Southern Ca coin shops? (San Diego, Carlsbad)

camlov2

The family is taking a trip to southern California to visit the wonderful world of Legoland.
I am looking for any quality coin shops in the area that would be worth a visit.
San Diego, Carlsbad, Escondido, El Cajon or other local areas.

Primary focus would be on large cents, secondary national currency.

Thanks for the suggestions.

RKKay

Call Chad at San Diego Coin. He is a good guy. Don't know if he has what you want. 858-569-5222

Mark Feld is also in the area. He's as good a guy as there is in the business.

mbogoman

Go see Walt Ankerman at Carlsbad coins. It's just down the road from Legoland. Although on re-reading your post, I don't think he'll have a lot of what you're looking for, but I could be wrong...

braddick

Carlsbad Coin off of Elm is wonderful.
Danny owns the shop and his on-sight numismatist is Paul.

There is also an ex-PCGS grader who sets up in the back a couple of days in the week too.

Neat array of collector coins with a mix of raw to slabbed.
Danny's specialty is monster toned coins.
If you're nice he'll offer a little show n' tell for you.

truthteller

Carlsbad Coins for sure.

Danny is very polite and honest. Walt Ankerman is Danny's buddy and has tons and tons of raw and slabbed coins for sale. Walt shows up two days a week and stays in the back. Ask ahead of time if Walt is going to be there, then ask them to have whatever coins you need. They are very fair.


TRUTH

camlov2

San Diego Coin added to the top of the list, thanks.


Is this the one you are talking about?
(couldn't find any elm street near by)

Carlsbad Village Coins
2977 State St
Carlsbad, CA

braddick

^
Yes.
State street used to be called Elm (and still is referred to that by the locals).

mbogoman

<< <i>There is also an ex-PCGS grader who sets up in the back a couple of days in the week too. >>



That's Walt!!!

legacycoin

I'll recommend Carlsbad Coins as well. Years and years ago I was a regular there even before Walt took it over. For the locals who may remember it was originally opened in 1979 by Fred and Marian Wittenberg.

And BTW..... State Street has always been State St..... Elm is now called Carlsbad Village Drive if I remember correctly......

fcloud

there is a friendly shop downtown Escondido. I've visited a couple of times when I've been visiting family.

braddick

<< <i>I'll recommend Carlsbad Coins as well. Years and years ago I was a regular there even before Walt took it over. For the locals who may remember it was originally opened in 1979 by Fred and Marian Wittenberg.

And BTW..... State Street has always been State St..... Elm is now called Carlsbad Village Drive if I remember correctly...... >>



As long as we're being totally accurate here, Walt never took it over.
Danny, the current owner purchased the shop from the prior owners (daughter of the original owner).

Walt did play a substantial role with inventory.

legacycoin

<< <i>

<< <i>I'll recommend Carlsbad Coins as well. Years and years ago I was a regular there even before Walt took it over. For the locals who may remember it was originally opened in 1979 by Fred and Marian Wittenberg.

And BTW..... State Street has always been State St..... Elm is now called Carlsbad Village Drive if I remember correctly...... >>



As long as we're being totally accurate here, Walt never took it over.
Danny, the current owner purchased the shop from the prior owners (daughter of the original owner).

Walt did play a substantial role with inventory. >>



My bad...... guess too many years have passed......

camlov2

fcloud- Maybe this one?

Escondido Coin
241 E Grand Ave

gonzer

<< <i>Carlsbad Coin off of Elm is wonderful. >>



Braddick, it hasn't been called Elm Street for over 15 years, it's now Carlsbad Village Drive.

mbogoman

<< <i>fcloud- Maybe this one? Escondido Coin 241 E Grand Ave >>



That's my hometown shop. It's run by Jim ??? - he's a nice guy and it's where I do all my bullion sales. But to be honest with you, the numismatic selection is nothing to write home about.

camlov2

Never made it over to Escondido.

Figured I would finish this thread with one last post, that way if anyone searches for these areas in the future they will have what I found. Date Visited June 2012

First stop was Carlsbad Village Coin (2977 State Street)
Was able to spend the most time at this shop. They were very friendly and had a large collection of coins available and out on display. They even took out items to show my 8 year old son when he showed interest. They had multiple trays of large cents to look through. I was able to pick up three braided hair cents and a bust half cent.

All 5 days in the area were rushed, Legoland, Sea World, SD Zoo, back to Legoland, back to Legoland. I was able to break away from the zoo for two hours to visit the next five shops (these reviews might be based on 5 minutes or less in shop).

Second was Old coin shop (2425 El Cajon Blvd)
Enter into a room where you talk to the worker/owner who is behind glass. Asked about large cents and he said that all of his were out of the shop at the time. Asked about what rate he was buying silver at and his rates were very good.

Third was ?, can't remember the name (7710 Balboa Ave)
Worker was friendly but the overall selection was very small. Did have 2 large cents and 1 half cent but I didn't find any to purchase.

Fourth was San Diego Coin (7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd)
Nice store and looked to be an average amount of coins displayed. Little selection on large cents, nothing of interest. Asked about half cents and the lady said they didn't have any. Happened to glance at a tray of graded coins and noticed a half cent. Asked to see it and she said something along the lines of , "oh, you meant graded" Was able to get the price reduced a little and splurged on what is now my favorite coin. (picture below)

Fifth was San Diego Coin Shop (7774 Girard Ave)
Very high end area of town, worker was very friendly but they didn't have any cents or half cents in stock. Place seemed very empty, can't imagine how they pay the rent in that area unless they do a ton of bullion deals.

Last stop was Cellar Coin (1029 Garnet ave)
Another nice shop, probably 15-20 large cents and 10 half cents available. Was able to pick up a classic head half cent for the type set, good price and they even came down a little on price.