Is Jim Barlow ("The Kennedy Center") Still in Business?

braddick

I used to love getting Jim's newsletters and flyers offering GEM Kennedies and Ikes. I know he moved about two years ago from West Virginia (I believe) to Florida and have not heard from him since.

Does Jim still deal? I used to tease him about not offering coins on eBay and he told me he was from the 'old school' and preferred dealing with customers on a one to one basis.

If Jim's still in the Kennedy/Ike business and you have his contact information I'd love to have it. Thanks!

PhillyJoe

I'll bet Todd or Robert Abbey at CameoCC can find him for you.

Joe

Cameo CC

I have already PM's him.

Todd

braddick

That was quick! Thanks Todd for the PM.

Jim and I used to chat every couple of weeks or so, mostly about his prior military career and Kennedy halves. I used to love his stories of coin grading and PCGS submission stories! This was back too when PCGS was fairly new.

Some (most!) of my BEST Kennedies purchased came from Jim Barlow. I remember owning a brilliant PCGS MS67 1965 (non SMS) that was a joy to own and behold.

It was Jim that got me started on GEM Ike dollars (especially the Peacock Ikes as I owned two and was introduced to two more by Jim along with the inside scoop regarding these colorful coins).

Jim swore he'd never go the website route and, last I heard, wasn't doing, or wasn't going to do eBay. Generally the coins he found (raw and then had holdered himself. He had the EYE!) sold rapidly without much need for advertising.

Jim's prices were always way above sheet but his coins were anything but average. Looking back now, I could only wish for those prices today.

Jim taught me quality. Owning one of something was better than five in a lower grade.

Jim also didn't mind helping out in areas he may not have personally thought were wise. He had a good sense of humor. It was through Barlow I located my (first) GD04 PCGS Ike and my GD04 PCGS SBA!

I look forward to striking up the relationship again. He's a good man and an excellent Dealer.

bushmaster8

I guess he is MIA, as this post is now about 18 months old.

braddick

Any update?
I miss that guy!

segoja

Jim is alive and well. He has retired, however, still does a little bit of business, mostly residual from when he did his mass mailings

jom

That's great....is there any contact info????

I also got his newsletter in 1993-1995 or so. Great guy. He sold me most of his raw Kennedys that later toned in my Dansco holder.

jom

segoja

I'll pass this info along to Jim and maybe he can post.

If he's OK with my giving his e-mail out, I'll be happy to do so

braddick

^
Thanks James!
Pass on my name to him also, if you don't mind.
I'd love to catch up and hear how he's doing.

raycyca

Please add me to the list. Thanks! Ray

braddick

Ten years since the last update.
I do hope the best for Jim and his retirement.
I'd be truly bummed if I were to discover anything different.

jom

I had just thought of Jim and tried an internet search and got this thread. I didn't know Pat brought it up again last month. Anyone hear anything? He was good to deal with all those years ago....VERY hard to believe it's pushing 30 years. Yikes!

jom