I'd be willing to drive up to an hour for a trustworthy dealer. York and Hershey are not out of the picture. Has anyone had dealings with any in my area, either good or bad? (I should add that I'm into US coins, nothing older than Trade dollars, really). Thanks.
Steinmetz is located in York and Lancaster. The Lancaster location is just stacks of bullion, but the York shop should have a more welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to attend the biannual Red Rose Coin Show in Lancaster.
Steinmetz was rude on the phone. Not sure I wanna invest the time and potentially give them my business.
That was precisely my impression of the Lancaster location, run by the father. The son runs the shop in York. I haven't been there, but from what I've seen of him at shows, he's a nice guy.
When visiting my brother in Lititz, I went over to "Security Rare Coins" - 1513 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA - . A smallish shop (in size) with a pretty good sized inventory. They had some junk coins (I didn't buy) that looked fun. I believe I bought a raw Commemorative. I honestly don't recall much other than they had some interesting coins. I will definitely go back there to poke around. The person I spoke with (there were a couple of people working in the shop) was friendly and helpful.
McComsey's Coins in Willow Street PA is a very fine establishment, but I'm not sure it's worth an hour's drive - it depends on what you're looking for. Also, their hours are odd, so look them up and call first. Most everything is behind the counter, but they're good about pulling stuff out and letting you peruse it, and they're very friendly - husband and wife team. The inventory is rather typical: bullion, lots of 20th-century, less 19th, some world, no ancients. Who knows - they may have that TD you've been looking for.
I haven't found a dealer I trust yet in the area. Not many around the area. From my small dealings with Crone's coins in York, they will try to take you for a fool right away. I took in a 50's dated PCGS Rosie PR68. He offered me melt. He stated that since they all came in proof sets, they should all be that grade. Nice try. I know it wasn't an expensive coin, but I didn't expect that offer. And I have to agree with Dougmeister on Steinmetz. I can't remember if it was the York or Lancaster number I called though. I asked if they carried any Barber halves in F/VF problem free, and they said those coins were of very little value and they doubted they had any. I can think of quite a few date Barber halves that have value enough for me to go there and pay a nice premium! Now keep in mind, Steinmetz has paid for ads in the Barber Coin Collectors Society Journal for I bet 20 years. Blows my mind.
Have you tried this place? He's on US Rt. 30. http://thecollectorsdream.net/ Not strictly a coin dealer, but did have substantial inventory. Usually stop on my way home from Gettysburg (annual trip). Haven't been there in a couple of years, last time I stopped on a Sunday morning he was closed. Owner is a nice guy, had some pretty good deals. Again, call first to confirm his hours.
If you had a time machine, you could visit Stiegerwalt's in Lancaster: http://books.google.com/books?id=9_...ASn4IHQDA&ved=0CE4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q&f=false
The online prices are. But I've got some good deals inside the shop. Haven't been there in two years though.
