Has anyone been to Sam Sloat Coins in Westport, CT lately?
Longacre
Posts: 16,717 ✭✭✭
Well, it looks like my upcoming Bachelor Weekend™ is turning into a bust. I was supposed to play golf with a college friend from NJ on Saturday, but he had to cancel (something about his basement getting flooded and he needs to clean it up). Instead, I plan on getting to the golf course at day break, and picking up a match with some random suckers, er, fellow golfers. Luckily the golf course is very close by to Sam Sloat Coins in Westport, CT.
I am planning on stopping by the coin shop after golf. Has anyone been there recently? I have not been there since last summer. It is a decent shop, and the people are generally friendly. There is some old guy, probably in his mid-50’s, who works there who is easy to deal with and talk to. But then there is some other younger guy whose name I cannot remember. This guy hides behind this two way glass in the shop, and only comes out into the daylight when he is summoned by the old guy. The younger guy always insults my coins that I show him. I buy my gold coins from a major dealer on the west coast. The guy at Sloat always goes on and on about how my coins lack eye appeal, what dogs they are, etc., etc. It gets annoying.
So for the people in my area, have you been to Sam Sloat lately? How is the selection? Also, is the guy behind the two-way glass still there?
I am planning on stopping by the coin shop after golf. Has anyone been there recently? I have not been there since last summer. It is a decent shop, and the people are generally friendly. There is some old guy, probably in his mid-50’s, who works there who is easy to deal with and talk to. But then there is some other younger guy whose name I cannot remember. This guy hides behind this two way glass in the shop, and only comes out into the daylight when he is summoned by the old guy. The younger guy always insults my coins that I show him. I buy my gold coins from a major dealer on the west coast. The guy at Sloat always goes on and on about how my coins lack eye appeal, what dogs they are, etc., etc. It gets annoying.
So for the people in my area, have you been to Sam Sloat lately? How is the selection? Also, is the guy behind the two-way glass still there?
Always took candy from strangers
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
Didn't wanna get me no trade
Never want to be like papa
Working for the boss every night and day
--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)
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Comments
I live about 15 minutes from there and have been there a couple of times (the most recent a few months ago) to sell some bullion. The older guy was still there
and very nice. It is a really well run and stocked place from the few visits I have had.
Not sure about the guy behind the glass.
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Rather than avoiding people, perhaps you should buy nicer coins?
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I work 5 minutes from there, and travel to VT to go to a dealer that I trust.
The ONE time I went in there (two years ago) I was treated as though I knew nothing about coins, and it seemed like the person was trying to sell me what they wanted me to buy, not what I was interested in. I also asked about having some coins submitted through them and the guy was acting like it was going to be a big hassle, so I was out of there.
Maybe I don't have the "look" of the typically rich Westporter, so I'm not due any respect. Who knows....
And yes, I dealt with the younger guy--
Edited: Hmm, perhaps I caught the person on a bad day? Apart from Longacre, seems like I'm the only one with a negative experience there. Everyone is allowed a bad day I guess.. Maybe it is time I stopped in again.
The one who keels over will be Bob.
They usually don't have much that is special out in the open, but if you ask then the "older guy in his '50s" (his name is Bob Walters) will bring out some killer pieces.
The "younger guy" you are talking about is probably his son who works there very often (I think he is about 17). His son manages their ancient coin department. He's learning the business, and has a genuine interest in the hobby--so go easy on him. He deals with mostly ancients so he might not know to much about US gold.
If it isn't his son who you are talking about, then I am not sure who it is. There are a few younger guys (in their late '20s or early 30s) who work in the sports card department but they never touch the coin stuff.
Bob and crew have been great whenever we've been in the shop or at shows. In the shop they also carry sports collectibles and jewelry in addition to coins and numismatic supplies, and it seems they get a wide variety of people coming in and out. I've seen the staff show courtesy to a range of customers from YN's sorting through the world coin box all the way up to pricey coins, jewelry, and high end sports memorabilia.
<< <i>Hard to tell if you're bashing Sam Sloat's shop or if you're bashing at your own coin purchases... either way, I'm not sure where you're going with this. Bob and crew have been great whenever we've been in the shop or at shows. In the shop they also carry sports collectibles and jewelry in addition to coins and numismatic supplies, and it seems they get a wide variety of people coming in and out. I've seen the staff show courtesy to a range of customers from YN's sorting through the world coin box all the way up to pricey coins, jewelry, and high end sports memorabilia. >>
I have also had good experiences with them over the years. The traditional Brick & Morter coin shop is fading into history, but these guys have built a business that will last, and every time I have been in there they were trying to be fair and not cheat the unknowledgeable.
The older guy is Bruce; the younger guy behind the glass is Bob. Bob can be short at times, but is really a nice, knowledgeable guy once you get to know him. Some dealers may not mind seeing a customer show off pieces bought elsewhere, but many get irritated at the "lost sale". I'm not certain that is what happened in your case but I think you should give them another try (this time, leave your newps from other dealers in your safety deposit box!).
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<< <i>. The guy at Sloat always goes on and on about how my coins lack eye appeal, what dogs they are, etc., etc. It gets annoying.
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Maybe they do, are, etc etc or maybe the guy doesn't like you.
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
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