If you were going to visit the "Greatest Coin Store Of All Time" what would you expect to see?

I dunno. For me the issue is more often available funds than the availability of something cool to buy.

A well-curated selection of numismatic (and maybe pertinent historical) literature would be an interesting place to start, including classics like Crosby's "Early Coins of America", and great auction catalogues, alongside the more typical fare.

Columbians in the 90%

something like the first B&M I ever visited - an old guy sitting arms crossed with his chin to is chest. Yep, he'll swear he's awake.

piles of coins, bullion, with no reasonable order. shoeboxes upon shoeboxes stacked in back.

if he says he doesn't have it, chances are he just doesn't wanna sell it to you.

A complete set of unc and proof $4 Stella's !!!

Unopened kegs of coins.

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12151447#Comment_12151447

Having visited several different coin shops in the years I lived out west, I can say that, for the most part, I did not care for them. I much preferred coin shows. I found shows to have more diverse inventory, the dealers (out of their shops - where applicable) were more friendly and open to dealing. The many shops I visited were, in general, not welcoming. So, if I were to 'paint a picture' of a coin shop I would enjoy visiting, it would be more like a coin show and have dealers that really wanted to do business. (By the way, regarding dealers in shops, I do understand how the parade of 'tire kickers' and pseudo experts can become tiresome.) Cheers, RickO

Chop marks in the junk box.

The greatest coin shop is on-line and at www.collectors.com and www.ebay.com.

Interesting junk boxes, especially for the kids. Probably best to keep them behind the counter, not on view.

@ricko said:
Having visited several different coin shops in the years I lived out west, I can say that, for the most part, I did not care for them. I much preferred coin shows. I found shows to have more diverse inventory, the dealers (out of their shops - where applicable) were more friendly and open to dealing. The many shops I visited were, in general, not welcoming. So, if I were to 'paint a picture' of a coin shop I would enjoy visiting, it would be more like a coin show and have dealers that really wanted to do business. (By the way, regarding dealers in shops, I do understand how the parade of 'tire kickers' and pseudo experts can become tiresome.) Cheers, RickO

+1....no matter how nice it looks, a welcoming/honest dealer can make or break the shop

A store/shop that has a little something in inventory for a novice to a advanced collector. Classic, Modern and Foreign. Of course a Literature section also.

The closest I have seen to this was Alder Coin in Portland,OR. The owners are now retired.

Ken

A BUNCH OF OLD TIMERS TELLING STORY'S....OH YEA, AND FREE COFFEE!

@Regulated said:
A well-curated selection of numismatic (and maybe pertinent historical) literature would be an interesting place to start, including classics like Crosby's "Early Coins of America", and great auction catalogues, alongside the more typical fare.

Maybe even Charles Darwin's first edition of "The Origin of Species".

It’s all at the FUN show
I don’t have it but it’s there!

At a handful of shops I go to, the proprietor owns the building. That makes things much more stable on the monthly overhead.

@Beneteau said:
I dont think think in today's modern world a brick and mortar coin store can financially survive long term. Unless you've got a large online presence and feel like throwing rent away monthly on the lease. With ebay, several coin dealers having great websites and coin shows I dont see a need for one.

Mustard stained shirts, cranky old men at the counter (buying and selling), a walk in selling a box of proof sets, maybe some non coin related material such as gems and minerals or fossils for sale.

Q. David greets you at the door while his acolytes roll out the proverbial red carpet?

Nah. The perfect coin store would be a steakhouse where multiple dealers set up in one room, while the grading services are setup in another room. They could have a library too. It would have to be located in an airport so there is no hassle getting there.