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So who exactly is Robert Chambers?

He is called a "spokesperson" for Silvertowne but is he actually one of their employees?

Has anyone ever seen him at a coin show behind a table or just walking around?

Comments

  • UtahCoinUtahCoin Posts: 5,366 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I believe if he showed up at a coin show, he might be taken outside and strung-up.....
    I used to be somebody, now I'm just a coin collector.
    Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.


  • << <i>I believe if he showed up at a coin show, he might be taken outside and strung-up..... >>



    Why? Is he a horse thief?
    "Everyday above ground is a good day"

  • UtahCoinUtahCoin Posts: 5,366 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I believe if he showed up at a coin show, he might be taken outside and strung-up..... >>



    Why? Is he a horse thief? >>



    In a sense, yes. Those of you that are not dealers, might simply say, the uneducated buyer got what he/she deserved without doing homework on such a purchase.

    But when you are a dealer, and you have grandma or granddad bring these "treasures" into the shop to sell them, and you explain what they are worth, and how Chambers ripped them off. You'd want to string him up too.
    I used to be somebody, now I'm just a coin collector.
    Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
  • ahooka454ahooka454 Posts: 3,466
    He's a snake oil salesman.


  • << <i>He is called a "spokesperson" for Silvertowne but is he actually one of their employees?

    Has anyone ever seen him at a coin show behind a table or just walking around? >>




    Does Silvertowne own Shop at home network? Or is Coin Valut a second job?
    (Old man) Look I had a lovely supper, and all I said to my wife was, “That piece of halibut was good enough for Jehovah”.

    (Priest) BLASPHEMY he said it again, did you hear him?
  • MichiganMichigan Posts: 4,942


    << <i>

    << <i>He is called a "spokesperson" for Silvertowne but is he actually one of their employees?

    Has anyone ever seen him at a coin show behind a table or just walking around? >>




    Does Silvertowne own Shop at home network? Or is Coin Valut a second job? >>




    I believe that Silvertowne was the main coin supplier to Shop at Home network but I don't believe they actually owned it.

    I'm curious if Robert Chambers has any real numismatic background as in owning a B&M shop or working for someone else in that
    capacity or if he is just a salesman they got from somewhere who was good at memorizing some coin info. for a sales job.
  • moonshinemoonshine Posts: 1,039 ✭✭
    yes, I recall that name from one of the shop at home shows.

  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,608 ✭✭✭✭✭
    He has charisma and charm. He has helped dealers keep prices up. A trend setter. The voice of value image
  • mrearlygoldmrearlygold Posts: 17,858 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I believe if he showed up at a coin show, he might be taken outside and strung-up..... >>



    Why? Is he a horse thief? >>



    In a sense, yes. Those of you that are not dealers, might simply say, the uneducated buyer got what he/she deserved without doing homework on such a purchase.

    But when you are a dealer, and you have grandma or granddad bring these "treasures" into the shop to sell them, and you explain what they are worth, and how Chambers ripped them off. You'd want to string him up too. >>



    That's a kind way to explain it.
  • sinin1sinin1 Posts: 7,500
    I'm curious if Robert Chambers has any real numismatic background as in owning a B&M shop or working for someone else in that
    capacity or if he is just a salesman they got from somewhere who was good at memorizing some coin info. for a sales job.


    Have you not listened to his show? Even newby can understand his knowledge of the industry, and insight into market movement, and when good deals get better -

    Isn't he a poster here?

    image
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,731 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Apparently he is an actor and pitchman who has learned more than a little about coins
    over the past 20 years. I doubt many would accuse him of being a numismatist but there
    are aspects of the hobby in which he might be considered expert.

    I don't understand why some people slam Coin Vault so much. Their prices were never as
    bad as the other coin shows and they lowered them a lot as time went on. People pay
    three times wholesale for furniture and four times for jewelry with out blinking an eye but
    when they try to sell coins on TV at double people call them crooks.

    They sell some stuff that is exclusive or unavailable elsewhere as well as many "valueadded"
    products. While few advanced collectors have much cause to buy anything from them it is
    a service to newbies and outsiders and they do draw lots of people to the inside.

    Some of these other shows would be much more difficult for which to find kind words.
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • BochimanBochiman Posts: 25,556 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>I believe if he showed up at a coin show, he might be taken outside and strung-up..... >>



    Why? Is he a horse thief? >>



    In a sense, yes. Those of you that are not dealers, might simply say, the uneducated buyer got what he/she deserved without doing homework on such a purchase.

    But when you are a dealer, and you have grandma or granddad bring these "treasures" into the shop to sell them, and you explain what they are worth, and how Chambers ripped them off. You'd want to string him up too. >>



    He's no worse than some of the dealers we have all heard about/known.......why won't the dealers string THOSE people up? image

    I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment

  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Apparently he is an actor and pitchman who has learned more than a little about coins
    over the past 20 years. I doubt many would accuse him of being a numismatist but there
    are aspects of the hobby in which he might be considered expert.

    I don't understand why some people slam Coin Vault so much. Their prices were never as
    bad as the other coin shows and they lowered them a lot as time went on. People pay
    three times wholesale for furniture and four times for jewelry with out blinking an eye but
    when they try to sell coins on TV at double people call them crooks.

    They sell some stuff that is exclusive or unavailable elsewhere as well as many "valueadded"
    products. While few advanced collectors have much cause to buy anything from them it is
    a service to newbies and outsiders and they do draw lots of people to the inside.

    Some of these other shows would be much more difficult for which to find kind words. >>



    While I understand where you are coming from, he is going against an industry that has pretty much set wholesale prices way above graysheet and they double the wholesale price. While it might not be wrong it sure seems unethical to pitch this stuff as investments to get people to buy when there is little to no chance in He*l that the buyers will ever profit on this stuff in their life time.
  • Robert is the fella that puts me to sleep nightly!! Too bad his show is going off the air, I will miss him!! Its fun looking at coins on TV, and Robert was entertaining if nothing else!
    image
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,731 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    While I understand where you are coming from, he is going against an industry that has pretty much set wholesale prices way above graysheet and they double the wholesale price. While it might not be wrong it sure seems unethical to pitch this stuff as investments to get people to buy when there is little to no chance in He*l that the buyers will ever profit on this stuff in their life time. >>




    Much of what they sell is mere junk. Gold plated quarters get sold for two or three dollars
    each marked down from $15. They'll imply that the gold is worth a lot of money but of course
    it's exceedingly little gold and the coin is probably always going to be considered numismatically
    ruined. Sure, they make a lot of money on such things when sold by the millions but if the mar-
    ket demands gold plated quarters than who can blame them for selling. They have several ways
    that they imply things have greater value than they do and often use some very creative math.


    You're right that most of the stuff they sell hasn't a lot of potential but there are numerous excep-
    tions. Not only hve the recent metal increases baled most of their customers out of optimistically
    priced bullion but all the high grade stuff sold hasn't decreased in value.

    I wouldn't suggest anyone buy anything from them. I am suggesting that a few things they sell
    can't be purchased elsewhere and they don't misrepresent what they're selling. Quality tends to
    be pretty much what they claim. Potential customers could do a quick google search and few would
    buy if they did. These are mostly spur of the moment sales to insomniacs and shopaholics. While
    it's sad to see people come into the shop and find they greatly overpaid, a lot of people are greatly
    disappointed when they find what things are really worth. Coin Vault generally just doesn't have
    the hugely high prices for overrepresented coins that the others do.

    I don't know how to protect people from themselves. It's a damn shame to see someone spend
    $1000 for a "complete" states quarters set with all the platinum and other coins but how do you
    stop them? Most of these people don't seem to value their money too much anyway.

    They just don't fit the definition of crook. They tend to be opportunistic but you can see that they
    try to provide real value in almost everything.

    When you consider that almost no one should ever buy from them they simply do an incredible job
    of selling. Some of their legitimate business is based on the great convenience to their customers
    but most business is based on their ability to pitch.
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,731 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't know why this was posted on another thread but it's relevant here;


    ShopNBC Launches New Merchandise Category With Silver Towne Collectible Coins

    March 03, 2008: 08:45 AM EST


    MINNEAPOLIS, March 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- One of America's largest rare coin and precious metals dealers, Silver Towne, will make its ShopNBC debut on Saturday, March 8 at 10 p.m. CT. Renowned Silver Towne spokesperson Robert Chambers will co-host "Coin Shoppe" on the luxury shopping network.

    The vendor launch of Silver Towne on ShopNBC represents a new, robust merchandise category for the network. The annual retail market for rare and collectible coins in the U.S. is approximately $10 billion, with television shopping channels representing $1.1 billion. Silver Towne has a 20-year history and proven track record of success in home shopping. The coin dealer has also developed a large and loyal customer base over the years. From offering the latest government releases to the rarest vintage coins, Silver Towne is well-positioned to bring a strong coin business to ShopNBC.

    As part of the show series, co-host Robert Chambers will showcase beautifully hand-crafted original designs, and he will talk volumes about must-haves that Silver Towne coin dealers have acquired by scouring the earth to keep their collections brimming with coins of all types and dates. TV viewers will enjoy following Chambers day in and day out as he continues the tradition of bringing coin collectors the best products on the market during "Coin Shoppe" on ShopNBC.

    "This is an exciting time for us at Silver Towne," said Chambers. "In addition to the show being a wonderful opportunity for collectors, I am personally thrilled to be part of this venture with ShopNBC. We look forward to continuing the excellence that we have provided for the past two decades."

    "Silver Towne is the most respected name in rare coins and precious metals today," said Jenele Grassle, vice president of merchandising at ShopNBC. "We are excited to bring their 20 years of quality and tradition to our luxury shopping network and offer late-night viewers a collector's dream."

    "To be part of the ShopNBC family is a tremendous opportunity," said David Hendrickson, president of Silver Towne. "We take great pride in our heritage of selling collectible coins on television, and I'm confident that our launch on the network will be well-received by our followers and ShopNBC fans alike."

    All times are CT and the shows are broadcast live across the country on cable and satellite TV into 70 million homes. Viewers should check their local listings.


    -- Saturday, March 8th at 10 p.m.

    -- Sunday, March 9th at 2 a.m., 4 a.m., 5 a.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.

    -- Monday, March 10th at 12 midnight, 1 a.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.

    -- Tuesday, March 11th at 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.



    Silver Towne coin collectibles are available at ShopNBC at 1-800-884-2212 or http://www.ShopNBC.com.

    About ShopNBC

    ShopNBC is a luxury shopping network that generates excitement and urgency when people shop for the finer things in life by delivering a unique and exceptional value. ShopNBC reaches 70 million homes in the United States via cable affiliates and satellite: Dish Network channel 228 and Direct TV channel 316. ShopNBC.com is recognized as a top e-commerce site. ShopNBC is owned and operated by ValueVision Media .

    About Silver Towne

    Silver Towne L.P. is one of America's largest and most respected rare coin and precious metals dealers. The company has been providing quality precious metals gifts and collectibles since 1949. For more information, please visit http://www.SilverTowne.com


    CNN Money Link
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • TrustNo1TrustNo1 Posts: 1,359
    I've heard that guy say crazy outlandish things about coins....I think hes an escaped mental patient
  • BECOKABECOKA Posts: 16,961 ✭✭✭
    So according to that release roughly 10% of all coins yearly are sold on TV? image
  • GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 17,938 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I don't know why this was posted on another thread but it's relevant here;

    Damn, that's a bit strict .....OK, I missed this thread!!! Big Whoop!

    I searched for ShopNBC and Silvertowne before I posted....nuttin' honey!!

    I try to do my DD as best as possible.

    Link to my errant thread
  • FrankcoinsFrankcoins Posts: 4,571 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I believe if he showed up at a coin show, he might be taken outside and strung-up..... >>



    Why? Everything else you buy is hyped and sold for double or triple wholesale. At least most of his items are slabbed
    by major services or in government packages.

    No business person has an obligation to point out other sources for obtaining the same items for less money.
    Dealers should be professional and honest, but to expect them to not promote their wares in a manner to provide
    them the most benefit, or to act against their own interests or provide their hard-earned knowlege for free to others
    to be used against them in a highly competitve market is simply unreasonable.

    Unless you are willing to pay $10,000 an hour for national TV time, and send your coins to strangers for 1/3 down
    and no interest for 3 months, such remarks against Chambers are unfair.
    Frank Provasek - PCGS Authorized Dealer, Life Member ANA, Member TNA. www.frankcoins.com
  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,731 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I don't know why this was posted on another thread but it's relevant here;

    Damn, that's a bit strict .....OK, I missed this thread!!! Big Whoop!

    I searched for ShopNBC and Silvertowne before I posted....nuttin' honey!!

    I try to do my DD as best as possible.

    Link to my errant thread >>




    Sorry. I didn't mean it that way.

    Your thread is a good thread.

    There are several disjointed topics running around today and this makes it more likely there will be more.
    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 17,938 ✭✭✭✭✭






    Sorry. I didn't mean it that way
    Your thread is a good thread.
    There are several disjointed topics running around today and this makes it more likely there will be more.


    No problem, I appreciate your civil response, cladking.

    Just say no to disjointed topics!!! image
  • SteveSteve Posts: 3,312 ✭✭✭
    Believe it or not, there are a lot of posters here who enjoy watching Robert on the Coin Vault. Last chance is this Friday night. Then he starts Saturday night on Shop NBC with Coin Stuff. It will be interesting to me to see how he promotes on the new show. He's been doing this for 20 years and claims to be at big conventions like FUN. Anyone seen him? Stop worrying about newbees getting ripped off. We all get ripped off everyday. Just enjoy a show about coins. JMHO. Steveimage
  • FrankcoinsFrankcoins Posts: 4,571 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Believe it or not, there are a lot of posters here who enjoy watching Robert on the Coin Vault. >>



    He's the shop owner's best friend. Most walk-in customers new to collecting have seen these shows. Just
    point out the exact same merchandise you can sell to them for half price.
    Frank Provasek - PCGS Authorized Dealer, Life Member ANA, Member TNA. www.frankcoins.com
  • Some of the deals on Coin Vault don't seem that bad to me. Like the 20 different AU or better, date/MM Morgans type deals.

    I'm not saying thier price isn't high, but can't say I've seen anyplace alse you can get a "20 different" deal in one wack. (+ 3 pay)

    If you wanted to quickly fill a bunch of the common date holes in an album. You don't have a fantastic coin shop in your area. And don't mind paying a preimum for home delivery.

    Is it so bad?

    Maybe instaed of crook, the term used should be ummmmmmmm,
    Powerscrewer.
    (Old man) Look I had a lovely supper, and all I said to my wife was, “That piece of halibut was good enough for Jehovah”.

    (Priest) BLASPHEMY he said it again, did you hear him?
  • JazzmanJABJazzmanJAB Posts: 1,028 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Robert is the fella that puts me to sleep nightly!! Too bad his show is going off the air, I will miss him!! Its fun looking at coins on TV, and Robert was entertaining if nothing else! >>



    I do the same thing ! Its white noise to me. image
  • tmcsr69tmcsr69 Posts: 1,307


    << <i>Some of the deals on Coin Vault don't seem that bad to me. Like the 20 different AU or better, date/MM Morgans type deals.

    I'm not saying thier price isn't high, but can't say I've seen anyplace alse you can get a "20 different" deal in one wack. (+ 3 pay) >>



    I received a hoard of their MS62 or better Morgans as a present. Submitted to PCGS and 3 of 4 were BB for altered surfaces. Guaranteed for 30 days, not one day longer for any reason. Unless you pay big bucks, getting a hoard of coins graded is less than 30 days is tough. I checked the coins before submitting and didn't see any defects. Explains why PCGS wouldn't hire me.
    Crazy old man from Missouri
  • UtahCoinUtahCoin Posts: 5,366 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>[ such remarks against Chambers are unfair. >>



    I don't try to sell "Platinum Plated Statehood Quarters" as an investment, perhaps you do. Defending a crook like him.... Well, don't get me started. Any dealer that defends him makes me question that dealer's character and ethics.
    I used to be somebody, now I'm just a coin collector.
    Recipient of the coveted "You Suck" award, April 2009 for cherrypicking a 1833 CBHD LM-5, and April 2022 for a 1835 LM-12, and again in Aug 2012 for picking off a 1952 FS-902.
  • KonaheadKonahead Posts: 1,476 ✭✭✭
    an idiot and used car salesmen, is this a trick question?
    PEACE! This is the first day of the rest of your life.

    Fred, Las Vegas, NV
  • Hes no idiot. Sure, he does a good job of selling alot of highpriced stuff. BUT, he DOES know his stuff. Heck, its a very very hard thing to talk about something for 60 seconds (speaking publicly), but to spend 20 mins or so on one item? Hell, you GOTTA find out some interesting facts just to keep talking, because dead air is a NO NO on TV. Bottom line, he knows his stuff, he has to, but he also knows his target audience, he KNOWS he is selling way overpriced stuff, but.....hey, hes only doing his job. I dont agree with the tactics, the ALMOST out and out lies, but, he is NO idiot.

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