Hi. My name is Bernard, and I'm a coin geek. There. I've taken the first step. I gave a talk on coins several months ago at work. I really enjoyed the experience, and I think my audience did, too. We invite employees who have a special expertise, or have had a special experience, to talk about it for an hour during lunch. We do this about once a month. Anyway... Shortly after my talk, someone let me evaluate a collection that belonged to one of their friends. A couple of months later, I ended up getting to purchase the same collection. Today, someone else came to me with a similar request. So, tomorrow, I get to evaluate another coin collection. How cool is that? I realize it's no big deal for dealers that do it every day, but I find it so exciting. It could be a pile of common wheat cents, or I could find an 1894-S Barber dime. Who knows? I love the excitement. Even if I'm not given the opportunity to purchase them, the thrill of possibility is awesome. Sure, I could just confirm their suspicion that they have nothing major, but....I could make a major numismatic discovery! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for listening.
Thats great, Bernard! Once people I know started learning I collect coins, I too have been bombarded with requests to look through collections that were handed down to them. Most even try to pay me for the help, but I always decline. I love doing it, and it's no problem at all. I've even been fortunate enough to aquire some nice pieces that way. At least I know they are getting a fair price when I buy the stuff, and not being taken. Have fun! Guy~
Guy: I'm the same as you...I would never charge to look at a collection. It's too much fun! But, if offered the opportunity to purchase the coins, assuming they are within my means, I would jump on the opportunity and pay a fair price. The last lot I bought, I was told that the guy didn't care what price he was offered. He just wanted to sell the coins. I paid him the same as I would pay anybody else. And I felt good about it.
