Sorry to see Pinnacle Rarities Closing

BAYOUBENGAL

Always felt they were fair and had nice inventory. Product of the economy? Have other dealers also decided to exit the business as well? Thank you

Elcontador

I probably bought more material from Katy Duncan than from any other dealer over the years. She was always very candid with me, sometimes helping me and putting herself in a difficult spot. Don't see much of that these days

BillJones

It would not seem that the state of market would be the reason. It’s been a lot slower in the past. Perhaps it’s due to retirement or a change in careers.

telephoto1

Agree with @BillJones. Retirement, health, or just plain tired of the daily grind... it doesn't necessarily have to be market related, and given the state of the market now I would think that it isn't.

Broadstruck

I see their site is down somewhat with no inventory posted, but no mention of exiting the hobby market.

Broadstruck

They are still active on eBay...

https://www.ebay.com/str/pinnaclerarities

WCC

What's the option for selling a dealership?

I haven't heard of many examples. If it isn't an option, I presume it's because the dealership is too closely associated with the founder/proprietor. MCM is one of the few I recall.

BryceM

Huh. I did not see this. Too bad.

I've purchased a few coins from them. Always had a good experience.

Crypto

@WCC said:
What's the option for selling a dealership?

I haven't heard of many examples. If it isn't an option, I presume it's because the dealership is too closely associated with the founder/proprietor. MCM is one of the few I recall.

It is two fold right, selling the inventory and selling the name. Not many trade successfully as the name is typically tied to a talent. Inventory is another matter.

Broadstruck

Pinnacle Rarities website is back up showing all inventory.

MFeld

@Broadstruck said:
Pinnacle Rarities website is back up showing all inventory.

I got confirmation of the OP.

I had the honor of working for Pinnacle Rarities for several years and have nothing but great respect for and the best things to say about the two original owners - Katy Duncan and Todd Imhof.

Edited to add: Each of my co-workers there made the experience even more enjoyable and special.

erwindoc

So are they done or what? Always had some great eye candy!

Relaxn

Todd by way of Pinnacle and Heritage helped me finance a big Walker deal in 09/10. Appreciated both. Hate to see Katy go...
Appreciated her eye on high end Walkers.

Walkerfan

They always had great Walkers! That’s where my 1944 S came from!! I will be sad to see them go!!!

mvs7

Email from earlier today:

"Wow it feels a bit surreal, but after 35+ years in the industry, and 30 wonderful years working with hundreds of amazing collectors and their collections at Pinnacle, Dan and I have decided to move on to new chapters. This was no easy decision for either of us. I (Kathleen) have decided it’s a good time for me to retire from full time work, and Dan is commuting and living part-time in Houston, as Vice President of U.S. Coins, where he began his rare coin career from 1986-2000.

It has been a true honor to have earned your trust and friendship. Co-founding Pinnacle was definitely a dream come true for me. I will never forget the many of you who made our company’s success possible. A heart-felt thank you for 30 incredible years in this fascinating hobby of Kings!

Pinnacle will be closing sometime in the next couple of months, and open in the meantime with shorter hours. Currently we are focusing on selling down our existing inventory. If you see anything of interest, feel free to make offers. We will also be reducing prices on everything, so watch for some great deals!

You've all meant so much to us, and we'd love to hear from you before we go. Reply to this email to contact Kathleen, or click the link below to email Dan.

Sincerely,

Kathleen"

Lakesammman

Have always been a fan of Pinnacle, though not an active customer for a while. Very much enjoyed visiting them over the years, both locally and at shows.

Simply closing is an interesting thing to do. Perhaps speaks to the low barrier to entry for a coin dealership and lack of customer "loyalty", ie: no, exclusive customer contracts to sell.

Pinnacle - you will be missed!

GoBust

Really terrific group, sorry to see Kathleen and Dan move on to new adventures. Outstanding numismatists and high integrity. They will be missed.

ricko

Sorry to see a well established coin business close. However, when it is time to retire, decisions must be made. Good luck to them... Cheers, RickO

GOLDGUY

Sad day as we are losing one of the most intelligent and ethical dealers this industry has known. But also thrilled for Katy and her family as she moves on towards new activities that make her happy. My time working with Katy as her business partner at Pinnacle made me a better coin dealer - and a better person. Grateful to her and Danny for many things, and I know I speak on behalf of my partners and colleagues here at Heritage when I wish them continued success on every path they follow. Cheers,

Todd

Nic

I miss Pinnacle already.

Sad day for sure Todd. I hope Katy remains in or comes back to numismatics/ the industry in some form or fashion.

ParadimeCoins

Great people

remumc

Pinnacle Rarities, & Kathleen, were one of my favorite dealers. Many of the Mercury dimes in my registry set were purchased from them. I am truly saddened to see them close.

MrEureka

@Lakesammman said:
Have always been a fan of Pinnacle, though not an active customer for a while. Very much enjoyed visiting them over the years, both locally and at shows.

Simply closing is an interesting thing to do. Perhaps speaks to the low barrier to entry for a coin dealership and lack of customer "loyalty", ie: no, exclusive customer contracts to sell.

Pinnacle - you will be missed!

I’m sure Pinnacle has many loyal customers, but that loyalty would be unlikely to transfer to new owners.

WCC

@Lakesammman said:

>

Simply closing is an interesting thing to do. Perhaps speaks to the low barrier to entry for a coin dealership and lack of customer "loyalty", ie: no, exclusive customer contracts to sell.

I see it as a combination of reputation and connections which cannot be transferred. (The two are related and to some, identical.)

There are a few dealer members here who come to mind that I'm quite sure they can sell (and have sold) the same coins for a quite a bit more than most everyone else for this reason.

Desert Moon

First class all the way, they had pq examples and fair prices for them. Always customer first folks. Same goes for US Coins, not surprised there was a link there.

Best, SH