On another internet forum, I run a coin collecting thread geared towards beginning collectors and people with a passing interest in coins. I often get asked about large national dealers. When you consider the advertising budgets these companies have, it stands to reason that they are the most visible representatives of the coin industry to the general public. I've always had a dim view of Littleton, and the recent controversy around the ANA show did not exactly boost my opinion of SilverTowne and a few others. I have had positive experiences with APMEX, but I haven't been a customer of very many of the other mega-dealers. I'd like to be able to recommend some of those dealers to beginning collectors who are unwilling to wade into the dangerous waters of eBay (and who don't have a local coin shop). My question is, which (if any) of the large dealers would you recommend as an ethical and reputable company?
By considering both Littleton and APMEX in the same aren't you comparing apples and oranges? One is primarily collector coins and the other is a major bullion dealer. Which kind of "mega" dealer are you trying to steer your audience toward? A dealer in collector coins or in bullion?
To the best of my knowledge Heritage is bigger than any of them, and I would highly recommend them to anybody. That said, it's not the size of the company or how much business they do that matters, but rather the way in which they do business that matters. And there are many, many, dealers, large and small, that I would recommend, and have recommended many times. Picking the best dealer for you depends more on you and your personal situation and the coin/s you are looking for than it does on the dealer. Many people don't realize that. But once you do realize it, and understand it, you will have much better luck finding the coins you want and at a fair price.
When I was collecting gold coins I dealt with MCM (modern coin mart) and Gainesville Coins in FL. I haven't dealt with them in a few years now. I no longer collect coins unless I'm roaming and see something I can't live without.
