@davewesen said:
Do the Dansco people know what their stuff has been selling for on Ebay? like the gold type page going for over $100?
They knew it was going for high prices amongst collectors but I don't think they knew just how high. They were surprised to hear that they're for up to $180. I know it's that high, because that's how much I sold one for last month.
They've been hearing for years to reprint the gold page, but they can't justify the time it would cost. Their business model is working through wholesalers/distributors. Those guys would be getting most of the money from gold page sales, not Danaco. Just make more sense for Dansco to stick with making albums that's most in demand.
Don't forget the loupes.
The Bausch and lomb 3x-4x =7x. Has been dicontinued and is a great loupe used by some top dealers / authenticators.
There are still some on shelves of the B&M's. I use mine all the time. Keep going back to it for bourse dealer hunting.
There are better loupes but the large clear lenses are easier on the eyes and pull in more light, and let you observe a whole morgan dollar under 4x.
@BLUEJAYWAY said:
This is a very enjoyable read. Glad you have added to your collection. Do you have any, or collect them, error type holders? Misprints and the like.
I think I have a few misprints somewhere. I don't seek them out but they occasionally come into my collection.
I'm more into collecting variants and different versions. Like a Dansco Seated Liberty Seated Dollars album but branded for Littleton.
@seatedlib3991 said:
This is going to sound facetious but i am not joking. There should be a fund started so this guy could do tours of other parts of the Country. Who knew? Best thread on the site and it isn't about Seated coins. James
Ha! I've long argued the hobby would benefit from a television/YouTube travel show visiting coin shops and shows around the country.
A lot of smaller coin shops and shows would get exposure and it'll show the diverse backgrounds of collectors. Audience are pulled in thinking they'll learn how to cherry pick, but really they're subconsciously learning best practices like using ebay sold listing, damaged coins are not errors, Bicentennials aren't rare, etc.
There are so many niche numismatic experts whose decades of knowledge are only seen at ANA breakout session with 15 audience members.
We should be interviewing those experts and give them a platform to share their insights and grow a larger audience for their niche.
Spegtacular on YouTube does something similar where he interviews his local coin shop dealer, shows, and the occasional niche hobbyist like myself 😁. His focus tends to be more on bullion though. https://youtube.com/@spegtacular
After creating my Dansco Dude Instagram account and sharing my research, a bunch of folks messaged me saying they were inspired to grow their Dansco collection and full them with coins. It made it harder for me to find rare Danscos lol, but I'd rather the coin album community grow.
I wish I had the time to do such a travel series. I could fund it from sales of rare albums I find. The biggest expense besides buying inventory are hotels at $125 a night. But my game plan is focus much more on my AI world coin sorting robot when I get situated in Portland. My background is in technology and I'm making a career pivot into numismatics/dealing. I'm studying the operational headaches that dealers deal with and seeing if tech like AI can save them time.
I'm working on a prototype AI robot that can automatically sort world coins, staple them in 2x2s, label/catalog, and automatically list each coin on Ebay. The hope is to build a working prototype in time to show it off at the ANA Summer Seminar since I'll be attending the Session 2 Advanced Coin Dealing class.
@KiwiNumi said:
Interesting thread as always. Are you planning to attend the show back home on the 28th?
If by home you mean the Fort Collins Coin Club show, then sadly no. I'm moving to the Portland area. I did manage to get Dan Carr those Forney F-1 aluminum pieces for the coin club medal in time though! I fnally got the FAA documentation confirming that plane was indeed made by the Forney Aircraft Company in Fort Collins back in 1958! Hopefully ANACS can give a special designation.
I was not aware, as I haven't been in there for over a year, that Redmond Rare Coins switched hands.
It was started by Ralph and Chet, as partners.
They initially DID have a lot of actual coins PLUS the bullion but, over the years, have migrated to more bullion focus as they weren't getting the actual coins coming through and they stopped going to shows. Ralph used to take up multiple tables at the local shows. A lot of binder coins and fair share of slabbed but his buy prices were never that good (that I noticed) and he did talk down slabbed coin grades a lot...Ralph was a salesman by trade (outside of coins)
Great road trip report! I imagine Dansco doesn't get a lot of visitors given their somewhat remote location. Did you try any of Sumas' award-winning water while you were there?
@KiwiNumi said:
Interesting thread as always. Are you planning to attend the show back home on the 28th?
If by home you mean the Fort Collins Coin Club show, then sadly no. I'm moving to the Portland area. I did manage to get Dan Carr those Forney F-1 aluminum pieces for the coin club medal in time though! I fnally got the FAA documentation confirming that plane was indeed made by the Forney Aircraft Company in Fort Collins back in 1958! Hopefully ANACS can give a special designation.
Well that's a shame I always enjoyed talking with you at shows. I hope your move goes smoothly. I'm sure there's a great coin community in Portland.
I meant to post this update for the last day of my trip [3/22/2025]. Been sleeping in
Day 6 Update: Three Cities, 173 Miles, 3 Coin Shops, and Resting Up
Today, I wrapped up the last leg of my week-long coin road trip. It's been an incredible experience. I took a slower day and visited three coin shops within the same area. I made it to my buddy's place near Portland around 8 p.m.
Today's Haul
No photos because I'm tired
1 x Vintage Whitman Album
1 x Dansco albums
Various Tokens & World Coins
Bunch of AirTites
Tacoma Mall Blvd Coin, Stamp & Jewelry
One of the store employees, Ryan, recognized me when I walked in and gave me a warm reception in his shop. It feels odd to interact with folks online and then suddenly in real life lol. They had an incredible selection of new modern Dansco albums on display. They also had a great selection of raw world coins that I dug through. The things that jumped out the most to me were bins with oddities like modals and Sales Tax Tokens. Ryan and his manager were kind enough to let me take some photos.
I also saw many bins with loose US coins, such as Buffalo Nickels, IHP, etc., at great prices. This is an excellent spot for kids to check out and try their hand at cherry picking. The other side of the store had stamp material, but I didn't check that side much. Overall, it's a great modern shop that would appeal more to the coin-collecting crowd.
B & I Coin Shop
No photo
The store was closed even though I visited during open hours
American Rare Coin, Gold & Jewelry
It technically qualifies as a coin shop, but barely. There were only four displays of coins and very little selection. It's more of a bullion shop. The dealer was friendly and shared some insights on the local coin shops in the area.
That's it—it's a wrap!
I'm dead tired, so I'll take the next few days to rest and recover. I have hundreds of albums, folders, and pages to sort through and catalog/list for sale.
I have more reflections to share, but I will say this: This trip has been one of the best experiences of my numismatic career.
Over six days:
Drove 44 Hours across 2,451 Miles
Visited 23 Coins across three states
Met a fantastic amount of coin dealers &collectors who shared an immense amount of wisdom and knowledge with me
Met with collectors in real life after talking with them online
I visited Dansco's offices and got run around like a kid nerding out on a hyper-specific niche and getting answers to questions the community and I have had for years.
Thank you all for joining me on the journey. Reading your responses, insights, and encouragement this past week brought me great joy and motivated me to provide these updates each night, even when I was dead tired.
The Whitman blue bookshelf for British Minors that is pictured in one of your shared photos, would that be 20th Century only and starting with 6d to farthings with the last page (4) featuring Maundy sets starting with Edward VII?
This is a serious question because the one I just described I thought had Twentieth Century on the cover. So are there two different album types that were perhaps made at different times that essentially house the same coins?
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
This has been a lot of fun to follow, and also, welcome to the PNW! I didn't realize you were moving here until later in the thread. If you're ready to come back up I-5, put the PNNA show in Tukwila on your calendar for mid-April. It (and the same show in October) is by far the biggest show in the region. I'm bummed to have a conflict this year, but if you've got time, it's definitely worth it to attend.
An interesting goal. Thanks for including all the facets of it. Judging by your hours driven and miles covered you stayed within the speed limit. No tickets I trust.
Successful transactions:Tookybandit. "Everyone is equal, some are more equal than others".
The Whitman blue bookshelf for British Minors that is pictured in one of your shared photos, would that be 20th Century only and starting with 6d to farthings with the last page (4) featuring Maundy sets starting with Edward VII?
This is a serious question because the one I just described I thought had Twentieth Century on the cover. So are there two different album types that were perhaps made at different times that essentially house the same coins?
After a week of rest and cataloging everything I got on this crazy road trip, I finally found the time to write this report. It’s a long read, but I hope you enjoy it.
Pacific Northwest Coin Road Trip Report: Three States, Six Days, 1855 Miles, 22 Coin Shops, and a Rare Glimpse Inside Dansco’s Operations
As a coin and coin album collector, I've learned over the years that coin shops are full of hidden gems you'll never find online.
In January 2024, I spontaneously embarked on a memorable coin shop road trip across the Southwestern US to discover hidden treasures. Over those 10 days, I gained a newfound appreciation for physical coin shops and how they serve their local communities.
In March 2025, I embarked on another coin road trip across the North and Pacific Northwest. I documented my travel plans and day-by-day experience with the broader coin community this time. I expected only a handful of folks would be interested in my travels, but I was surprised by how many on various forums and social media reached out to share their local insights and help shape my travel route. What started as another expedition to build my collection and explore local coin communities evolved into something more profound.
I was curious about numismatic cultural differences between large cities and rural communities, though I wasn’t sure what those differences would be. Here is what I saw.
Regional Shop Differences Urban Coin Shops
In bustling metro areas like Seattle, coin shops were primarily bullion-focused. These shops make the bulk of their money from Gold and Silver transactions. More often than not, it felt like coins were an afterthought. I was the odd one coming into these shops purely as a coin collector.
Smaller Cities Coin Shops
Stops in Billings, Tacoma, and Missoula struck a pleasant balance. These shops typically blended friendly service with a genuine appreciation for the hobby. I felt a noticeable difference in the way owners engaged with fellow enthusiasts. Most of their customers dealt in bullion, but these shops wanted to draw in collectors.
Small Town Coin Shops
I discovered some real hidden gems in small towns. One shop I visited was JS Coins in Butte, Montana, which Joseph runs. His main job is as a plumber, but he’s a passionate coin collector and runs his shop for fun. (That explains why his store sign says JS Plumbing & Heating.) He sells on WhatNot and Ebay and taught me a lot about how WhatNot operates.
His shop typically closes at 6 pm, but Joseph stayed open an extra hour and a half so we could talk about all things coins. He also collects Dansco albums, which he had bought from me before! I was surprised when he pulled out one of my business cards, which I had included in one of his orders. It was funny when he said, “I actually have 400 Dansco’s in my collection,” and I responded, “I think I have you beat at 800.”
I created a short video giving Joseph and JS coins a shoutout; you can check it out here.
Another hidden gem was Grunberg Schloss Collectors' Cabinet in Ponderay, ID. The owner, Mark, runs the shop. I got the sense that he appreciated I was a coin and coin album collector. We discussed Dansco and what he has seen from them during his long career as a dealer. He has a wealth of knowledge, and he even let me go into the back office and see his numismatic library with 1000+ books and references. There was an incredible assortment of coin-collecting supplies, including a massive wall of Whitman folders and Dansco albums/pages. His shop truly felt like a store made by a coin collector for coin collectors. I could not believe this shop existed in a town with a population of less than 2,000.
Mark was also kind enough to let me record a short video about him and his shop.
While I don’t mean to suggest that every small-town shop is exceptional, I felt my odds of encountering that collector’s spirit was much higher.
Shop Observations and Demographics
Some overall observations from the 22 coin shops I visited:
25% welcoming: Owners welcomed me with open arms in these shops and treated our conversations as exchanges between fellow collectors. They took the time to sift through their inventories to help me find those elusive rare albums.
45% generally friendly: I was met with a warm atmosphere, although I was primarily seen as a hopeful bullion customer rather than a fellow coin collector. The service was courteous, even if the conversations didn’t dive as deep into numismatic nuances.
20% ambivalent: Some stops felt more like casual browsing; the owners were preoccupied or offered minimal engagement.
10% closed: A few establishments were unavailable despite my visiting during their stated open hours.
Some more observations:
80% of shop owners and employees were men; 20% were women.
97% of store employees were white.
35% of shop owners and employees were under 35, 40% were between ages 35 and 60, and 25% were older than 70.
I noticed that I made the best deals in shops run by collectors. Places that leaned heavily into bullion sales weren’t as willing to negotiate.
Notable Acquisitions
Dansco Albums Rare Finds: Republic of Austria Type [Continental Line] International Series: Canada Type, China Silver Panda, Mexico Type series (Centavo and Peso) U.S. Coin Series: Half Dimes, Bust Dimes [Littleton Version], Lincoln Coin Precious Metals: American Eagle Silver Dollars, Silver Rounds, Silver Bars Specialty Albums: Santa Cruz Coin Club, Space Medals, Pokemon Cards, Custom Harley Davidson Collector's Chips
Dansco Folders International Series: Australia One Dollar 2008-2012, Fiji 1934-1967, Mexico 20-25 Centavo U.S. Coin Series: Washington Quarters from 1963
Dansco Pages Rare Finds: #7070 US Type Set: Gold Type Page International Series: Republic of Guatemala Type Page 4 Specialty Pages: Hershey Coin Club Hershey, Pennsylvania
Dansco Miscellaneous Inventory: 2800 Plastic Slides covering all albums Pre-Finished: Slipcase Cover, Unpunched Pages
Library of Coins Albums International Series: Canada 1 Cent Pieces Vol. 60 U.S. Coin Series: Liberty Head Dimes, Liberty Standing Quarters, Kennedy Head Half Dollars, Liberty Head Silver Dollars Part 1 & 2
Whitman Bookshelf Albums International Series: Australian Type Collection, Canadian Quarters 1921-, Canadian Dollars 1935-, Great Britain Minor Type Set U.S. Coin Series: Large Cents, Complete Set of 2c, 3c, Shields 5c, 20c Pieces, Washington Quarters, United States Type Set - Small Coins, U.S. Type Set, Commemorative Type Set
Whitman Modern Folders International Series: Canada 5 Cents, 25 Cents, 50 Cents, Dollar
Mehrig Albums U.S. Coin Series: Small Cents, Lincoln Cents, Liberty Head Nickel, Buffalo Nickels, Mercury Dimes, Dimes Plain, Liberty Head Quarters, Liberty Standing Quarters, Liberty Head Half Dollars, Liberty Standing Half Dollars, Franklin Half Dollars, Half Dollars Plain, Liberty Head Dollars
Miscellaneous
4 lbs of World Coins
Scott’s American Album for United States Stamps
International Junior Postage Stamp Album
Philippines Type Set Album [Unknown Manufacturer]
Unexpected Discoveries
During this journey, I encountered several unexpected treasures. A particular highlight was discovering a scarce Republic of Austria Continental Line album priced at only $29 [Valued at $300+]. Another remarkable find came at a high-end bullion dealer who had amassed an impressive collection of hundreds of uncommon coin albums. This collection had formed gradually over time as their aging clientele sold off their coin collections, albums, and all. Since few of their customers sought coin albums, the bullion shop had accumulated these valuable holders over the years without much attention.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the trip was receiving private messages from collectors with insights about their local coin markets. These fellow enthusiasts generously advised me which coin shops to visit or avoid, including convincing me to take a detour to Grunbergs in Ponderay. It was a surreal experience meeting collectors I'd only previously connected with online.
The difference between virtual and in-person connections became immediately apparent. One such encounter was with a rare coin dealer who openly shared insights into his multi-million dollar business operations. Another memorable meeting was with a vintage Whitman album collector who matched my enthusiasm for finding rare albums. Our shared passion created an instant bond that digital conversations simply couldn't replicate.
Visiting Dansco
While each shop offered its unique charm and discoveries, one visit stood apart from all others - not to a traditional coin shop, but to the very source of my collecting passion. The crowning moment of the trip was my visit to Dansco's headquarters in Sumas, Washington. For someone who has dedicated years to collecting and researching Dansco albums with the ultimate goal of owning one of every album ever made, this rare behind-the-scenes opportunity was the numismatic equivalent of a pilgrimage.
Despite their busy schedules, Leticia and Steve Bruce welcomed me inside their Sumas, Washington facility and gave me a detailed tour. The facility, set up in a repurposed grocery store, was a treasure trove of numismatic history. I witnessed firsthand the production process: pages being assembled, gold foils applied, and rows upon rows of punch-out dies meticulously labeled. I saw how every step in creating an album was done by hand.
I seized the opportunity to ask many questions that had been circulating within the coin album community and gained these valuable insights:
"Will Dansco update the #7070 U.S. Type Set album or make foreign albums again?"
There are no current plans to update or reprint foreign sets. They focus on the most in-demand items, like update pages and recent mint series such as American Women Quarters. There have been discussions about a volume 2 for the #7070 series, but no immediate plans.
“Is there a master list of all the custom albums Dansco has created for customers over the years?"
There is no master list of all the albums, including custom albums, that Dansco has produced. But there is hope! They have an entire wall of punch-out dies used to make pages over the years, and each die is labeled. I hope to go through and catalog everything they have made someday. In the meantime, here is a link to an exhaustive catalog I made of every Dansco album I am aware of.
"Why did Dansco move its operations from California to Washington State?"
Leticia and Steve wanted to leave California and raise their family in a smaller town. They also wanted to reduce the number of people visiting their Los Angeles office. They mentioned how collectors and dealers often drop by during the Long Beach Expo and disrupt operations. Instead of 1 or 2 visitors a month, they now get 1 or 2 visitors every six months.
"Are there plans to update their U.S. Commemorative albums?"
They have looked into it but have no current plans.
"Why are the pages in the #8141 American Women Quarters w/ Proof albums not include slots for S- Proof Silver coins?"
Quarter pages always had four slots per row. The creation of S-clad business strike quarters threw a wrench in things. They could not update the slots to five per row. They hoped the #8148 album with proofs would hold the regular proofs, and the #7147 date set album would hold the S Silver Proof. They know they could have better communicated this to the broader coin community.
Along with answering questions from the community, I also discovered these fascinating insights:
They have not produced coin folders since 2015.
They partnered with and produced Littleton-branded albums in the 1980s before Littleton branched off to create its own line of albums.
It's a surprisingly small operation with only eight employees.
When UN FAO coin albums were made in the 1960s and 70s, Dansco employees placed FAO coins inside and sold them complete.
Their highest demand period was during the state quarter series, when production needs caused their employee numbers to swell to 25.
Dansco produced green folders covering Ireland series coins, which are now exceptionally rare.
They discontinued Australian albums in the early 2000s.
Die punches cannot be altered - an entirely new die must be created if a page needs updating with a different size port.
While examining an old ledger, I discovered an order invoice from Ervin J. Felix dating back to 1962, possibly his first order of Continental Line albums (the precursor of modern Dansco supreme brown albums).
Leticia shared a remarkable historical photo showing some of the first Dansco employees, including Paul Bruce, one of the founders of Dansco
The visit was not only educational but deeply personal. It connected me with Dansco's legacy—a legacy I've researched for years through my dedicated collection and ongoing conversations with fellow collectors. Many in the coin album community have long been fascinated with Dansco's history, and asking our burning questions in person was a dream come true. I hope to revisit them and answer more questions soon.
More Than Just A Road Trip
This journey across the North & Pacific Northwest was far more than a quest for rare albums or answers to a few Dansco questions—it marked a personal turning point for me. Two years ago, after a decade in the tech industry, I was caught in the wave of mass tech layoffs. While I had appreciated the stability and opportunities afforded by a well-paying career, I never found my work exciting. At a crossroads, I faced a pivotal question: Should I try to return to tech, or was this a sign that I was meant for something more?
After two years of straddling the line between finding another tech job or going full-time into numismatics, I hoped this trip might help me find that answer. Every mile I drove and every coin shop I visited on this trip reaffirmed my decision to follow my heart. I don't know where my place in numismatics will ultimately be, but I know it will be infinitely more fulfilling.
The visit to Dansco's headquarters was particularly transformative. Standing there among the old album printers, connecting with the people behind products I've enjoyed researching for years, I felt a sense of purpose I had never experienced in my tech career. This trip wasn’t just about building business connections and stocking inventory. Though, I did get to buy a bunch of rare custom albums hidden behind some pallets at Dansco.
While many coin shops today are shifting toward bullion sales, and the traditional coin shop catering to collectors is slowly vanishing (much like what we've seen with stamp shops), I left this trip more optimistic about the hobby. I disagree with those who say that coin collecting is declining; it’s just changing as it always has.
In every enthusiastic dealer and fellow collector I met, I found confirmation that this community remains vibrant and welcoming. Thank you for joining me as I navigate this crazy world we call numismatics.
It turns out that unexpected treasures aren’t always found in junk silver bins.
Comments
Love this thread!
Dave
They knew it was going for high prices amongst collectors but I don't think they knew just how high. They were surprised to hear that they're for up to $180. I know it's that high, because that's how much I sold one for last month.
They've been hearing for years to reprint the gold page, but they can't justify the time it would cost. Their business model is working through wholesalers/distributors. Those guys would be getting most of the money from gold page sales, not Danaco. Just make more sense for Dansco to stick with making albums that's most in demand.
Great roadtrip, keep posting more
Mr_Spud
Great tremendous posting.
Don't forget the loupes.
The Bausch and lomb 3x-4x =7x. Has been dicontinued and is a great loupe used by some top dealers / authenticators.
There are still some on shelves of the B&M's. I use mine all the time. Keep going back to it for bourse dealer hunting.
There are better loupes but the large clear lenses are easier on the eyes and pull in more light, and let you observe a whole morgan dollar under 4x.
I collect coins and loupes
50 years of collecting
I think I have a few misprints somewhere. I don't seek them out but they occasionally come into my collection.
I'm more into collecting variants and different versions. Like a Dansco Seated Liberty Seated Dollars album but branded for Littleton.
Ha! I've long argued the hobby would benefit from a television/YouTube travel show visiting coin shops and shows around the country.
A lot of smaller coin shops and shows would get exposure and it'll show the diverse backgrounds of collectors. Audience are pulled in thinking they'll learn how to cherry pick, but really they're subconsciously learning best practices like using ebay sold listing, damaged coins are not errors, Bicentennials aren't rare, etc.
There are so many niche numismatic experts whose decades of knowledge are only seen at ANA breakout session with 15 audience members.
We should be interviewing those experts and give them a platform to share their insights and grow a larger audience for their niche.
Spegtacular on YouTube does something similar where he interviews his local coin shop dealer, shows, and the occasional niche hobbyist like myself 😁. His focus tends to be more on bullion though.
https://youtube.com/@spegtacular
After creating my Dansco Dude Instagram account and sharing my research, a bunch of folks messaged me saying they were inspired to grow their Dansco collection and full them with coins. It made it harder for me to find rare Danscos lol, but I'd rather the coin album community grow.
I wish I had the time to do such a travel series. I could fund it from sales of rare albums I find. The biggest expense besides buying inventory are hotels at $125 a night. But my game plan is focus much more on my AI world coin sorting robot when I get situated in Portland. My background is in technology and I'm making a career pivot into numismatics/dealing. I'm studying the operational headaches that dealers deal with and seeing if tech like AI can save them time.
I'm working on a prototype AI robot that can automatically sort world coins, staple them in 2x2s, label/catalog, and automatically list each coin on Ebay. The hope is to build a working prototype in time to show it off at the ANA Summer Seminar since I'll be attending the Session 2 Advanced Coin Dealing class.
Dale is doing well. Does a lot of traveling, currently overseas.
Interesting thread as always. Are you planning to attend the show back home on the 28th?
If by home you mean the Fort Collins Coin Club show, then sadly no. I'm moving to the Portland area. I did manage to get Dan Carr those Forney F-1 aluminum pieces for the coin club medal in time though! I fnally got the FAA documentation confirming that plane was indeed made by the Forney Aircraft Company in Fort Collins back in 1958! Hopefully ANACS can give a special designation.
I was not aware, as I haven't been in there for over a year, that Redmond Rare Coins switched hands.
It was started by Ralph and Chet, as partners.
They initially DID have a lot of actual coins PLUS the bullion but, over the years, have migrated to more bullion focus as they weren't getting the actual coins coming through and they stopped going to shows. Ralph used to take up multiple tables at the local shows. A lot of binder coins and fair share of slabbed but his buy prices were never that good (that I noticed) and he did talk down slabbed coin grades a lot...Ralph was a salesman by trade (outside of coins)
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
AWWwww dang! I've been looking everywhere for a gold 7070 for the Dansco. Get a good deal??
This looks like so much fun!
https://imdb.com/name/nm1835107/
Great travelogue! Thanks for sharing!
Great road trip report! I imagine Dansco doesn't get a lot of visitors given their somewhat remote location. Did you try any of Sumas' award-winning water while you were there?
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Well that's a shame I always enjoyed talking with you at shows. I hope your move goes smoothly. I'm sure there's a great coin community in Portland.
I meant to post this update for the last day of my trip [3/22/2025]. Been sleeping in
Day 6 Update: Three Cities, 173 Miles, 3 Coin Shops, and Resting Up
Today, I wrapped up the last leg of my week-long coin road trip. It's been an incredible experience. I took a slower day and visited three coin shops within the same area. I made it to my buddy's place near Portland around 8 p.m.
Today's Haul
No photos because I'm tired
1 x Vintage Whitman Album
1 x Dansco albums
Various Tokens & World Coins
Bunch of AirTites
Tacoma Mall Blvd Coin, Stamp & Jewelry
One of the store employees, Ryan, recognized me when I walked in and gave me a warm reception in his shop. It feels odd to interact with folks online and then suddenly in real life lol. They had an incredible selection of new modern Dansco albums on display. They also had a great selection of raw world coins that I dug through. The things that jumped out the most to me were bins with oddities like modals and Sales Tax Tokens. Ryan and his manager were kind enough to let me take some photos.
I also saw many bins with loose US coins, such as Buffalo Nickels, IHP, etc., at great prices. This is an excellent spot for kids to check out and try their hand at cherry picking. The other side of the store had stamp material, but I didn't check that side much. Overall, it's a great modern shop that would appeal more to the coin-collecting crowd.
B & I Coin Shop
No photo
The store was closed even though I visited during open hours
American Rare Coin, Gold & Jewelry
It technically qualifies as a coin shop, but barely. There were only four displays of coins and very little selection. It's more of a bullion shop. The dealer was friendly and shared some insights on the local coin shops in the area.
That's it—it's a wrap!
I'm dead tired, so I'll take the next few days to rest and recover. I have hundreds of albums, folders, and pages to sort through and catalog/list for sale.
I have more reflections to share, but I will say this: This trip has been one of the best experiences of my numismatic career.
Over six days:
Thank you all for joining me on the journey. Reading your responses, insights, and encouragement this past week brought me great joy and motivated me to provide these updates each night, even when I was dead tired.
Cheers for now,
Justin
One if the great pleasures is traveling this country with a theme of some sort. Thanks for including us in your journey.
@AlbumNerd
The Whitman blue bookshelf for British Minors that is pictured in one of your shared photos, would that be 20th Century only and starting with 6d to farthings with the last page (4) featuring Maundy sets starting with Edward VII?
This is a serious question because the one I just described I thought had Twentieth Century on the cover. So are there two different album types that were perhaps made at different times that essentially house the same coins?
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
This has been a lot of fun to follow, and also, welcome to the PNW! I didn't realize you were moving here until later in the thread. If you're ready to come back up I-5, put the PNNA show in Tukwila on your calendar for mid-April. It (and the same show in October) is by far the biggest show in the region. I'm bummed to have a conflict this year, but if you've got time, it's definitely worth it to attend.
Thanks for sharing your journey.
Fantastic thread. I have been reading throughout and enjoyed it very much.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
An interesting goal. Thanks for including all the facets of it. Judging by your hours driven and miles covered you stayed within the speed limit.
No tickets I trust.
Let me know if these pictures help
I really enjoy the read. thanks, well done
How did you come up with the list of coin stores to visit? Is there a master list somewhere?
After a week of rest and cataloging everything I got on this crazy road trip, I finally found the time to write this report. It’s a long read, but I hope you enjoy it.
Pacific Northwest Coin Road Trip Report: Three States, Six Days, 1855 Miles, 22 Coin Shops, and a Rare Glimpse Inside Dansco’s Operations
As a coin and coin album collector, I've learned over the years that coin shops are full of hidden gems you'll never find online.
In January 2024, I spontaneously embarked on a memorable coin shop road trip across the Southwestern US to discover hidden treasures. Over those 10 days, I gained a newfound appreciation for physical coin shops and how they serve their local communities.
In March 2025, I embarked on another coin road trip across the North and Pacific Northwest. I documented my travel plans and day-by-day experience with the broader coin community this time. I expected only a handful of folks would be interested in my travels, but I was surprised by how many on various forums and social media reached out to share their local insights and help shape my travel route. What started as another expedition to build my collection and explore local coin communities evolved into something more profound.
I was curious about numismatic cultural differences between large cities and rural communities, though I wasn’t sure what those differences would be. Here is what I saw.
Regional Shop Differences
Urban Coin Shops
In bustling metro areas like Seattle, coin shops were primarily bullion-focused. These shops make the bulk of their money from Gold and Silver transactions. More often than not, it felt like coins were an afterthought. I was the odd one coming into these shops purely as a coin collector.
Smaller Cities Coin Shops
Stops in Billings, Tacoma, and Missoula struck a pleasant balance. These shops typically blended friendly service with a genuine appreciation for the hobby. I felt a noticeable difference in the way owners engaged with fellow enthusiasts. Most of their customers dealt in bullion, but these shops wanted to draw in collectors.
Small Town Coin Shops
I discovered some real hidden gems in small towns. One shop I visited was JS Coins in Butte, Montana, which Joseph runs. His main job is as a plumber, but he’s a passionate coin collector and runs his shop for fun. (That explains why his store sign says JS Plumbing & Heating.) He sells on WhatNot and Ebay and taught me a lot about how WhatNot operates.
His shop typically closes at 6 pm, but Joseph stayed open an extra hour and a half so we could talk about all things coins. He also collects Dansco albums, which he had bought from me before! I was surprised when he pulled out one of my business cards, which I had included in one of his orders. It was funny when he said, “I actually have 400 Dansco’s in my collection,” and I responded, “I think I have you beat at 800.”
I created a short video giving Joseph and JS coins a shoutout; you can check it out here.
Another hidden gem was Grunberg Schloss Collectors' Cabinet in Ponderay, ID. The owner, Mark, runs the shop. I got the sense that he appreciated I was a coin and coin album collector. We discussed Dansco and what he has seen from them during his long career as a dealer. He has a wealth of knowledge, and he even let me go into the back office and see his numismatic library with 1000+ books and references. There was an incredible assortment of coin-collecting supplies, including a massive wall of Whitman folders and Dansco albums/pages. His shop truly felt like a store made by a coin collector for coin collectors. I could not believe this shop existed in a town with a population of less than 2,000.
Mark was also kind enough to let me record a short video about him and his shop.
While I don’t mean to suggest that every small-town shop is exceptional, I felt my odds of encountering that collector’s spirit was much higher.
Shop Observations and Demographics
Some overall observations from the 22 coin shops I visited:
25% welcoming: Owners welcomed me with open arms in these shops and treated our conversations as exchanges between fellow collectors. They took the time to sift through their inventories to help me find those elusive rare albums.
45% generally friendly: I was met with a warm atmosphere, although I was primarily seen as a hopeful bullion customer rather than a fellow coin collector. The service was courteous, even if the conversations didn’t dive as deep into numismatic nuances.
20% ambivalent: Some stops felt more like casual browsing; the owners were preoccupied or offered minimal engagement.
10% closed: A few establishments were unavailable despite my visiting during their stated open hours.
Some more observations:
Notable Acquisitions
Dansco Albums
Rare Finds: Republic of Austria Type [Continental Line]
International Series: Canada Type, China Silver Panda, Mexico Type series (Centavo and Peso)
U.S. Coin Series: Half Dimes, Bust Dimes [Littleton Version], Lincoln Coin
Precious Metals: American Eagle Silver Dollars, Silver Rounds, Silver Bars
Specialty Albums: Santa Cruz Coin Club, Space Medals, Pokemon Cards, Custom Harley Davidson Collector's Chips
Dansco Folders
International Series: Australia One Dollar 2008-2012, Fiji 1934-1967, Mexico 20-25 Centavo
U.S. Coin Series: Washington Quarters from 1963
Dansco Pages
Rare Finds: #7070 US Type Set: Gold Type Page
International Series: Republic of Guatemala Type Page 4
Specialty Pages: Hershey Coin Club Hershey, Pennsylvania
Dansco Miscellaneous
Inventory: 2800 Plastic Slides covering all albums
Pre-Finished: Slipcase Cover, Unpunched Pages
Library of Coins Albums
International Series: Canada 1 Cent Pieces Vol. 60
U.S. Coin Series: Liberty Head Dimes, Liberty Standing Quarters, Kennedy Head Half Dollars, Liberty Head Silver Dollars Part 1 & 2
Whitman Bookshelf Albums
International Series: Australian Type Collection, Canadian Quarters 1921-, Canadian Dollars 1935-, Great Britain Minor Type Set
U.S. Coin Series: Large Cents, Complete Set of 2c, 3c, Shields 5c, 20c Pieces, Washington Quarters, United States Type Set - Small Coins, U.S. Type Set, Commemorative Type Set
Whitman Modern Folders
International Series: Canada 5 Cents, 25 Cents, 50 Cents, Dollar
Mehrig Albums
U.S. Coin Series: Small Cents, Lincoln Cents, Liberty Head Nickel, Buffalo Nickels, Mercury Dimes, Dimes Plain, Liberty Head Quarters, Liberty Standing Quarters, Liberty Head Half Dollars, Liberty Standing Half Dollars, Franklin Half Dollars, Half Dollars Plain, Liberty Head Dollars
Miscellaneous
4 lbs of World Coins
Scott’s American Album for United States Stamps
International Junior Postage Stamp Album
Philippines Type Set Album [Unknown Manufacturer]
Unexpected Discoveries
During this journey, I encountered several unexpected treasures. A particular highlight was discovering a scarce Republic of Austria Continental Line album priced at only $29 [Valued at $300+]. Another remarkable find came at a high-end bullion dealer who had amassed an impressive collection of hundreds of uncommon coin albums. This collection had formed gradually over time as their aging clientele sold off their coin collections, albums, and all. Since few of their customers sought coin albums, the bullion shop had accumulated these valuable holders over the years without much attention.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the trip was receiving private messages from collectors with insights about their local coin markets. These fellow enthusiasts generously advised me which coin shops to visit or avoid, including convincing me to take a detour to Grunbergs in Ponderay. It was a surreal experience meeting collectors I'd only previously connected with online.
The difference between virtual and in-person connections became immediately apparent. One such encounter was with a rare coin dealer who openly shared insights into his multi-million dollar business operations. Another memorable meeting was with a vintage Whitman album collector who matched my enthusiasm for finding rare albums. Our shared passion created an instant bond that digital conversations simply couldn't replicate.
Visiting Dansco
While each shop offered its unique charm and discoveries, one visit stood apart from all others - not to a traditional coin shop, but to the very source of my collecting passion. The crowning moment of the trip was my visit to Dansco's headquarters in Sumas, Washington. For someone who has dedicated years to collecting and researching Dansco albums with the ultimate goal of owning one of every album ever made, this rare behind-the-scenes opportunity was the numismatic equivalent of a pilgrimage.
Despite their busy schedules, Leticia and Steve Bruce welcomed me inside their Sumas, Washington facility and gave me a detailed tour. The facility, set up in a repurposed grocery store, was a treasure trove of numismatic history. I witnessed firsthand the production process: pages being assembled, gold foils applied, and rows upon rows of punch-out dies meticulously labeled. I saw how every step in creating an album was done by hand.
I seized the opportunity to ask many questions that had been circulating within the coin album community and gained these valuable insights:
"Will Dansco update the #7070 U.S. Type Set album or make foreign albums again?"
“Is there a master list of all the custom albums Dansco has created for customers over the years?"
"Why did Dansco move its operations from California to Washington State?"
"Are there plans to update their U.S. Commemorative albums?"
"Why are the pages in the #8141 American Women Quarters w/ Proof albums not include slots for S- Proof Silver coins?"
Along with answering questions from the community, I also discovered these fascinating insights:
They have not produced coin folders since 2015.
They partnered with and produced Littleton-branded albums in the 1980s before Littleton branched off to create its own line of albums.
It's a surprisingly small operation with only eight employees.
When UN FAO coin albums were made in the 1960s and 70s, Dansco employees placed FAO coins inside and sold them complete.
Their highest demand period was during the state quarter series, when production needs caused their employee numbers to swell to 25.
Dansco produced green folders covering Ireland series coins, which are now exceptionally rare.
They discontinued Australian albums in the early 2000s.
Die punches cannot be altered - an entirely new die must be created if a page needs updating with a different size port.
While examining an old ledger, I discovered an order invoice from Ervin J. Felix dating back to 1962, possibly his first order of Continental Line albums (the precursor of modern Dansco supreme brown albums).
Leticia shared a remarkable historical photo showing some of the first Dansco employees, including Paul Bruce, one of the founders of Dansco
The visit was not only educational but deeply personal. It connected me with Dansco's legacy—a legacy I've researched for years through my dedicated collection and ongoing conversations with fellow collectors. Many in the coin album community have long been fascinated with Dansco's history, and asking our burning questions in person was a dream come true. I hope to revisit them and answer more questions soon.
More Than Just A Road Trip
This journey across the North & Pacific Northwest was far more than a quest for rare albums or answers to a few Dansco questions—it marked a personal turning point for me. Two years ago, after a decade in the tech industry, I was caught in the wave of mass tech layoffs. While I had appreciated the stability and opportunities afforded by a well-paying career, I never found my work exciting. At a crossroads, I faced a pivotal question: Should I try to return to tech, or was this a sign that I was meant for something more?
After two years of straddling the line between finding another tech job or going full-time into numismatics, I hoped this trip might help me find that answer. Every mile I drove and every coin shop I visited on this trip reaffirmed my decision to follow my heart. I don't know where my place in numismatics will ultimately be, but I know it will be infinitely more fulfilling.
The visit to Dansco's headquarters was particularly transformative. Standing there among the old album printers, connecting with the people behind products I've enjoyed researching for years, I felt a sense of purpose I had never experienced in my tech career. This trip wasn’t just about building business connections and stocking inventory. Though, I did get to buy a bunch of rare custom albums hidden behind some pallets at Dansco.
While many coin shops today are shifting toward bullion sales, and the traditional coin shop catering to collectors is slowly vanishing (much like what we've seen with stamp shops), I left this trip more optimistic about the hobby. I disagree with those who say that coin collecting is declining; it’s just changing as it always has.
In every enthusiastic dealer and fellow collector I met, I found confirmation that this community remains vibrant and welcoming. Thank you for joining me as I navigate this crazy world we call numismatics.
It turns out that unexpected treasures aren’t always found in junk silver bins.
Justin
The 22 coin shops I visited
Montana
Billings
Bozeman
Butte
Missoula
Idaho
Ponderay
Coeur d'Alene
Washington State
Spokane
Sumas
Everett
Kirkland
Tacoma
Lakewood
Olympia
Awesome story, thanks for sharing the details of what sounds like a trip of a lifetime for an album collector.
Mr_Spud
Very nice haul! Congrats!
Just a great read throughout
Thanks and welcome to The Great Northwet
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
Justin,
Great report!
We are going to miss you back here in Colorado (NSCC & DCC). Good luck with everything up in the PNW.
Life member of ANA
Miss you all as well! Looking forward to seeing folks at Summer Seminar.
A very entertaining read!