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 Replies: 16 / Views: 5,531 |
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Valued Member
United States
102 Posts |
Hey, Waredu. Where's that new coin store you found in Austin?
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Moderator
 United States
16679 Posts |
We have several coin shops here in the Los Angeles area. The only problem is, they are pretty far apart.
I live in Alhambra, a suburb of LA, and have been going to Alhambra Coin Center for years. They are fair but are always busy so it's rare to get that "one on one" time.
There used to be a very friendly gentleman named Don that owned "The Coin Depot". He moved many years ago and is pretty far for me to drive. He had one of those tiny shops with a bid board where you can just sit with him for hours and talk coins. Ahhhh....the memories. I bought my first coin there at age 12 and got my first bike stolen outside of his store! He is responsible for getting me involved in this wonderful hobby and I won't ever forget it ;-)
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Valued Member
United States
320 Posts |
I recently found Xavier's coins here in Mesa AZ. Small store, but very friendly. They also have a in-store auction setup which I kind of like. Haven't bought much, just a book and a couple of albums, but when I was in with my mother they didn't balk at her like some other coin stores I've been in. She'll say things like the following, and they have been very polite and courteous nonetheless, which really counts for something in my book. "Now, why shouldn't you clean your coins?" "I've got a Morgan dollar, what do you think it's worth?" when they ask for year/mint mark/etc "I think it's a 1865?" "Do you buy gold? I've got some I might sell, but I'm a bit hesitant because if everything went bad and I ever needed to make a run for the border..." (coming from a little old lady with several replaced joints and who doesn't speak a lick of spanish) |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2448 Posts |
Actually the INTERNET has been the death of the local coin shop. I used to love to go and see this nice old guy in Denbiegh, Newport News, VA. He had a wealth of information and would talk your ear off if there wasn't another customer in the shop trying to "Deal". I really miss the old guy; passed away just before my wife did. I have two choices now in a 50 mile areaof SE Virginia; one in Hampton and one in Williamsburg. I've been tempted to start one up but I know I'd give away the store. I'm a collector and lack the drive to be a dealer. I'd buy everything coming in and never sell anything. Probably wouldn't stay in business long. But then if I could afford the rent, who would care?  |
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Valued Member
 United States
397 Posts |
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Hey, Waredu. Where's that new coin store you found in Austin? Capital Coin & Bullion, owner's name is Chad. If you're familiar with Austin, it's on Burnet Road. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1080 Posts |
San Antonio has several shops, and I'm amazed how different they are. I've talked about a few of them here before. There's the shop that sounds like yours that isn't always open during his posted hours. It's like a cave in there. Never bought there. Sold a few things. His offers prices were pretty low. ($9 x face for junk silver just a few months ago!) There's the guy we call the "Coin Nazi." He has a pretty nice inventory. I've bought a few modern things, and he prices according to greysheet. But if he gets tired of you he shouts and throws you out. I haven't gotten the full brunt of that (because I can take a hint and I scoot when he starts getting snippy) but I've heard from people who have. There's the guy downtown right on the RiverWalk. I've never been in there because parking is too difficult and I know it's such a high-rent district that I can't imagine finding any deals there. Then there's my favorite shop. It's a bit of a drive, but the guys are very very personable. They have a terrific inventory in a bright, easy to navigate shop. They deal a lot of bullion but also have plenty of collectible coins and currency. Their modern stock is very good as well (bins of State Quarters, binders of modern circulating coins, etc.) They're always friendly and there's usually a steady stream of diverse customers (kids, adults, bullion investors, dealers, jewelry sellers). It would probably be worth a trip from Austin sometime, they are near 281 and 1604 so it's the side of town closer to you. |
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Valued Member
United States
397 Posts |
My wife is from San Antonio - so we get down there every few months to see her family. What's the name of that shop? I'll be sure to check it out.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
651 Posts |
Hey guys, don't forget the coin shows in San Antonio, 4 times a year. One of them is coming up on the 28th of August. This August show is a large show.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
19966 Posts |
I guess I'm lucky, I have a lot in my area. My favorite one has a great atmosphere and I chat with the owner regularly. Sometimes I sit in there for an hour or two and just hang out. He usually goes to the safe and hands me a bunch of very valuable stuff to look at. One day he even handed me a $30,000 diamond studded Rolex, probably the ugliest thing I've ever seen. He was trying to sell to me for $12k. LOL
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1080 Posts |
Waredu: Lone Star Coins on San Pedro (you can google them)
And yes, the coin shows here are quality
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New Member
United States
44 Posts |
I moved to Austin a few months ago. And needed to sell some silver. Called a few places and got terrible offers then talked to Chad at Capitol Coin & Bullion. He was almost as good as selling it on ebay. I'm in his shop almost every Saturday buying and selling stuff. I'm not sure what makes one coin shop cool and another suck but he's done it there,(made it cool that is) And no I am not affiliated with it in any way lol. |
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Hey Thad, that Rolex would look good on you LOL
One of my local coin shop guys showed me an antique music box from the 1860's they purchased at an estate sale. It was the size of a small piano. He wound it up and played it for me. Wow! It had about 500 of those little pins that played.
swcoin.ecrater.com
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Moderator
United States
189340 Posts |
Quote:
I'm a collector and lack the drive to be a dealer. I'd buy everything coming in and never sell anything... But then if I could afford the rent, who would care? Exactly! If you did not need the income, this would be a good way to spend some time.  |
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Valued Member
United States
66 Posts |
I love Riverview coins in Moline, IL. That is where I do a lot of my business and I highly recommend them...Brad and Al are great people. They may take a while to warm up to you if you are a new customer but they gladly answer any questions you have and will help you with anything if there is something in particular you are looking for. Brad knows I collect nice old silver coinage and Kennedy halves so he always shows me his high end halves when he get's one in and I appreciate him very much for that. I've spent a lot of money in that shop over the last ten years or so. And I am not affiliated with them in any way but if you are in Eastern Iowa or Northwest IL I highly advise you look them up!! |
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Valued Member
United States
258 Posts |
The internet has made a huge impact. Most coin stores that have owners who are internet savvy sell online. Therefore a lot of the best coins are sold quickly to an out of town/state customer instead of a local patron. This is a two edge sword. It means the dealer has more money coming in which helps him stay in business but it also means you have to be quick to check his/her new inventory as the good stuff will always run away quickly when it is rare and priced right.
Telling your dealer what you are looking for is a great way to get to know them personally and build a steady relationship. Also having a local store is to ones advantage when looking to sell excess coins.
If those options are not on the table than maybe a local coin club where people can get together to buy, sell and trade amongst each other. If there is not one in your area try to start one by listing it on craigslist. Sincerely, John Leckrone
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Posted 07/31/2010 7:21 pm
