How Many Have Purchased Coins From Pawn Shops?

I always try to keep an eye out on coins in pawn shops. I once got a really good deal on some coins at this one pawn shop a few years ago.

1995 P Proof Silver Eagle for $25; worth $200
1999 Unc $5 gold for $15; worth $80
2000 Unc $5 gold for $25; worth $80
1960 Franklin MS63(?) for $5; worth $12
1962 Franklin MS60 for $5; worth $7
1879-S Morgan MS64 3rd reverse for $5; worth $70
1880-O Morgan MS60 for $5; worth $90
1881-S Morgan MS63 for $5; worth $55
1881 Morgan MS60(?) for $5; worth $40
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Total spent: $95 Worth:$634

And this was all in one day and in the same shop. Ended up spending all the money that I had on me, and all the money that I could find in the car. Unfortunately, the owners of that pawn shop sold it not to long after that and now the people who own it know there price on coins, and sell them for more than they're worth.

I have gotten several good deals at Pawn Shops, but I find the best deals at an antique store, most of the time there are a few coins in with a lot of other junk and jewelry. I got a 1909 VDB in XF for $.25 at one a couple of months ago.

Never hurts to check out anyplace, you never know what treasure may be hiding there.

madspec

Has anyone had any luck with estate sales? How do they work? I'm thinking about trying a few of these. I heard that in the estate sale that you can buy a box of coins. I would like this because of the hunt.

You CAN find stuff at Pawn Shops. Go in and ask and you might be surprised. I myself prefer Antique Malls. Usually a large selection to look at and sometimes you find decent prices.

As with many topics the answer is pending on location, location, location. If your around the Chicago area there are virtually hundreds or even possibly thousands of garage/yard/estate sales. Always remember estate sales, not estate auctions. The primary thing with all these are you must ask about coins. I've never seen coins of any kind out on display. Way to much theft in this area. However if you ask you may be surprized at how many have an old jar, can, box, etc of old coins laying around but are afraid to put them out at such sales. You have to ask. One of my biggest finds ever was at such a yard sale. I asked and a lady said be right back. Came out with a jar full of pennies(cents). Said I could have them but would have to sit there and count them. I just offered $50 and it was a deal. At home it turned out to be close to $35 in face value. Why I offered that much? The bottom was full of Indian Head cents. Estimated coin value was in the thousands.
I have tried many pawn shops in the area but unless you know someone the people just give you a funny look and say we don't accept coins. Yeah, right. I go to about 3 coin shows a Month, coin shops when I have time, flea markets every weekend but you can't beat garage/yard/estate sales. But you have to ask.

I saw a home made sign today saying estate sale on my way to work and was like dam. I've yet to try an estate sale or a yard sale for that matter. Mostly due to time as I have 2 kids and a wife that is on a rotating shift. I just thought about calling around to local pawn shops to see if they had any coins. Didn't think about the antique stores. Not sure we really have any in my area of GA.

I'll have to give it a shot if have any money left from paying my car tags.

I have 2 Pawn Shops that I have been dealing with for 6-7 years. They know what I will take without much dickering and approx what I'll pay. Lots and lots of Silver and Silver Dollars. Have picked up many, many great coins from them at reasonable prices. Also have real good luck at Flea Markets. Only once did I EVER purchase coins at a Yard Sale.