My Vermont Coin Hunting Expedition: Tips for Finding the Best LCS and More

I recently hit the road for Warren, Vermont, combining two loves: coin hunting and scenic drives. As a numismatist, I was itching to scout out local coin shops (LCS) and maybe stumble on hidden gems, turning the trip into an adventure packed with real-world tips for fellow collectors.

Hunting Down Vermont’s Coin Shops

Finding a trustworthy LCS was high on my list as I mapped out my Vermont route. One name that kept popping up was Puro’s in Rutland. My info’s a couple of years old now, but it’s still worth a stop if you’re in the area – I’ve heard they usually have a solid mix of coins, from bullion to older pieces, priced fairly. Whenever I step into an LCS, here’s what I look for:

• Staff who know their stuff: Can they chat about grading or a coin’s history? That knowledge is your best defense against overpaying or getting misled.
• A varied selection: You never know when you might spot Vermont-specific tokens or colonial-era finds that really flesh out a collection.
• Signs of current trends: Right now, silver and especially copper coins are popular. A good shop will usually reflect that demand.

If you’re planning a similar trek, my advice? Give them a quick call first. Rural shops can keep odd hours, and inventory changes fast.

Detecting Dirt & Digging Up Lessons

I packed my trusty Dr Otek metal detector and got the okay to scan a Vermont property. It turned out to be a great lesson in patience! Following a tip from another collector, I slowed the recovery speed right down and moved carefully. This helped me catch faint signals without risking damage. Honestly, I mostly just dug up nails and bits of metal, but it reminded me: the good stuff often hides where you least expect it. A few pointers for detectorists:

• Always get permission first: It builds goodwill and might get you access to spots with real history.
• Handle finds with care: Gloves keep skin oils off coins. Never scrub them – if it’s special, send it to PCGS or NGC for safe conservation.
• Target likely spots: Think old settlements or historic areas like Bennington. Walking near the Bennington Battle Monument got me thinking about the coins that circulated back then.

Even junk can tell a story, so jot down notes about where you found things.

Vermont’s Coin Charm

Beyond the hunt, Vermont’s beauty and history added something special to the trip. Stopping at the Bennington Battle Monument really brought early American coinage to life. And hey, knowing where the clean rest stops are is just smart planning for any long collector’s drive! I couldn’t leave without grabbing some local maple syrup – it’s a taste of Vermont heritage, much like collecting state-themed tokens. Blending these experiences can really make the hobby richer:

• Visit historic sites: Places like Bennington, or even border towns like Petersburg, NY, connect you to where coins might have been used or lost.
• Soak up the local vibe: Vermont’s relaxed pace mirrors the patience needed for careful coin grading or a long detecting session.
• Pick up commemoratives: They’re fun souvenirs and can spark new collecting ideas.

My Vermont jaunt reminded me that coin collecting is all about the journey – whether you’re browsing shop cases or scanning the earth, every piece has a tale.