Family trip to the wonderful world of southern California to visit Legoland! I was wondering if there are any coin shops worth visiting in the area... Focus this trip would be primarily large cents, national currency if I find a place with paper. Any help from the locals would be appreciated.
It just so happens I live 20 minutes from Legoland. Legoland area is actually a little far from the hearland of San Diego. There are some nice shops in La Jolla, as well as Oceanside. I frequent quite a few out here in San Diego, however, none that far up. Let me know how your stay goes!
Depending on your timing there is a good size coin show in SD on the weekend of July 14/15. I'll be in town for the ComicCon and will be checking this show out on Sunday. http://www.coinshows.com/sandiego_sdcinc.html
I don't know if he would have what you want, but there is a shop in Pacific Beach called Coin Cellar. It's really close to the ocean, and your family would probably also enjoy that beach. Let me know, and I'll give you more info on where to park, etc for that beach 'cuz parking can be a bear.
Coin Cellar is nice. There's also San Diego Coin Bullion. Feel free to send me a PM, I can provide a lot of guidance as to what to do during your stay
Try Carlsbad Village Coin right in down-town Carlsbad. Very freindly and knowledgeable owners, they'll treat you right.
Figured I would finish this thread with one last post, that way if anyone searches for these areas in the future they will have what I found. Date Visited June 2012 First stop was Carlsbad Village Coin (2977 State Street) Was able to spend the most time at this shop. They were very friendly and had a large collection of coins available and out on display. They even took out items to show my 8 year old son when he showed interest. They had multiple trays of large cents to look through. I was able to pick up three braided hair cents and a bust half cent. All 5 days in the area were rushed, Legoland, Sea World, SD Zoo, back to Legoland, back to Legoland. I was able to break away from the zoo for two hours to visit the next five shops (these reviews might be based on 5 minutes or less in shop). Second was Old coin shop (2425 El Cajon Blvd) Enter into a room where you talk to the worker/owner who is behind glass. Asked about large cents and he said that all of his were out of the shop at the time. Asked about what rate he was buying silver at and his rates were very good. Third was ?, can't remember the name (7710 Balboa Ave) Worker was friendly but the overall selection was very small. Did have 2 large cents and 1 half cent but I didn't find any to purchase. Fourth was San Diego Coin (7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd) Nice store and looked to be an average amount of coins displayed. Little selection on large cents, nothing of interest. Asked about half cents and the lady said they didn't have any. Happened to glance at a tray of graded coins and noticed a half cent. Asked to see it and she said something along the lines of , "oh, you meant graded" Was able to get the price reduced a little and splurged on what is now my favorite coin. (pathetic pictures below) Fifth was San Diego Coin Shop (7774 Girard Ave) Very high end area of town, worker was very friendly but they didn't have any cents or half cents in stock. Place seemed very empty, can't imagine how they pay the rent in that area unless they do a ton of bullion deals. Last stop was Cellar Coin (1029 Garnet ave) Another nice shop, probably 15-20 large cents and 10 half cents available. Was able to pick up a classic head half cent for the type set, good price and they even came down a little on price.
