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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,447 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
513 Posts |
I'll be taking a trip to Chicago in June and I was wondering if anyone had ever been to the Harlan J Berk store there? From reading their store page I got the impression that they didn't have ancient coins on display in the retail store and that you had to make an appointment to view them, which I feel bad about doing since I may not buy anything and if I do it'll be on the lower end of the price scale.
Also are there any other stores/museums that anyone would recommend? I'm already going to the Field Museum, Art Institute, and Oriental Museum at the University of Chicago.
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Bedrock of the Community
United Kingdom
18022 Posts |
I've bought a few coins from them - they shipped to England, the coins were older US types and were fairly priced and as described. Never actually visited the store though.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
513 Posts |
Yeah, the store online looks very nice and very reliable. I was just wondering how the retail store is.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
If you have the time, the Adler Planetarium has a piece of moon rock.
The Museum of Science and Industry has a tour inside a submarine.
I've never been to Harlan J. Berk's. The reviews for it on Yelp are all over the place -- some loved it and didn't spend a lot of money but many thought the staff was rude. It doesn't sound like the kind of place one goes to browse...but if you have a shopping list, you might find what you're looking for.
Are you driving into Chicago? The Kennedy expressway will be torn apart for the next 3 weekends.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
513 Posts |
No I'm flying in. HJB sounds like a 'maybe' so far. I'm staying about 3 blocks away so it might be worth it anyway. I just didn't know if their retail display was 100% modern or if there were ancients too.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4981 Posts |
i really enjoyed the museum of science and industry as well.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
If you're staying near the coin shop -- I guess it wouldn't hurt to pay a visit. If it doesn't feel good -- leave. From what I saw on their site, they have an expert for just about everything. Glad to hear you won't be on the Expressway.  The Shedd Aquarium is nice, if you have the time and you like critters. Also, you should check out http://www.citypass.com/chicago?mv_...FDMgodcXYAFw. You can get a discount pass for the museums. The City site should have a list of the festivals and concerts that are scheduled while you're there. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
513 Posts |
Shedd and Adler are on our must-go list as well. Great tip on the city-pass too. Shedd/Art Institute/Field make it worth it by themselves, and if we end up going to the Museum of Science and Industry (looks interesting, not positive we'll have time) or Skydeck it'll be even more of a savings.
I'll probably stop in the store since it's only a couple blocks away, just didn't know if anyone had inside info on whether or not they have ancients on display. The website says they have antiquities, so it won't be a total waste either way. I just hope I don't get enamored with any modern coins while I'm there. The last thing I need is this hobby expanding... haha.
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Rest in Peace
United States
7075 Posts |
Quote:
The last thing I need is this hobby expanding... haha.  I keep thinking of more places for you to go.... There's a huge Ferris wheel at Navy Pier -- I'm afraid of heights so not for me, but you might like it. And there is are architecture tours, boat tours, etc. I hope you have a good time. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
549 Posts |
I'd suggest you make the appointment, telling them your price range. They have lots of ancient coins, but not in the same physical store they have the US coins. If you walk in the front at their address and don't specifically ask about where to see ancients, you will not see many. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
567 Posts |
HJB is a definite yes. The appointment thing is just for their higher end stuff, i.e. $20K plus. They have bins upon bins of coins that aren't even listed on their website and the staff there is great, you just need to ask for whatever you want. Usually Aaron is manning the front with the rest of the staff. You can even ask to have your purchases shipped home so you don't have to carry them on the plane.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Apparently, not everyone attempts to get an appointment at HJB...Sadly, I see that they were recently robbed. From CoinsWeekly ( http://www.coinsweekly.com/en/page/4?&id=2834):Robbery at Harlan J. Berk June 19, 2014 â€" On June 14, 2014 two men broke in at Harlan J. Berk, Ldt., Chicago (USA). At around 6 am the robbers forced their way in through the coin dealers' front door and took the coins at hand. However, they did not seem to be looking for particular pieces. The whole robbery was done in two minutes. Surveillance footage was handed over to Chicago Police, investigations are going on. The firm does not expect to get their coins back, apparently ‘generic stuff', some gold coins not yet stored into the vault, Presidential dollars and State Quarters. Anyway, Harlan J. Berk Ltd. is planning to improve their security measures." |
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,447 |
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Posted 06/14/2014 7:41 pm
