I Found A Bulk Supplier Of Ikes At Face - Reputable?

Sorry about your experience. I guess I have been lucky. I often leave empty handed. simply because they has such a small stock of the things I am interested in. The guy behind the counter has always been polite and courteous he even calls out one of the others if I have asked a question he is unable to answer. I don't doubt you have had a bad experience, I have heard the same thing from several other people I have talked to at shows. But to date my experiences have been nothing but enjoyable. Royal coins is also a friendly experience. I get calls from them all the time to come "look" at something interesting. Never any pressure to buy.

Maybe one of you could be a middleman for them

As a matter of fact, I will be going past there tomorrow to visit my wife in the hospital, will try to stop buy and ask them about their Ike deal, see what it is and post results here.

Thanks basicbob. I'm in CT and obviously can't stop by the brick & mortar location.

I spoke to someone named Blake, if it helps.

thanxz Hawks,
wife had a total hip replacement on Monday, to get out of hosp. today, was up and walking mon PM; amazing what they can do now-a-days.

Stopped by US coin this AM, they opened at 9 and I was waiting at the door. He has one bag of circulated Ikes, said he wants $1.05 each for the bag; will sell 500 at $1.10 each and less than 500 at $1.20 each (plus shipping and insurance of course). I looked at the bag, it is heavy duty poly but could see the coins, they all appear to be average circulated, mixed dates. Bag was sealed, he said that is the way he bought it and hasn't opened it yet. Will only break the bag open if someone wants 500 or less. Said he might be able to get a second bag at the same deal but not sure, so it is one bag left at this time. Asked how business was during this "recession" and he said that they are doing OK because they deal a lot in gold and it is hot right now. They do have lots of US and foreign gold coins on display, also sell some limited edition high end glass figurenes but mostly coins. All their coins look very good and they have some real hard to find items. Spoke directly with the owner, he seems like an alright guy. Their location is real high profile, have a tall concrete billboard with electronic message on top advertising store hours, etc that continully changes messages to catch the public eye on I-10; its not a location one would bail out of overnight, they have been there a long time, I would trust them but everyone has to make their own decision.

First, thank you to everyone, especially BasicBob, for all of their assistance. I decided against using US coins, not only because they reneged on their face-value offer (they told me they were sold at face + shipping, but told you 1.10 each), but because I found a bank in the neighboring county that will get them direct ($500 minimum) without any shipping charge. I'm not even a customer! That's service! (Although I'm ready to sign up for a 'basic' account if they require it, to retain this ridiculously lucky offer.)

So let's say they stay true to their word and get me the Ikes. (I only worry because some bank order forms just say 'Dollars' and they are unable to specify - but they assured me that they will be ordering Ikes.) Then what?

Do you think there is sufficient demand for Ikes online to sell hundreds/thousands of them over time at a small premium? (I often see 25 Ikes for approx. $30. Is offering a grand of Ikes, even over time, going to glut the market?

One more question (sorry to overload!): What are your opinions on spending Ikes? I got a bag of about 120, and about 80 were total culls, with significant corrosion. Those are spending grade. But what about sub-UNC coins - the type that sell at a premium? Is the thrill of spending them worth the loss? I humbly look forward to any responses.

The form only says dollars, but a few years back I heard that they can write on the form to specify Ike dollars. I can't guarantee that would work, but it might be worth a try at other banks as well.)