As a nationwide coin buyer, our team travels thousands of miles to meet with clients in their homes, offices, and banks. We pride ourselves on providing a convenient, in-person appraisal service. This commitment sometimes leads to unexpected adventures.
This is a true story from one of our senior numismatists, David, during a buying trip in Washington State. It’s a humorous reminder that when we say we’ll go anywhere to value a collection, we mean it—sometimes even by accident.
A Wrong Turn in Washington
After a long and successful day of appraising collections, David was driving and talking on the phone, planning his next appointment. Distracted and tired, he missed his exit. A few minutes later, he found himself pulling up to a customs booth. He had accidentally driven into Canada.
For most people, this is a minor inconvenience. For a rare coin dealer, it’s a major problem.
A Car Full of “Contraband”
When David explained he was a coin dealer, the Canadian border agents asked him to step out of his vehicle for a routine inspection. Their search quickly uncovered two things that are illegal to transport across the border without a formal declaration:
- A case filled with valuable rare coins.
- Over $20,000 in cash to purchase collections.
Suddenly, a simple wrong turn had become a serious international incident.
The Dedication Behind the Deal
David was detained and questioned for over 90 minutes. The agents were professional, but the situation was tense. They needed to verify he wasn’t a smuggler, but a legitimate professional conducting his business.
Fortunately, the situation was eventually resolved, and David was sent back to the U.S. with a great story and a new appreciation for highway signs.
We share this story because it highlights the human side of our business. Our experts are dedicated professionals who spend their lives on the road, navigating unfamiliar cities and unexpected challenges, all to provide a secure and personal experience for our clients.
Our Commitment to You, Wherever You Are
While we try to avoid accidental international border crossings, the dedication of our nationwide team is very real. We have appraisers ready to meet with you in your city and state to provide a free, no-obligation valuation of your collection.
With over 30 years of experience and an A+ rating from the BBB, you can be confident you are dealing with trusted professionals—even if we occasionally get lost.
