I'm slightly skeptical.
He comes in and shows me two 1797 DOLLARS...both of course are Chinese fakes, complete with shallow strikes, undersized nonsilver planchets and reeded edges.
I inform him of this...his response? "$%^#! These were an inheritance from my grandfather and he was almost 90 when he died!"
I respond by showing him illustrations of a genuine in the Redbook, and point out that it should have a lettered edge and weigh 5 grams more than either of his pieces.
His response? "You guys are all the same- You don't know what you're talking about. These aren't the same coins as those, these are special made issues." ...and stomps out.
I guess he was kinda right...they were specially made- in Shanghai...
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
Caller: I have a $1000 bill what is it worth
Me: $1100 and up depending on the condition
Caller: Well up to what
Me: More it all depends on the condition, I have to see the note
Caller: Well what could it be
Me:$1200, $1500, More it all depends on the condition
Caller: So you are saying it is only worth $500 more?
Me: No I am saying it is worth $1100 and up, I need to see it
Caller: Well if its only worth $1100 I will hold on to it. :::click:::
Yeesh
- Quoting numbers on the phone is almost always futile and usually leads to nothing good.
- If they spend longer than 60 seconds telling you the background story on their item, you'll never own it.
- If they have a relative or friend with a Littleton catalog that they look to as their coin guru, you'll never own it.
- If the 'phrase "I have the Certificate of Authenticity" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
- If the letters HSN or QVC enter the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
- If the phrase "But I've had these XX years!" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
I'm sure others can expand on this list...
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
<< <i>Over the years I've become convinced of the following regarding phone callers:
- Quoting numbers on the phone is almost always futile and usually leads to nothing good.
- If they spend longer than 60 seconds telling you the background story on their item, you'll never own it.
- If they have a relative or friend with a Littleton catalog that they look to as their coin guru, you'll never own it.
- If the 'phrase "I have the Certificate of Authenticity" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
- If the letters HSN or QVC enter the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
- If the phrase "But I've had these XX years!" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
I'm sure others can expand on this list...
But...but, it's really old!
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
<< <i>
<< <i>Over the years I've become convinced of the following regarding phone callers:
- Quoting numbers on the phone is almost always futile and usually leads to nothing good.
- If they spend longer than 60 seconds telling you the background story on their item, you'll never own it.
- If they have a relative or friend with a Littleton catalog that they look to as their coin guru, you'll never own it.
- If the 'phrase "I have the Certificate of Authenticity" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
- If the letters HSN or QVC enter the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
- If the phrase "But I've had these XX years!" enters the convo, it's a nowhere deal.
I'm sure others can expand on this list...
But...but, it's really old! >>
How about:
"My friend told me it's valuable, and he's really smart!"
"The coin is in great condition. You can even see the date."
"It shined up real good!"
But, in fairness, I guess we were all there at one point in our lives, a long, long, time ago.
Larry L.
bottles of beer on the wall
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5