When fortune smiles on you

The art of bargaining is one that doesn’t come naturally to many collectors. There is give and take between the buyer and seller that is almost like a play where two actors know their lines and are simply waiting for each other to deliver them.

To be truly comfortable, it takes practice.

A question arrived in my e-mail this morning where the sender asked what obligation he has to the other party.

It is a very interesting question.

In this case one party is a bank teller. The other party is the writer of the e-mail.

The collector goes to the bank each week and is a familiar customer. The teller brought to his attention a 2003 one dollar coin.

Yes, I thought it might be a Sac, too, but don’t let your thoughts jump ahead.

The collector said he was interested in seeing it.

The teller produced a 2003 silver American Eagle.

Don’t forget, it does say “One Dollar” right there at the lower right on the reverse.

Naturally, the collector was very interested. He paid his $1 and was on his way.

Now he wonders if he owes the teller anything when he sells the coin for silver value, which is over $28.

He wonders if I would advise him.

I will.

This is what I will say:

“Congratulations on your find. The bank teller did you a favor and I hope you will remember it as one and treat him or her accordingly.

“I do not know what the bank’s policy is regarding employees collecting coins out of the till. If it prohibits such a thing, the teller was passing on good fortune to you.

“If the bank’s policy would allow the teller to exchange the coin for a dollar, then the teller had the chance to do so and declined the opportunity.

“Either way, there is no further obligation on your part.

“Enjoy your find.”