And this is what I saw for Alhambra: https://alhambracoin.com/ David Hunt isn't included in the "About Us" section.
@AlanSki, I recommend calling and asking for either Mal Varner or Shelley Griffiths, letting them know what has occurred and asking that this be rectified as soon as possible.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
As someone who has contacted large corporation leaders regarding company issues, I would make one recommendation.
Please write down your entire event as you know it with the known dates and promises and by whom. Names can be so helpful and their statements in this regard. Before the call is made, calm down, relax the best you can and do not fall into a name calling event. This is so important and hard to do when emotionally involved. Best of luck. JMO
Jim
Edited to add, the person you talk to will probably be uninformed in this issues regard, and have to investigate and call back, so, please, no threats first call.
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
@wondercoin said:
The reality is if Alanski simply listed here the dealer’s name, I suspect within 1-2 business days the entire situation would be resolved- especially if Mark Feld (or even myself) made one phone call to this So. CA dealer. Police, lawyers, Postal Inspectors, the FBI and the like - really not necessary if this dealer is a member of the PNG if I read that correctly. And, no doubt the dealer might have additional details to add some “flavor” to this very strange situation.
For that matter - Alanski could literally simply tell Mark or myself or any So CA dealer in good standing (in a private message) who this dealer is and I suspect the issue would likely be resolved in 1-2 business days).
Just my 2 cents.
Wondercoin (located in So. CA - quite possibly “down the street” from this dealer).
Alhambra Coin. Dealers name David Hunt.
Is he or any of his employees active participants here?
I am not certain but I do know they are on Instagram.
There use to be a coin show/shop recap thread titled "Life at the coin shop" posted here some years ago. I recall it was by a girl who worked there.
Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
@wondercoin said:
The reality is if Alanski simply listed here the dealer’s name, I suspect within 1-2 business days the entire situation would be resolved- especially if Mark Feld (or even myself) made one phone call to this So. CA dealer. Police, lawyers, Postal Inspectors, the FBI and the like - really not necessary if this dealer is a member of the PNG if I read that correctly. And, no doubt the dealer might have additional details to add some “flavor” to this very strange situation.
For that matter - Alanski could literally simply tell Mark or myself or any So CA dealer in good standing (in a private message) who this dealer is and I suspect the issue would likely be resolved in 1-2 business days).
Just my 2 cents.
Wondercoin (located in So. CA - quite possibly “down the street” from this dealer).
Alhambra Coin. Dealers name David Hunt.
Is he or any of his employees active participants here?
I am not certain but I do know they are on Instagram.
There use to be a coin show/shop recap thread titled "Life at the coin shop" posted here some years ago. I recall it was by a girl who worked there.
I believe that was Amanda. She left there years ago.
Certainly hope this gets resolved. FWIW Mal Varner (owner of Alhambra Coin) is one of the nicest dealers I've ever met. Always gracious with his time, extremely knowledgeable, and well respected throughout the industry from dealers and collectors alike. I would like to think Mal is unaware of this situation and I hope would do anything he can to help make things right.
@mattniss said:
Certainly hope this gets resolved. FWIW Mal Varner (owner of Alhambra Coin) is one of the nicest dealers I've ever met. Always gracious with his time, extremely knowledgeable, and well respected throughout the industry from dealers and collectors alike. I would like to think Mal is unaware of this situation and I hope would do anything he can to help make things right.
I’m certain he is unaware. I really hate putting people’s name out there but when someone has had a coin for over a year and won’t return it, other measures must be taken.
‘’Certainly hope this gets resolved. FWIW Mal Varner (owner of Alhambra Coin) is one of the nicest dealers I've ever met. Always gracious with his time, extremely knowledgeable, and well respected throughout the industry from dealers and collectors alike. I would like to think Mal is unaware of this situation and I hope would do anything he can to help make things right. Best of luck here @AlanSki -- glad you have some strong support here from @SanctionII@wondercoin@MarkFeld and more.’’
It’s not uncommon for CCE dealers to ship off $100,000, $200,000 or more without payment up front to established dealers. Yes- out of the 800-900 CCE dealers worldwide, there will be a couple “bad apples” every year or two. But, Alhambra has a 25 year track record on CCE with (best I know) no one complaining about them failing to pay an Invoice. What is the likelihood that they are “running off” with a $3,500 ANACS coin in need of restoration? Slim and none? One thing AlanSki should be very thankful for - his 86 year old father obviously (likely) picked a very reputable coin dealer to work with. And, if his father gets a few more of those CAC original samples handed to him, it might just come close to covering a decent portion of the value of the “missing” coin in question! 😉
Wondercoin.
Please visit my website at www.wondercoins.com and my ebay auctions under my user name www.wondercoin.com.
I’m certain he is unaware. I really hate putting people’s name out there but when someone has had a coin for over a year and won’t return it, other measures must be taken.
Alanski- You are doing a great job assisting your aging father. I predicted you will achieve a resolution of this matter in 1-2 business days. Things are moving along nicely literally in the opening inning! Wondercoin.
Please visit my website at www.wondercoins.com and my ebay auctions under my user name www.wondercoin.com.
@wondercoin said:
I’m certain he is unaware. I really hate putting people’s name out there but when someone has had a coin for over a year and won’t return it, other measures must be taken.
Alanski- You are doing a great job assisting your aging father. I predicted you will achieve a resolution of this matter in 1-2 business days. Things are moving along nicely literally in the opening inning! Wondercoin.
I greatly appreciate everyone’s help on here. I’ve taken this forum for granted before but the way everyone has come together to assist me shows that I should be more respectful and responsible with my postings.
I read through the tread and maybe missed it by how was the coin sent and did you get proof of delivery from the service that was used?
The statement "He received paperwork from the dealer specifying what he wanted to do" doesn't necessarily mean he received the coin but could be interpreted that this was his plan for when he received the coin.
I hope you can get this resolved.
The longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice is it possible for an empire to rise without His aid? Benjamin Franklin
@pmh1nic said:
I read through the tread and maybe missed it by how was the coin sent and did you get proof of delivery from the service that was used?
The statement "He received paperwork from the dealer specifying what he wanted to do" doesn't necessarily mean he received the coin but could be interpreted that this was his plan for when he received the coin.
I hope you can get this resolved.
The dealer drove to my father’s home, bought two coins off him then my father asked him to send the Grant Star off to PCGS for restoration. I should have clarified that.
I sure hope this all works out for you, you have quite a few members on here that are really stepping up to help
I have done some business with them in the past, I bought my 1933-s Walker PCGS MS-67 from Shelley back in 2000-2004, don't remember the year exactly but never had any issues with them so I just hope this is just a misunderstanding
Good luck
I don't know what's actually going on but I'd bet against "foul play". More likely, the coin has been misplaced, or sent to a slow-moving numismatic conservation specialist other than PCGS, or something along those lines. And the CAC sample slabs sound like more of an apology for the delay and inconvenience, not a scam. Then again, I've been wrong before.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Sorry for your father's situation. Sounds like there's some possible options based on posts here if Alhambra does not perform on their side. Hopefully the folks at Alhambra will make things right no matter how they screwed up. Did they ever give your father any order info on this particular coin or did they offer that in the past when he sent coins in?
My LCS is amazing. I recently sent off 5 coins through them and they sent me a link to the 2 separate orders as soon as they were created. One has already been returned. The other order is sitting in "Grading" status. They keep me informed every step of the way and can also follow the progress myself. I have no doubts about their honesty. They have done this in the past without any issues.
@mark_dak said:
Sorry for your father's situation. Sounds like there's some possible options based on posts here if Alhambra does not perform on their side. Hopefully the folks at Alhambra will make things right no matter how they screwed up. Did they ever give your father any order info on this particular coin or did they offer that in the past when he sent coins in?
My LCS is amazing. I recently sent off 5 coins through them and they sent me a link to the 2 separate orders as soon as they were created. One has already been returned. The other order is sitting in "Grading" status. They keep me informed every step of the way and can also follow the progress myself. I have no doubts about their honesty. They have done this in the past without any issues.
@wondercoin@MFeld@SanctionII
I spoke to my father again. Alhambra coin is going to return his coin and has threatened to sue me for slander if I don’t retract this thread. I said I’ll request the thread be nuked once he has his coin in hand.
Yup, sue a 100% disabled veteran for helping his aging father get a coin back. Get a load of that nonsense.
@AlanSki said: @wondercoin@MFeld@SanctionII
I spoke to my father again. Alhambra coin is going to return his coin and has threatened to sue me for slander if I don’t retract this thread. I said I’ll request the thread be nuked once he has his coin in hand.
Yup, sue a 100% disabled veteran for helping his aging father get a coin back. Get a load of that nonsense.
I’m confident that when your father gets his coin back, you’ll report it here.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
@JBK said:
I was hoping for a happy ending but that outfit has forever tarnished its reputation in my book.
Sue for slander for laying out the facts?
This thread could have ended in such a way that the coin shop could have earned alot of goodwill and commendation. But they chose another path....
To be fair, the other side of the story (and facts) are unknown to us.
I note that the OP was seeking less extreme solutions before threatening legal action. But the coin shop just went straight to threatening the nuclear option.
Seems to be a leap to assume a nefarious plot for a C+ classic commemorative that in the scheme of things isn’t worth a very large headache. I assume there’s a whole lot of miscommunication and a couple facts that we’re not privy to. That said life is always simpler for everyone when people’s stuff is in their own hands
One way off the hot seat might be to open an account here (if they don't already have one) and quickly do some splainin'...
Even if it's just to apologize.
I'm one of those who prefer to hear both sides of the story, but right now, I'm left with the feeling that someone's trying to rip the elderly.
There are alot of serious collectors here who are all ears, clocks is running, best chance to tell your side is now..
‘’To be fair, the other side of the story (and facts) are unknown to us.’’
By way of example only (and of course I don’t believe this to be the case) - what if Alan’s father owed the shop $20,000 (past due) and the shop was retaining the coin under the common law doctrine of set off, and recoupment? It might arguably be their right to refuse to return the coin. This is why the police, etc. will generally not get involved in civil “contract disputes” and they shouldn’t. Bottom line - always better to keep personal problems off the message boards and simply ask another dealer privately to help with a situation like this, or an organization like the PNG. There were upwards of 800 coin dealers on CCE alone that could have helped Alan privately (probably in 1 business day) if he went that route. A good lesson to everyone reading this thread I believe.
I just told Alhambra where this thread was located and I hope they do stop by.
Wondercoin.
Please visit my website at www.wondercoins.com and my ebay auctions under my user name www.wondercoin.com.
@wondercoin said:
‘’To be fair, the other side of the story (and facts) are unknown to us.’’
By way of example only (and of course I don’t believe this to be the case) - what if Alan’s father owed the shop $20,000 (past due) and the shop was retaining the coin under the common law doctrine of set off, and recoupment? It might arguably be their right to refuse to return the coin. This is why the police, etc. will generally not get involved in civil “contract disputes” and they shouldn’t. Bottom line - always better to keep personal problems off the message boards and simply ask another dealer privately to help with a situation like this, or an organization like the PNG. There were upwards of 800 coin dealers on CCE alone that could have helped Alan privately (probably in 1 business day) if he went that route. A good lesson to everyone reading this thread I believe.
I just told Alhambra where this thread was located and I hope they do stop by.
Wondercoin.
I do too. I’d love to hear an explanation as to why it’s taken over 1 year to return the coin all while he has met in person with my father numerous times.
TBH, I never knew what CCE was. I’m a novice when it comes to collecting but always willing to learn something new.
@JBK said:
I was hoping for a happy ending but that outfit has forever tarnished its reputation in my book.
Sue for slander for laying out the facts?
This thread could have ended in such a way that the coin shop could have earned alot of goodwill and commendation. But they chose another path....
To be fair, the other side of the story (and facts) are unknown to us.
What "other side"? Coin has been MIA for over a year while dad is repeatedly jerked around. Reputable dealers on this forum get involved, and suddenly the coin is on its way back while a slander suit is threatened. Did I miss anything?
@AlanSki said: @wondercoin@MFeld@SanctionII
I spoke to my father again. Alhambra coin is going to return his coin and has threatened to sue me for slander if I don’t retract this thread. I said I’ll request the thread be nuked once he has his coin in hand.
Yup, sue a 100% disabled veteran for helping his aging father get a coin back. Get a load of that nonsense.
It would be libel, not slander. In either case, the truth is an absolute defense to a charge of defamation. If you have been factual, you have nothing to be concerned about.
Comments
This is what I saw for David Hunt: https://www.iencoins.com/index.htm
And this is what I saw for Alhambra: https://alhambracoin.com/ David Hunt isn't included in the "About Us" section.
@AlanSki, I recommend calling and asking for either Mal Varner or Shelley Griffiths, letting them know what has occurred and asking that this be rectified as soon as possible.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Alanski: Alhambra is a CCE dealer, as I am. I’ll send them a message now on CCE about this thread.
Wondercoin.
Thank you, Mitch. My guess is that the owner is unaware of the situation.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
As someone who has contacted large corporation leaders regarding company issues, I would make one recommendation.
Please write down your entire event as you know it with the known dates and promises and by whom. Names can be so helpful and their statements in this regard. Before the call is made, calm down, relax the best you can and do not fall into a name calling event. This is so important and hard to do when emotionally involved. Best of luck. JMO
Jim
Edited to add, the person you talk to will probably be uninformed in this issues regard, and have to investigate and call back, so, please, no threats first call.
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
There use to be a coin show/shop recap thread titled "Life at the coin shop" posted here some years ago. I recall it was by a girl who worked there.
I believe that was Amanda. She left there years ago.
I’d be curious if the coin is in their case at the ANA show in Colorado Springs this weekend…
I would accept @SanctionII 's offer or at least speak with him in a private message.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
I have sent him a message. His offer is greatly appreciated and I will follow up with him within a week if it’s not resolved.
This is a weird story. Usually with weird stories on the forum, other info comes out later that changes things significantly.
My experience... brother had check stolen a washed. Bank covered the fraud.
After a couple months I looked into into situation. Bank showed me an image.
Googled John Doe Roofing, and there he was with weird neck tatoo and all...
Informed invesigator... got terse reply... not my case and only have my brother contact PD.
The bank cared even less.
My experience on more than one occasion. Stay on PD like stink, document, make copies, and stay on PD like stink.
My advice, get a POA or get lawyer involved.
Sometimes PD will only deal with victim.
BST: KindaNewish (3/21/21), WQuarterFreddie (3/30/21), Meltdown (4/6/21), DBSTrader2 (5/5/21) AKA- unclemonkey on Blow Out
Certainly hope this gets resolved. FWIW Mal Varner (owner of Alhambra Coin) is one of the nicest dealers I've ever met. Always gracious with his time, extremely knowledgeable, and well respected throughout the industry from dealers and collectors alike. I would like to think Mal is unaware of this situation and I hope would do anything he can to help make things right.
Best of luck here @AlanSki -- glad you have some strong support here from @SanctionII @wondercoin @MarkFeld and more.
I’m certain he is unaware. I really hate putting people’s name out there but when someone has had a coin for over a year and won’t return it, other measures must be taken.
My father has history with them so it’s wasn’t just some random encounter about sending one coin off.
Isn't that the place Artist's stolen coins ended up and he had a hard time getting them back?
Bottom line it's an unsatisfied customer.
Underlings most likely ran it up the flag pole and were rebuffed.
‘’Certainly hope this gets resolved. FWIW Mal Varner (owner of Alhambra Coin) is one of the nicest dealers I've ever met. Always gracious with his time, extremely knowledgeable, and well respected throughout the industry from dealers and collectors alike. I would like to think Mal is unaware of this situation and I hope would do anything he can to help make things right. Best of luck here @AlanSki -- glad you have some strong support here from @SanctionII @wondercoin @MarkFeld and more.’’
It’s not uncommon for CCE dealers to ship off $100,000, $200,000 or more without payment up front to established dealers. Yes- out of the 800-900 CCE dealers worldwide, there will be a couple “bad apples” every year or two. But, Alhambra has a 25 year track record on CCE with (best I know) no one complaining about them failing to pay an Invoice. What is the likelihood that they are “running off” with a $3,500 ANACS coin in need of restoration? Slim and none? One thing AlanSki should be very thankful for - his 86 year old father obviously (likely) picked a very reputable coin dealer to work with. And, if his father gets a few more of those CAC original samples handed to him, it might just come close to covering a decent portion of the value of the “missing” coin in question! 😉
Wondercoin.
There are many replies posted in this thread to the OP that offer excellent suggestions to resolve the problem.
Hopefully one or more of these suggestions will be followed by Alanski and his father, resulting in a successful resolution.
I’m certain he is unaware. I really hate putting people’s name out there but when someone has had a coin for over a year and won’t return it, other measures must be taken.
Alanski- You are doing a great job assisting your aging father. I predicted you will achieve a resolution of this matter in 1-2 business days. Things are moving along nicely literally in the opening inning! Wondercoin.
I greatly appreciate everyone’s help on here. I’ve taken this forum for granted before but the way everyone has come together to assist me shows that I should be more respectful and responsible with my postings.
I read through the tread and maybe missed it by how was the coin sent and did you get proof of delivery from the service that was used?
The statement "He received paperwork from the dealer specifying what he wanted to do" doesn't necessarily mean he received the coin but could be interpreted that this was his plan for when he received the coin.
I hope you can get this resolved.
The dealer drove to my father’s home, bought two coins off him then my father asked him to send the Grant Star off to PCGS for restoration. I should have clarified that.
Sorry to hear this story. I am sure more will be revealed later. Best of luck.
Currently, is this Dave Hunt still employed at Alhambra Coins?
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
Yes
@SethChandler posted an interview on IG a few weeks ago with the owner of Alhambra:
During the video, a guy named David entered the room. One in the same?
Tim
Second photo is David Hunt.
I sure hope this all works out for you, you have quite a few members on here that are really stepping up to help
I have done some business with them in the past, I bought my 1933-s Walker PCGS MS-67 from Shelley back in 2000-2004, don't remember the year exactly but never had any issues with them so I just hope this is just a misunderstanding
Good luck
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
I don't know what's actually going on but I'd bet against "foul play". More likely, the coin has been misplaced, or sent to a slow-moving numismatic conservation specialist other than PCGS, or something along those lines. And the CAC sample slabs sound like more of an apology for the delay and inconvenience, not a scam. Then again, I've been wrong before.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Sorry for your father's situation. Sounds like there's some possible options based on posts here if Alhambra does not perform on their side. Hopefully the folks at Alhambra will make things right no matter how they screwed up. Did they ever give your father any order info on this particular coin or did they offer that in the past when he sent coins in?
My LCS is amazing. I recently sent off 5 coins through them and they sent me a link to the 2 separate orders as soon as they were created. One has already been returned. The other order is sitting in "Grading" status. They keep me informed every step of the way and can also follow the progress myself. I have no doubts about their honesty. They have done this in the past without any issues.
Good luck.
Mark
.
@wondercoin @MFeld @SanctionII
I spoke to my father again. Alhambra coin is going to return his coin and has threatened to sue me for slander if I don’t retract this thread. I said I’ll request the thread be nuked once he has his coin in hand.
Yup, sue a 100% disabled veteran for helping his aging father get a coin back. Get a load of that nonsense.
Sounds like this thread and all the extra help from fellow members did the trick!!
"“Those who sacrifice liberty for security/safety deserve neither.“(Benjamin Franklin)
"I only golf on days that end in 'Y'" (DE59)
I’m confident that when your father gets his coin back, you’ll report it here.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
I was hoping for a happy ending but that outfit had other ideas.
Sue for slander for laying out the facts?
This thread could have ended in such a way that the coin shop could have earned alot of goodwill and commendation. But they chose another path....
Since this is "printed", wouldn't it be libel?
Chopmarked Trade Dollar Registry Set --- US Gold Showcase --- World Gold Showcase --- World Chopmark Showcase
To be fair, the other side of the story (and facts) are unknown to us.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
For me saying they didn’t give a coin back for over a year that they now agreed to give back?
No of course not, but if they're going to make stupid and ridiculous threats they could at least get it right.
Chopmarked Trade Dollar Registry Set --- US Gold Showcase --- World Gold Showcase --- World Chopmark Showcase
I note that the OP was seeking less extreme solutions before threatening legal action. But the coin shop just went straight to threatening the nuclear option.
Highly unprofessional in my opinion.
Seems to be a leap to assume a nefarious plot for a C+ classic commemorative that in the scheme of things isn’t worth a very large headache. I assume there’s a whole lot of miscommunication and a couple facts that we’re not privy to. That said life is always simpler for everyone when people’s stuff is in their own hands
11.5$ Southern Dollars, The little “Big Easy” set
One way off the hot seat might be to open an account here (if they don't already have one) and quickly do some splainin'...
Even if it's just to apologize.
I'm one of those who prefer to hear both sides of the story, but right now, I'm left with the feeling that someone's trying to rip the elderly.
There are alot of serious collectors here who are all ears, clocks is running, best chance to tell your side is now..
‘’To be fair, the other side of the story (and facts) are unknown to us.’’
By way of example only (and of course I don’t believe this to be the case) - what if Alan’s father owed the shop $20,000 (past due) and the shop was retaining the coin under the common law doctrine of set off, and recoupment? It might arguably be their right to refuse to return the coin. This is why the police, etc. will generally not get involved in civil “contract disputes” and they shouldn’t. Bottom line - always better to keep personal problems off the message boards and simply ask another dealer privately to help with a situation like this, or an organization like the PNG. There were upwards of 800 coin dealers on CCE alone that could have helped Alan privately (probably in 1 business day) if he went that route. A good lesson to everyone reading this thread I believe.
I just told Alhambra where this thread was located and I hope they do stop by.
Wondercoin.
For what it’s worth I have both bought from and sold coins to Alhambra Coins with zero issues.
I do too. I’d love to hear an explanation as to why it’s taken over 1 year to return the coin all while he has met in person with my father numerous times.
TBH, I never knew what CCE was. I’m a novice when it comes to collecting but always willing to learn something new.
The OP came here for advice, got lots of it, and only divulged the shop's name when urged to do so.
Some speculated that the issue would be solved in 1 or 2 days, and it seems that it was.
Overall I'd say the thread was a success.
It's just that the other party to this situation handled the dispute poorly.
What "other side"? Coin has been MIA for over a year while dad is repeatedly jerked around. Reputable dealers on this forum get involved, and suddenly the coin is on its way back while a slander suit is threatened. Did I miss anything?
It would be libel, not slander. In either case, the truth is an absolute defense to a charge of defamation. If you have been factual, you have nothing to be concerned about.
The arrogance is palpable.