Has anyone purchased from Angel Dee's Coins?

arctic986 · August 7, 2002 8:43AM

Has anyone dealt with Angel Dee's Coins and Collectibles? They occasionally run ads in Coin World. They have some great cents and nickles, but the owner has no web site and can not send you a scan of the coin. I have not bought anything sight unseen in a while and wanted to know if anyone out there had a good or bad experience with this company. Thanks.

Petescorner · August 7, 2002 8:46AM

Back in January, I called about one of their slabbed Buffalo Nickels advertized in Coin World. Since they were going to the FUN show the following week, and I live in Orlando, I asked them to hold the coin for me to pick up at the show. They did. I did. And it was a very smooth transaction. No problem.

-Dan

dorkkarl · August 7, 2002 8:56AM

i bought a coin from them probably 2-3 years ago and was not happy. but i have heard from others that they have improved.

Pushkin · August 7, 2002 9:08AM

I have had one interaction with them. I was told by several collectors who I respect that they had great coins and were good people to do business with. At a recent major coin show I stopped by their table and started to talk to the owner. I mentioned two other dealers that I do business with, and that they (Angel Dees) offered similar coins of high quality.

I was shocked when the owner told me in a very rude voice "You have just said two wrong things!" I should have walked at that point, but I also mentioned that I had seen some of their coins on eBay. "You just said a third wrong thing, we NEVER sell our merchandise on eBay, although others might!" I walked at that point; he was incredibly rude. I was very polite during the entire conversation.

There was nobody else at the table, so I guess he was having a bad day, maybe he just didn't like my face, or I must have said three "wrong things". I have never been treated like that by his competition - it was an extremely unpleasant encounter.

So, from my single experience, I will never do business with Angel Dees.

In fairness, I've heard others say positive things about them.

mdwoods · August 7, 2002 9:14AM

I should have 4 coins tomorrow from Angel Dees. He will allow you to return any coin that you do not like. I have talked to him (Andy) several times lately, and he is very interesting and knowledgeable. He says right in his ad which coins he considers PQ, and you might see the same date/grade/service/ coin for much less when it is not marked PQ, in his ad also. I will let you know tomorrow what I think of the coins he sent me, but I really think they will be great. I got glowing recommendations about him. Mark

MastaHanky · August 7, 2002 9:50AM

Angel Dee's are the best when it comes to Lincolns and Buffalos. Caught them at the ANA Money Show a year or two ago, and they had some very fappable Lincolns, all of which were quite PQ. It's not uncommon to see Lincolns with nasty spotting and yet still pull a decently high grade. None of these were that way.

They also let me hold a 1918/7 MS62FH Standing Liberty quarter. How many dealers would let the average 21-year old with blue spiked hair do that? I ended up buying a nice Lincoln from them at the show, and will be happy to deal with them again.

PTVETTER · August 7, 2002 9:53AM

I know both Andy and his wife. They are very nice people to deal with. I highly recomend them! Andy, like all of us can have a bad day, All things considered is a very nice person. He will always stand behind his coins, and believe me he has some very nice coins.

Almost as nice as mine

Pat Vetter

Hunt · August 7, 2002 12:07PM

I just bought a coin from the owner at the NYC ANA show. He had some great buffalos. I went to his table first and looked at some coins with his wife (I'm presumming). She was very nice and I was polite and told her I would be back later. After looking over the show I returned and asked to see the three coins I had looked at earlier. This time I dealt with the owner, Andy.

He seemed a little rude to me because he started talking to one of his friends and was completely ignoring me, even when I asked him a question. After I asked again he finally gave me some help. I'm not a person who gets upset over this kind of thing and I let it pass--although I did find it a bit rude. When I asked him what kind of deal I could get for the three coins he said someting like $925 or $950. It was only about $20 off what he priced them at. So I asked him if he would take $860 and he got huffy and snatched all three coins from me, very rudely. I then stood up and told him I was still looking at the coins and told him I would take one of them--I took the one I felt was the best deal. (It was the best one I've seen in a while)--so I wasn't about to pass on the coin. I gave him the $250 for the coin and thanked him.

I didn't think my offer was insulting or even too far off. I didn't like his behavior, but he did have some nice coins. I don't know if I'd buy from him again--based solely on his attitude--but I may if no one else had the coin(s) I was looking for.

As another little side--I walked passed his booth a few hours later and he packed up his whole table and put a sign up apoligizing for closing early--he closed at least 5 hours early on the first day. He was the only dealer I saw at the show who did that. I thought that was odd too.

I know we can all have a bad day every once in awhile, I guess Andy just has 'em a little more often.

-Hunter

RELLA · August 7, 2002 1:21PM

Andy is a great guy with a good eye and great knowledge for coins. He does have an interesting sense of humor...I enjoy it though I could see others not enjoying it. As far as nice people; I've met SO MANY dealers who are as pleasant as one could hope for while engaging in business practices that I find highly insulting to me and that I wish were illegal because they should be in jail for what they sell and how they sell it. Andy isn't that way...all of his merchandise is priced fairly and he is always very accurate about the positives and negatives of any coin. I'm sorry to hear about the bad experiences that others have had with him.

RELLA

PS. Want to be able to brag about a simply obscene crackout/upgrade success ratio with PCGS? Just buy coins Andy lists as PQ and send 'em back in.

clackamas · August 7, 2002 1:30PM

Andy is pleasant to deal with and will tell you straight how a coin is, i.e. overgraded, crud, nice, etc. I believe he is an honest dealer and you get what you pay for from him. The one annoying thing is that he does not do email only fax and phone. So much for a web site. He has helped the top Lincoln cent collectors for some time now so he does have really good stuff.

Petescorner · August 7, 2002 1:34PM

Does Andy have someone else who works with him? I'm pretty sure the fellow I dealt with was named, Rick. Very nice guy.

-Dan

dorkkarl · August 7, 2002 8:20PM

is there a different seller on ebay with the same name? the coin i got was from ebay, but as i said, others that i've talked to said angel-dees is solid.

pontiacinf · August 7, 2002 10:56PM

THEY SEEMED REAL NICE AT THE SHOW, oops, and had a very wide array of beautiful coins. And "they didnt yell at me when I took pictures". Unlike someone else

Keyrock · August 7, 2002 11:25PM

I've done alot of dealing with Andy (Angel Dee's) and I keep doing more business with him as time goes on. The web site is just a information holder for now, he said he was planning to update it in the future. I asked him about scans et al and he prefers to give a description then have a person look at the coin with their own eyes. If you are buying a coin for big bucks 15.00 in insured postage is trivial. I've never had a problem returning a coin and the PQ coins are PQ IMHO.

During shows I know he can get stressed so give him another chance, he really is a great guy to deal with.

Rich

Toningintheblood · August 7, 2002 11:30PM

I too had a very bad experience with Andy. I was at the last Santa Clara Show and attempted to purchase a coin from him. I looked at the coin, complimented him on it's great look and quality, and asked for his best price. He gave me his best price, and in the same breath mumbled he was losing $100 on the coin because he had too many PCGS grading fees in it, attempting to upgrade it. The coin happened to be the second nice one I had seen on my first swing through the bourse floor, and I very nicely thanked him, and said I was interested in the coin at that price and would be back. Less than an hour later, I went back and told him I would like to buy the coin, and he then very rudely commented in a very loud voice, "Someone called in from our ad in Coin World, and the coin is on hold at the price quoted in the ad." I said fine, here is my business card, if the buyer from Coin World falls through, please hold the coin for me. I waited 10 days thereafter and called Andy by phone to follow-up, again by phone, he acted rude, and said "The Coin World buyer never sent in the money, the coin is still available, but it is packed and on it's way to the Central States Show." I asked him to hold the coin for me once again, and to pull it at the show and not sell it, and I offered him the Coin World ad price instead of what he originally quoted me the coin for at Santa Clara. He mumbled what sounded like an affirmative, said call me after the show, and hung up on me! I phone him 2 days after he is back from the show, and he then tells me, I resubmitted the coin for a $65 show special and it came back a cameo, and now I want $450 more for it than my original ad price. I then got somewhat perturbed and reminded him of our previous phone conversation about holding the coin for me, and he rudely commented on how he had, and I could buy it at the new price or else he would sell it to someone else. I said thanks but no thanks, and will never ever buy a coin from that man again! He blew his credibility with me by his actions, and the way he treated me, and his condescending attitude.

shylock · August 8, 2002 4:50AM

I've never dealt with him, but his reputation for quality IHs and Lincolns is well known. I just read in the most recent Longacre's Ledger that how he chose the name "Angel Dees" is a great story, so now I'm curious to hear it.

"You just said a third wrong thing, we NEVER sell our merchandise on eBay, although others might!"

I'm taken aback by this statement because I'm fairly certain I saw many high grade IHs & Lincolns offered by him on Ebay recently, a couple of which I recognized from a recent major auction. The intials of the nic (which I don't remember) made me think it was him, and the location seemed to confirm it (Woodbridge, VA -- his location). He had a small number of feedbacks so I assumed he had just recently decided to explore Ebay's possibilities. If it wasn't him it sure was a coinicidence.

griffin6 · August 8, 2002 5:01AM

Occasionally mercurial, but a great guy at the core and he offers cool coins at realistic prices. He is a "high end" dealer, so he's not the place to go bargain hunting.

mdwoods · August 8, 2002 5:08AM

Hi, I responded earlier that I was getting four coins from Andy. They came today. I am keeping three and sending one back. And that one only because of a mutual misunderstanding of what I was looking for. It has been a pleasant experience for me to deal with Angel Dees. Mark

P.S. The coins were all solid for the grade, one exceptional for the grade.

Pushkin · August 8, 2002 6:35AM

1. I know he is a "high end" dealer, as are the two dealers I mentioned to him - does this matter?

2. His remarks occurred on the afternoon of the first day of the show - he was not busy, and there was no one else at his table.

3. I was not looking for a bargain - I occasionally buy some very high end coins, and simply thought it would be a good idea to make his acquaintance, and see his coins first hand.

4. I was absolutely polite and courteous. He was both rude and arrogant.

5. I am almost positive I have seen his coins on eBay.

I've dealt with many dealers over the past 30 years, high end, low end, in between, including some that were very obnoxious. I will never forget how rude this man was to me for no reason. Apparently, there is a pattern in his behavior, at least to some collectors.

dpoole · August 8, 2002 6:43AM

Can't speak for others, but my dealings with Andy and his wife have been consistently positive. Andy is very honest about the shortcomings of the coins he has when they have them. And I agree with others, he has a great "eye." I have found him very accommodating with regard to price, returns, trade-ups and all the rest. I trust him altogether to be honest and to give me good counsel about my purchases and my plans. The coins I have bought from him have been of very good quality.

I don't dispute that Andy may have a "bad day," or that how he treaten Pushkin may have warranted pushkin's reaction. I just want to assure everybody that he has very good days, too!

Pushkin · August 8, 2002 6:53AM

I want to try and be fair. I have been told very positive things about Angel Dees, the quality of their coins, and service by collectors that I respect.

I have no experience beyond my one single unpleasant encounter with Angel Dees. I don't want to engage in dealer bashing. My experience was anecdotal, and I'm glad most people's experiences with this seller are positive.

It was a one time experience, and if he was having a bad do - so be it - we all do.

shylock · August 8, 2002 7:46AM

No need to apologize Pushkin, this thread explored a side of this or any collectibles market I find interesting -- dealer/collector relationships and personalities. Any views that are honest and not self-serving belong here, both for your own and the benefit of all.

We all come to the table with some agenda: dealers pat the backs of fellow dealers, collectors pat the backs of dealers they will need a favor from one day, collectors pat the backs of other collectors they've established alliances with, etc... We rarely ever express our true feelings about anything except on a one-to-one-basis so I appreciated the more candid info you and some of the others provided, pro and con. Perhaps Will said it best: "Occasionally mercurial, but a great guy at the core..." which I interpret to mean he can be a bit unpredictable at first but is worth further exploration.

gemseeker · August 8, 2002 9:11AM

Not having been to a coin show, these descriptions of "volatile" behavior doesn't provide any encouragement to go attend them. I guess you have to accept them if you encounter them.

IrishMike · August 8, 2002 9:14AM

rofl Gemseeker, you need to go to one of the major shows, it can be a trip.

gemseeker · August 8, 2002 9:39AM

IrishMike- THAT is what I am afraid of! LOL

Gerry · August 9, 2002 12:42AM

Andy Skrabalak is not only a reliable and fair coin dealer, but also has great integrity and is one of the finest persons you could hope to meet in this hobby, or elsewhere. I know my own collection would not be where it is if it were not for Andy. Beyond that I have always found him to be pleasant and cordial in all our interactions. I dare say it has been fun to know him, and deal with him.

I've been to many collectible shows, and have even been "behind the table" to help a dealer on occasion. Things get hectic. Hope this is not news to anyone, but not all customers are sweet and easy to deal with. And, I'm sure sometimes a customer leaves a dealer in a bad mood (asking himself why am I doing this for a living?), which refects how he might interact with others afterwards.

Andy prides himself on pricing things fairly, and unlike many dealers, he does not leave himself a lot of margin to negotiate. Some customers come up to tables with the idea that whatever the price, they have to get it cheaper! Andy, however, works on a low margin and doesn't leave a lot of room to accomodate those customers. Also, he stands behind every coin he sells.

I'd recommend him to one and all without any qualifications, as I have done on several occasions.

STEWARTBLAYNUMIS · August 9, 2002 2:06AM

Angel Dee's (Andy and Alynne Skrabalak) is one of the most humble outfits in the business.There are no Rolex wristwatches,Mercedes Benz or palatial mansions

Andy is one of the most hardworking coin dealers in the business.He works out of his home,six days a week, from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M.

Andy is one of the few coin dealers that work on a 10% markup.Andy will pay more than most other dealers, which is one reason why he has the BEST Lincoln cent inventory.

All board members must realize that almost ALL coin dealers LOSE money on many coins.If a buyer asks a coin Dealer to lose money on a coin and the dealer gets annoyed........Well ........Welcome to the Real World of Coin Collecting.

I agree with Andy that images do not do coins justice.I know Andy will always give a 7 day return privilege.

I believe ALL of Andy's friends are in agreement that he needs a computer.......BUT .....he is stubborn and Proud......when he gets one ,he gets one.

Stewart Blay

mdwoods · August 9, 2002 2:15AM

One of the coins I just got from Andy is a PCGS MS67 1909 No VDB Lincoln Red. Very nice coin, and my favorite coin of the series, because I actually found a few in circulation when I was a kid. Thanks Andy. Mark

P.S. You can see a picture of the coin on the Registry in my 20th Century Circulation strikes, no gold, w/varieties. M.Woods Collection

Spudmasher · August 9, 2002 2:27AM

Ditto the last 3 comments about Andy who I have known through the Alexandria Coin Club, and all of the local shows etc. to be one of the fairest, finest, and most important ethical dealers in the industry.. Ron Iliffe

shylock · August 9, 2002 3:18AM

I've been informed by one the sharpest, most knowledgable copper guys here that the Ebay seller I assumed was him is in fact a gentleman from the same town who often deals with him. That'll teach me to ass-ume anything. Too bad, I was hoping he was finally entering the cyberworld. Rick Snow could use some friendly online IH competition.

Karl · August 9, 2002 4:11AM

My name is Karl and I use the userID wabde on ebay. I purchased some high grade Indian Cents and Buffalo Nickels from Angel Dee's. I am currently selling them on ebay. I regularly give these coins to Angel Dee's on consigment to be sold at coin shows and advertisements in Coin World. I live in Woodbridge, Virginia and I am friends with Andy Skrabalak. Wabde is my userID on ebay and is not Angel Dee's. Angel Dee's does not directly use ebay to sell their coins.

merz2 · August 9, 2002 8:43AM

I too have done much business with Andy and his wife over the last (6) years.I concur with most of the positive things that have already been said by others.Andy has an eye for copper coins that I respect and admire.He has helped most of the top Registry guys at one time or another,with acquireing needed coins.I have both bought and sold coins to him and even traded with him and have found him to be fair and honest.At the last show in Baltimore I had a long talk with him about getting a web page.He indicated that in the near future his wife was contemplateing it.I for one hope he does.His inventory is excellent,and he's willing to work with you to get you what you want and need.I'm not saying he's perfect,but a dealer that has inventory and is willing to work with you is a good and positive thing.IMHO!!!!

mdwoods · August 9, 2002 8:57AM

My name is Karl and I use the userID wabde on ebay.

I have seen your auctions on ebay for a while now if I am not mistaken. You always seem to have high quality stuff. Welcome to the forums. Mark

dorkkarl · August 12, 2002 9:11PM

<< <i>My name is Karl . . . . Angel Dee's does not directly use ebay to sell their coins >>

hey karl!!! i'm karl to!!! hey thanks for the info, on AD's, like i said earlier i wan;t happy w/ something i bought from "them" oin ebay a while back, but it sounds like it was someone else using the same name. i've seen ads in coin-world from the real "angel dee"
and have held off buying from them a couple of times because of that experience, but i may give em a shot now.

K S

Has anyone purchased from Angel Dee's Coins?

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