I could have put this in the General Discussion section, but it does have to do with coins so I decided it would be appropriate here. I do online banking with my out of state credit union, so really didn't need a local account. As such, I have been wanting to open an account with the local credit union, but always seemed to put it off. Well, yesterday I made good on that and opened an account at a small, local, credit union (4 branches, three in nearby cities). Folks around here are always friendly and I was treated like an old friend. The gentleman behind the counter accepted my request and asked me to step into his office. A clerk has his own office? Yep, turns out he was the branch manager. To make a long story short, I was up front with him about being a collector and was able to ask him several questions pertaining to it. He is not a collector, nor does he know anyone that is, so he was curious about my needs and I gave him a brief lesson in what I would like. Not only was he interesting in helping me, but told me that he could order me anything I wanted, if at all possible. Quarter rolls, half dollars, nickels, dimes, pennies, he was happy to oblige. Currency? Yep and while his straps of most denomination were recycled notes, he had new straps of $2 from the Feds. Over $800 worth! (I'll get to that later). It seems I had just made a valuable new friend that was willing to help me in my collecting endeavors. Now, the piece de resistance, as he shows me the free coin counting machine in the lobby, he freely shows me the workings and tells me it is cleaned out daily and they usually just throw away rejected coins and objects. Future discussion has him telling me he will put a jar on his desk and put all rejects in it for me! My purpose in posting this is to let others know that forming a relationship with a bank or credit union could benefit their collecting abilities ten fold. I prefer credit unions over banks as they are typically locally owned and governed by a small group of directors that are much easier to approach when necessary, plus they are more connected to your community than those big corporate branches. I now feel like I have a friend that will provide me with benefits, and I was up-front about my intentions, so do not feel like I am taking advantage of him. I got a strap of $1 to check (only found one star note and two "Where's George" notes) and as soon as I have more money deposited with them, I'll get some of those NEW straps of $2 bills.
I have developed a close friendship with my banker lady and one day told her if she would set aside any odd cash received that I would reimburse her for it as I am often in her place….. I never did get any coins from her. All I did was turn her into a coin collector!
Bummer... Well you can chew the fat about coins I guess. I did get 5 Ikes and $65 in 90% halves from mine a few years back.
Lucky you! It's great to have a friendly connection like that! I had a similar situation with my local bank until they were bought out by a bigger bank, and they closed my branch!! On the 25th I will withdraw the last of my money from their bank and close the account!! A lot of good reasons but when you add them up it amounts to lousy customer service!!! I have a new bank and am working to establish a friendly relationship with them now!!!
