So, just an hour ago I walked into my LCS. As usual, I greet the owners (Husband and Wife). So I first asked to look at their V nickel/buffalo nickel/IHC box. I take out a nicely toned 1888 IHC. It was in a G-3 condition, but it was nice and purple/blue. I then asked to see their wheat penny box. Apparently, the wheat penny box didn't have anything for sale, it was off limits, but the husband I guess didn't know about it. I look around taking a few pennies in and out. Then I grabbed a teen date. It had a D on it. The last number was faded out, it kind of looked like a 1912 D, and I thought "Eh, they already looked at them all, I guess they want to sell it fast." I put it in my hand. So I tell her I'm done. She comes over and looks at my coins with a magnifying glass. She looks at me and says "What date did you think this is?" I told her I thought it was a 1912. She says she thinks it's a 1914. She goes over to her husband and starts talking. Meanwhile, I was thinking they might think I was trying to buy a key date for $2.50, they might be mad, etc. I have an anxiety reaction. I could feel my face turn red, chest thumping. Their son comes over and hands me a 1944 D nickel, and says I've earned it. The wife comes over and says she thinks it's a 1914 and they are going to authenticate it, and tells me the nickel is a gift. At most it's worth $2.50, but hey, it's silver! I told them I wish the coin turns out to be real, and they said they'll let me know next time. I left with that "Well I screwed that up!" feeling. I don't think I'll return, it's too embarrassing... I mean i could've come home with a $200 coin and not know about it at all. TL;DR I found what might have been a 1914 D in a penny box that wasn't supposed to be searched. I thought it was a 1912. I gave it back to them. (Please take the time to read the post though) If I do come back. (Maybe a month or so) I'll tell you about it.
Sounds innocent enough; these things happen. I'm certain they're going to be pretty happy if that ends up being a 1914-D.
I wouldn't be embarrassed , heck you thought it was a '12 . If it turns out to be a 14 then you helped them find it .
They give out little cloth squares were you put your coins on. I had my monster toned IHC face down, while for some reason I left my Lincoln face up. I guess she saw the D. I'm not too sure if she would've left me buy it in the first place, as I said she knew about the box, but the husband didn't. One day, just one day, I will buy an Extra fine 1914 D in memory of this day, and I will keep the war nickel close. It's kind of like how I took a trip to Philly, and I saw Franklin's grave. It had a Franklin half dollar on it, I wouldn't take it, being a grave, and one of my favourite American Politicians of all time. I had the feeling they thought I was trying to get away with a key for $2.50. I become extremely... worry-full at times.
Maybe they are overwhelmed and could use an (financially compensated) eagle eyed individual to aid their business in maximizing potential return? Just a thought... Terms are always negotiatiable.
Nothing to be embarrassed about. If it turns out to be a 14-D you helped the owners out and maybe next time they give you a break on some coins. My local shop actually encourages cherry picking activities - even thought they do not have wheat or nickel type bins. The owners told me they typically only identify major varieties and such - so for example if you sold them a large cent they would buy based off the grade, not the variety. Works out good at times - I know one bust half I bought was a rarer variety and when I sold it I made money(not a lot, but some).
I'll try and get one. For now, just imagine a G-3 1888 IHC with a purple/blue toning all over (The face has most of the toning though, while the back looks a little glossy blue. If it didn't have the toning I would pass on it.
