Who do you think is the best coin dealer in Chicagoland?

dorancoins

I want an honest opinion form everyone - who do think is the best coin dealer in Chicagoland?

kieferscoins

Madmarty.

Cameron Kiefer

dorancoins

Although I'm a dealer, I would rate Chicago Coin Company tops - reasons: nice selection, a helpful and knowledgeible staff (especially Bill Burd, the owner), and the fact that you can rent numismatic videos, which I have not seen any other coin shops in the Chicago area do.

tmot99

There is a major dealer, Harlan Berk, downtown that is supposed to be great. I have never stopped there, but have only heard great things about them from coast to coast. My little local dealer is great but prices are a bit high. I don't really mind because I trust them 100% and they do go out and find exactly what I want. I buy a lot from them, and they take care of me. They are a business and I know it costs money to run. I don't know too many coin dealers in the area, but have been to a few. Old World Coin in McHenry is one of the larger stores. If they don't have what you are looking for, they can find it. If you aren't finding the grades you want, be sure to ask. They also have a weekly bid board that is pretty big.

boiler78

Joe O Connor
Larry Whitlow/Mike Printz

Both excellent choices for a wide variety of coins and if they don't have what you are looking for I am sure they would tell you where to go.

dorancoins

I have been to Harlen J. Berk's shop in the past - I always come out of there with something. Though the supplies section is basic, the coin inventory is quite impressive. The shop has a pretty knowledgeible staff and a good overall reputation.

I have heard of Joe O'Conner and Larry Whitlow - never done any dealings with them, but from my understanding, very good reputation.

dorancoins

Hey Tmot99, question - who is the coin shop that has the higher prices?

Russ

Marty is!

Russ, NCNE

tmot99

Old World Coins.

MadMarty

I like:

Harlen Berk
Chicago Coin
Larry Whitlow
Old World (A bit high on prices)
Harbor coin
Pete's coin
Niles Coin
Glenview coin
Evanston coin
The little old ladies in Rockford.

JadeRareCoin

Every coin shop in Chicagoland has a picture of MadMarty taped on the wall to help alert the workers when he walks into their shop. As soon as he is identified, they have been instructed to hide all proof and mint sets.

foodude

Every coin shop in Chicagoland has a picture of MadMarty taped on the wall to help alert the workers when he walks into their shop. As soon as he is identified, they have been instructed to hide all proof and mint sets.

But even that does not prevent Marty from prying them away from these coin shops. Remember, Marty is a wizard. He can sniff these sets out, even when well hidden

MadMarty

Also, FooDude when he is in town!!!

dorancoins

<< <i>Every coin shop in Chicagoland has a picture of MadMarty taped on the wall to help alert the workers when he walks into their shop. As soon as he is identified, they have been instructed to hide all proof and mint sets. >>



It seems my pic is taped on the wall next to MadMarty's at a lot of these places - and boy do I look ugly!

OnlyBuffalos

I think Harlen J. Berk's shop in downtown Chicago has the most comprehensive inventory of US and foreign coins in all grades of the local shops. Their antiquities sellection is like viewing a museum's exhibit. The staff is very knowledgeable and professional in their demeanor.

The US offerings are conservatively graded. Cannot comment on the foreign coins. Prices are competitive. Wish I still lived nearby.

Larry Whitlow is also an excellent shop for better grade coins. The staff is also very knowledgeable and professional.

The other shops in the area are also fine but cannot compete with the above in terms of selection but are still worth a visit if you are not seeking expensive pieces. Most are good places for selling coins under around $500.

Impressions are based on my last visit to the area about two years ago and I'm sure I did not visit all the shops in the area.

dorancoins

<< <i>

<< <i>Every coin shop in Chicagoland has a picture of MadMarty taped on the wall to help alert the workers when he walks into their shop. As soon as he is identified, they have been instructed to hide all proof and mint sets. >>



It seems my pic is taped on the wall next to MadMarty's at a lot of these places - and boy do I look ugly! >>



And anyways, they know when I'm coming with my books and my well known tendency to look for bargins. My wife can't understand why I am in a shop for hours in end, but I tell her to call her mother on her cell phone.

By the way, I will be at Lemont next month, so you'll see me and my wife wheeling and dealing!

saintguru

For the finest quality "special" coins Joe O'Connor is among the best in the country. For great coins of all types that are more mainstream Whitlow has excellent stuff. Both have the kind of integrity that ALL dealers should strive for. Harlan Berk is a generic dealer, with little in the line of rarities. But they are good guys.

There are far too few dealers in an area so large!

ajaan

<< <i>The US offerings [ by Harlan Berk ] are conservatively graded. Cannot comment on the foreign coins. Prices are competitive. >>


Very competitive prices and also very conservative grading on foreign coins.