And Another One Bites The Dust

We have several decent shops in the Denver metro area, but I think most of the dealers are catching onto the fact that they make more selling the really choice coins at auction. Since my aim is to collect nicely toned coins, but I can't afford auction prices (I just got outbid for one that ultimately sold for nearly 6x book!), it's going to be tricky.

I guess that's just a changing business model due to adapting to the new standards for trading. Running a store is expensive and the competition on the internet is fierce. Don't be surprised if your local coin guy either uses his newly found spare time to run a web shop or to have a second job to make ends meet. I have some coin shops like that around me. One has the best price for the quality you get, has a shop that's less spacious than an office cubicle and is open for just 12 hours a week. And still he has my business...

If he was the best around and if you had a good relationship, then it doesn't hurt to try to be a bit flexible...

The closest one to me closed about 2 years ago. There is another larger one 45 minutes or so away that has been in business for 40+ years but their hours and my work hours are similar so I may make it once every 6 months.
I have learned to curb my appetite to waiting patiently for the 3 coin shows close enough for me to attend.
I recently joined a coin club that meets once a month. That has helped a little bit as a few members sometimes bring along a few coins to try and sell.