American Coin & Stamp Co.,Inc. — Attraction in Clifton

Just discovered them the past two months. Here is a quick list of what I think of them from my short time as a customer and as a somewhat new coin collector:

Pros: a) The place is a dream for coins - large selection and some interesting presentations with something for everyone in a wide price range.

b) Both owners are quiet, friendly and extremely knowledgable. For example we shared our frustration with the "satin finish" Mint sets of 2005 - 2010 and especially the 2009 Lincoln cents series. These are prone to spotting due to the US minting and preparation process. They were very helpful and patient in helping me find a 2010 Mint set with minimal spotting and good looking coins.

Another area they showed a sample of their knowledge was with classic US coinage - informing me of the rare date for Benjamin half-dollars on one visit and another time the quality I could get within my moderate budget for $2.5 coins.

c) A long history in New Jersey and numismatics going back to 1955. It is not easy maintaining an extensive coin shop in the same area. There is always risk and from talking to coin dealers the majority of stock you make modest profits -- only a small portion do you really earn hefty profits and there is always a portion that has you break even or a slight loss - if you are smart.

d) The owners can be ingeniously generous to keep up the hobby of coins, banknotes and stamps. You learn much from hanging around them and some of their well-informed customers.

e) Members of American Numismatic Association and certified dealer for the two top established numismatic grading companies: NGC and PCGS. Also member of PMG - Paper Management Guaranty. Note one can apply to the ANA and membership to PNG and one of the grading agencies. Also an authorized bullion dealer for the United States Mint - US Department of Treasury. So these are quite solid credentials for a coin dealer.

Cons:

a) Yes they sometimes forget to mention that the state tax of 7% is NOT included in their quote on a coin. In addition, if you are not happy with the quality of the coin you get for what you want to spend, ask why. You may either need to switch to a cheaper type of coin which your budget could get you better quality than what you initially asked or you need to increase your budget. For the latter, it is best to do your research beforehand whenever possible.

b) You have to remind them to give you a receipt sometimes.

c) This is not a con but it can be a little inconvenience if you do not know this in advance - they do not take credit or debit cards to my knowledge, a practice I have found in the past 5 years becoming much more common for more and more retail stores. Call to check what forms of payment they accept.

d) They do not have a large staff and so when they are busy you may have to be patient or a little persistent if you need to get their attention.

The cons are minor or at most a little annoying but the pros far outweigh them. Plus there are tons of great restaurants from Turkish, Middle eastern, American, and Mexican/Spanish close by. I highly recommend Al-Bashra in Paterson, a short drive or modest walk from the store and get the meze plate with their frozen lime tea. A wonderful way to finish off a day of numismatics at American...

I had been seriously considering locally buying silver as investment/security. The online places are good but there is limited connection with the people you are dealing with. I decided to stop by American coin and stamp Co. in Clifton NJ. I asked them many questions and inquired about multiple coins and bars, gold and silver. This initial visit was to make a simple purchase of 1 ounce silver coins to give my children from the tooth fairy. Not much of an investment but a good way to feel them out. I did not go in with cash as I know I can be impulsive. After a conversation and a quote I told them I would be back as I needed to get cash for the purchase. I immediately went to the online sites to verify the price was competitive. To my surprise they were right on the mark, actually slightly lower then a common site. I look forward to a long and profitable relationship with American gold and silver company. Jeff was a pleasure to deal with and took the time needed to answer my questions. If I had a 3rd thumb that would be up also, they’ll have to settle for the 2...

After working with a number of coin dealerships in NYC, experiencing its very corporate approach to numismatics, I decided to look for local family owned coins shops in and around NYC. I came across American Coin & Stamp first on google, also passed it numerous times on a bus when I traveled near where my mother lived. I have always wanted to stop there but never really got the chance. Well I finally got to stop in with my mother recently, and was able to meet these two fine gentlemen to make a few purchases for my nephew. The current owners are brothers who took over for their father as a family business for a number of generations now. I certainly will be joining the family of collectors who prefer to work face to face with a couple deeply seasoned fellow coin enthusiasts, and am sold as a supporter and client of this family business. I hope to return with the next generation of my family and continue the tradition and passion of this truly valuable...