I am sure that most collectors have had simular experiences with non-collectors. The kind of person who is absolutely shocked that you would pay so much for a particular coin. Yesterday evening, a staff member and myself were contacted by an ederly woman who heard we were paying X amount for wheat cents. When we sat at her table and found she was in possession of an almost full bag of steel cents, we got excited. After quoting a good price for the coins, this lady laughed so hard I wondered if she might laugh herself into a heart attack. After a few minutes of good hearty laughter, she proceeded to call her neighbor to share in the fun. Soon they were both sitting in front of us having a good laugh. The seller explained to us that she had collected these coins in her youth because they were the only different cent she had ever seen. We took some time showing her different coins and a copy of CoinWorld. She was so amazed at the prices of what certain coins were bringing. Sometimes we as dealers and collectors forget that not everyone collects coins. They get as much enjoyment in laughing at us, as we do in studying coins. So take some time and share your hobby with others. Even the ones that laugh at you.
ND I can relate. I was asked last year by an elderly gentleman if I was CERTAIN I should pay so much for his silver halves. He was convinced I wouldn't be able to resell them. A few years ago a fellow wandered in with a 1950 proof set...a very nice one in the original box. He didn't want to sell it but as soon as I told him what I was paying for 50 proof sets...well...you should have seen his face. He practically threw the set at me lol.
Well as you know, we dealers don't get the opportunity to tell a customer that they have really valuable coins very often. It is so nice to do it when we can. I had a discussion with Paul Montgomery last fall after the confirmation of the 1913 Liberty Nickel. He was so happy that he was allowed the opportunity to finally tell someone they owned a million dollar coin. I wish that I could have seen the initial look on their faces.
I also get quite a bit of headshaking. Though, strangely enough, it was my wife who bought my $5.00 gold indian for me. I think she thinks its like jewelry. I don't know. And, she knew what to look for before buying it, the quality of the headband, the feather, etc. She really impressed me. She loves me!
