Local Coin Dealers And Shops - My Rant

We have two local coins shops. One also deals in estate pieces (lots of jewelry, glassware, etc.) so coins are actually just a side line, or so it seems to me. They are OK, but their inventory is rather static, so if you can't find what you want there, don't expect anything to change for six months! The other coin shop is more of a traditional one. They buy and sell collections, and their inventory changes more frequently. Both places are relatively friendly; if you drop in occasionally, and make a few purchases, you soon become "one of the regulars."

I've go no complaints.

I'll add that coin shops, gun stores and other hobby shops all seem to have a certain "feel" to them. Some you walk into, and know right away that the "feel" just isn't right for you...and others you fit in right away. Sometimes it's not the shop owner who's sending out the bad vibes...sometimes it's one or another of the customers. I've always found it pays to visit a store a couple or three times before I write it off. One of my favorite all-time gun stores (Marv's Hardware in Mandan...now defunct, unfortunately) was crowded and busy the first time I went there. I felt out of place. I tried looking around and striking up a conversation with others, but the karma was all wrong that day. I went back a couple of weeks later, found it a quiet day, and had a good chat with the owner. From that point on, every time I came in, whoever was working the counter would say hello and show me whatever new thing had come in from UPS that day. What I'm trying to say is that I'm glad I gave it a second chance.

I'm afraid to say this but my feelings are it's the location. My experience with Wisconsin is not real good for many things. For some things great, but mostly poor. Wisconsin people are a little different than the average human. I've spent a lot of time there and not really a lot of good to say about the attitude of the people there. If your from the area or they think your a local, your treated great. If an outsider, your garbage. I've found that attitude in restaurants, coin stores, markets, etc. And if you really want to see a bad attitude there, tell them your from Chicago. They all want your money there but sure wish you'ld go away. I used to have land all over the place there. My son went to college there. Still I'm an outsider and lousy treatment.

I am very lucky my dealer is the best, he is always there for me and always has a good deal or two waiting for me when I come in. Maybe all the good coin shops and dealers are in AZ.

BRUCE.

One of my favourite dealers runs his shop in your area, Andy Kimmel of Paragon Numismatics. Andy's one of the nicest people you will ever run into, I have nothing but the utmost respect for him. His address is Paragon Numismatics 1425 W Mequon Rd # E, Mequon, WI 53092.
If you get a chance to meet him, make sure you say hello from this old dawg!

Now Cmon, dont be picking on Wisc. I rode the Harley through the state a while back and ran into a group of bikers up near Racine. They were really cool. Sat and ate cheese and had a beer or two. Ya I know, the bikers were from Minnesota so it don't really count but it happened in WI. : ) ...

When you get up towards the far north they like their beer eh...

There are several dealers that I have met over the years on ebay that I deal with now. Remember to find one, buy low, see how your treated and move forward. Good Luck.

One thing I have noticed about this forum. If your looking for something in particular. ASK.. Never know if somebody here happens to be one of the dealers that I have found on ebay. : )

SilentAsian4Hire,

It's kind of a drive but not too far. I recommend Dale at "Macs Coins" in Sunnyvale. (408) 732-8575. GREAT guy, I highly recommend. His inventory is on the small side. But it seems to me the guys with the massive inventory are very unpersonable and overpriced. The cost of convenience, I guess. For an overall dealer (who specializes in ancients) I recommend an older gentleman (don't remember his name or number) at Treasure Island in Palo Alto.

There might be one in SF. Palo Alto is in the south bay, if you didn't know. I doubt "Treasure Island" is a very unique name.