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“Highest prices in town”: how to read the sign without getting played
Every banner says it. Some shops mean “close on common bullion.” Some mean “until you sit down.” Compare bids. Watch the test. Ignore the vinyl.
If I had a dollar for every WE PAY THE MOST banner, I could buy a small eagle.
The sign is advertising. The ticket is the truth.
What a decent version looks like
A board you can actually read. Categories. A number that matches what they write down. Live buy sheets exist because lying on the window is how shops earn those one-star novels. Reviews.
What a bad version looks like
Huge “99%” with an asterisk you need a microscope for. A hotel banner. A number that changes when the ID comes out. Traveling buyers.
What you do anyway
Get the math on paper. Get a second bid if the lot is big. Second opinion. Common eagles should be close. If one shop is magically double on everything, you are not in a fairy tale. You are in a funnel.
Part of the coin shop counter wiki · visitors & collectors · NumisQ Learn