I am considering posting a thread about a local coin dealer, who has been operating his shop since the early 80s. I haven't asked him yet, and he may decline,, but if he gives me the green light, what restrictions does CT have about such a thread? This wouldn't be offering coins or anything else for sale, just a biographical thread, with some photos. I'd like to do this before his shop closes, one of the very few left in the Bay Area. He's in his early 80s and his son does most of the work at the shop. This shop, for many years, was my main local go-to, to look at coins, and talk about them and just about anything else with other collectors, some now deceased. For a local coin shop, it has an amazing assortment of modern coins, US coins, ancients, books and exonumia and US and world currency, as well as bullion and jewelry. The brick and mortar shops are almost extinct. While online shopping is very convenient, something is being lost with the virtual extinction of the local coin shop. So, what do the CT moderators and members think about such a thread? Is is within the bounds of the rules? Thanks
There are constant posts of professional auction houses, so what's the difference. We post our haves, have nots, and wants, still no difference. We have a PH.D. Numismatist in our community that I would have no problem acknowledging. His professionalism, honesty, and fairness are above board and appreciated. His name, Dr. Hollis Pincock, CH Coins, Burley, Idaho.
I think if it is not a negative accusatory post, and he has your permission and you are not posting phone numbers and addresses, I think it should be OK. But these days there's always some uneforceable rule you are breaking whenever you try to do anything nice about anything.
Unfortunately he may just ban you with no explanation and refuse to answer any questions you or anyone else may have about the ban if you are the unlucky unwritten rule breaker of the week.
You might read through this https://www.cointalk.com/threads/coin-dealers.14152/ and see if it fits your question. I think some of the ideas might not be allowed, but it also is a place where dealers might be listed. It is not the most popular forum by any means. Jim
Thank you all for your suggestions and comments. I've known this dealer going back to 1980, when he was still selling coins from his car, before he acquired his first shop, so there's a lot of rapport and friendship. We even took trips to Mexico back in the 1980's to attend the coin shows in Mexico City and Guadalajara. I'll ask him tomorrow, when he is in the shop. His son may not like the idea, though, for security reasons. They've had a couple of break-in attempts.
No, this shop is in San Jose, Falcone's Coins and Collectables. If you Google their name you'll get their contact information and address. Sal has been something of an institution in the South Bay, and as I mentioned he has a very diverse inventory, including many numismatic references in his library and for sale.
I think shops like this are great, but if these cease operations they should be wise and hire someone (since it sounds like they haven’t done this before) to sell off stuff on ebay or something. I bet there are a lot of good out-of-print books, materials, supplies, not to mention coins that are just waiting for the market to absorb. Ebay auctions would be exciting and fair for buyers, and also beneficial for the sellers so they get better prices due to larger market. Just my two cents. I’ve seen some lazy old-fashioned types who sit on stuff and occasionally sell for almost nothing, which seems imbecilic to me. No offense, just an opinion. Thanks, joe
Good point. The son trades on eBay extensively, but as far as I can tell most of his items are US coins. The shop itself is a virtual Fibber McGee's closet, with books, albums and box on top of box. Sal is the coin expert. His expertise spans US, World and ancient coinage. His specialty is Italian coinage, with a focus on Sicilian coinage (his family is from there). If you have a question about an obscure Italian coin, he probably has a reference for it. As I mentioned, Sal is basically retired. I don't even know if he is setting up a local shows anymore. There was a show recently in San Jose, but I didn't go. I's suggest, if you are visiting San Jose and environs, that you call ahead if you want to visit Sal. He is there on a very limited basis now.
Thanks. I will keep that in mind. My kids and grandkids live in the Bay Area and I usually get into San Jose at least once while I am there.
Hi Kevin I think you would have a nice afternoon visiting the shop and perhaps grabbing a bite somewhere. The shop in located on Lincoln Avenue in Willow Glen. There are lots of places to eat. It's been a while since I've been there, after retirement from the County, so I can't make any recommendations. Again, call ahead and arrange to see Sal. Vince, his son, is often busy on the Internet with eBay and his range of knowledge is not a comprehensive as Sal's. Be prepared to spend a hour or two there, as people come in and out, sit around, and go through boxes, trays and albums of coins. The pace, when Sal is there, is quite leisurely.
