Things I shouldn't miss in New York?

MadMuffin

Hi there,

On Monday I am going to New York and I plan to spend 10 days there. So... where should a coin collector definately find himself in New York? Any museums with worthwhile collections? Any dealers that I really need to visit?

I am a darksider but I don't mind having the occasional look at nice US coins

Any advice is appreciated!

Marcel (from Denmark)

LochNESS

I believe you can visit the library of the American Numismatic Society without having a membership. But I've never actually tried lots of family in NYC and I just never get around to much places.

I was JUST in the city, and they have these new CitiBikes. I enjoyed riding them around very much. One 24-hr pass is only $10, and there are docking stations all over the city. So basically I rode around and saved a bunch on cab fare and got to see much more sights than when I've ridden the subway in years past. I'll admit I did buy a $15 helmet for protection, but I'm not sure I needed it. Many of the streets have wide bike lanes and in some cases they're even separated from the traffic by bushes, poles, or cement blockades. Get a CitiBike!!!

syl

Go to Brooklyn Gallery of Coins .. it's a block from the 4th Ave subway line. Google their website to see what all they have and their prices. They are the cheapest carrier of very hard to find numismatic books and supplies .. .and many I could never find anywhere else. Don't be discouraged by your first impression of the outside or when you walk in. I think that their backroom(s) must be a block long. It's worth a visit. For the best possible view of Manhattan and Liberty Island, take the 5 min ferry ride out to Governors Island (it was a command military facility for well over 200 years) but is now a national park. You will absolutely not believe what you see from there and the senior officer residences are right out of the Victorian era. You catch the ferry ride out there just off Battery park and adjacent to the Statin Is ferry. It's just off the tip of Manhattan Is .. it looks like you could throw a rock and hit either Liberty or the tip of Manhattan where the WTC used to be.

LochNESS

Another great vista - especially at night - can be had easily and cheaply by taking the PATH train to "Exchange Place" (NJ). Your view will be the Lower West Side, which includes Wall Street and WTC (world trade center).

Rarely any tourist traffic, very private experience. Clean pier and boardwalk with benches and picnic tables. The fare is like $2 (each way, about $4 total).

The two easiest-to-find train stations (in Manhattan) are WTC and Penn Station. From WTC it's especially easy, as any PATH train will take you there and it's the first stop!

shylock

123 West 57th St.

LochNESS

Shylock, what do you enjoy most about the Stacks office?

I went there once about ten years ago and was somewhat disappointed. I couldn't view much, and didn't feel very welcomed. Basically felt like they were more concerned about security than sales (which is understandable I guess).

Obviously I appreciate their auctions history but I'm not sure I would list their office as a must-see destination. I definitely welcome your thoughts to change my mind as I visit NYC often!

MadMuffin

Thank you for your tips, both numismatic and non-numismatic .

I definately will consider the bikes, it is so much quicker to get around that way. I might try and check out the views as well. I have decided to get a helicopter ride around the southern tip of Manhattan - it's not cheap but it was recommended to me by a friend.

Major coin dealers in large cities have a lot of security and even though it makes perfect sense, I must admit that I often avoid such places. It quickly gets awkward if you just want to browse and see if anything wants you to buy it. I prefer less formal places. On the other hand, Stacks is a bit of a legend - and it may be worth the troubles. I will check out the Brooklyn Gallery of Coins since it seems that I will be spending a day in Brooklyn anyway - I am meeting a relative from the American branch of my family

Thanks again,
Marcel

shylock

LochNESS - agreed that they use to be on the stuffy/snobby side, but since their remodel in 2012 they are more tourist friendly with their displays.
Maybe its the Bowers influence. If you are in the area it's worth a look see.

LochNESS

OK then, good to know! I was just up there two weeks ago, shame. Next time I'll definitely swing by thanks for the tip



<< <i>... ... it seems that I will be spending a day in Brooklyn anyway - I am meeting a relative from the American branch of my family >>


Marcel, if you need a place to meet your relative there's a lovely neighborhood in Brooklyn called Park Slope. There's a roundabout with shops and eateries, and yes a huge park with plenty of scenery and benches etc. If you are nearer the water then perhaps walk across the Brooklyn Bridge together. That can be a fun activity if it's not too hot / humid.