Hello, and welcome to spring on the Central Coast!

This winter, the weather’s been ping-ponging from very chilly to record-breaking heat and back again. But things are leveling out as we step into spring and early summer. The sun is shining, there’s a fresh breeze, the hills are green, and we have a few welcome rain showers now and then.

If you haven’t been to Pismo Beach lately, it’s a great time to visit.

The shop has been very busy, and I’m thankful for that! New customers are finding us and exploring what we have to offer – whether they’re looking for coins, collectibles, antiques, or jewelry – and we’re developing a wonderful group of regular customers. Many of these are coin collectors who come to the store to find items to add to their collections or get an evaluation if they’re thinking of selling an item. 

You might wonder how the inventory you see in the display cases arrives at the store. Read on for a little behind-the-scenes look at attending coin shows.

Also in this issue, you’ll find:

• U.S. currency, then and now
  
• New in the store: rare coins (mind-boggling old!)
• And a few more things

It’s coin show season again, and now that COVID has subsided, more shows are coming up.

If you’re a collector, you can probably imagine that there are many types of coins and paper money that rarely, if ever, come into the store from someone looking to sell. As a shop owner and collector myself, there are also many items that are very hard to find. 

While purchasing items from individuals or estate sales does supply some of the inventory I carry, how does your local coin dealer keep customers coming back with fresh items?

The answer is attending regional coin shows and conventions.

The vendors at these shows carry an astounding variety of items. Over the years, I’ve attended many shows and have learned a few secrets. 

One is to attend the show on “dealer day,” which is typically Thursday of a weekend show. This is the day that coin dealers begin setting up their display cases and fill them with their coins. This is also the day that coin shop owners are allowed in before the general public, and many coins can be acquired wholesale or at least at a nice discount.

It’s my goal to attend as many of these shows as possible so I can have the coins in stock that my customers need for their collections and that I need for the shop.

Last month, I was able to attend the Las Vegas Coin Show and I did exactly that. Here are just a few of the items I found from my wish list:

• Early type coins including Carson City Seated Liberty dimes, quarters, and halves. (This wasn’t easy, by the way.)
• Semi-key Lincoln cent coins
• PCGS Silver Morgan Dollars in Mint state 63 grade
• Confederate and large size U.S. currency
• Ancient Roman coins and Spanish Colonial Copper Maravedis coins

While I brought home many great pieces, the inventory acquired above only lasted about one week once my collectors realized I had what they needed.

Lesson learned: Next time, bring back twice as much inventory! 

The next show I hope to attend is the Long Beach show, which is the largest coin show on the West coast.

What items are you looking for?

Reply to this newsletter and let me know. I may just be able to find it!

Happy collecting!

At the Las Vegas Coin Show, I was thrilled to find these rare coins.

The two larger coins in the center are Spanish Colonial Copper Maravedis coins (sometimes referred to as “Pirate Pennies") that date back to the 1600s and 1700s. A bit of research finds these were the first coins minted in Spain for the purpose of circulation in the New World colonies. The Maravedis coins were used as Spanish Colonial change for smaller transactions.

While the Spanish coins are old, I can’t even comprehend the age of these ancient Roman bronze coins – the smaller coins shown above.  

They were struck in the middle to late Roman empire – in the 3rd to 5th century! Each features the profile of a Roman emperor. The coins I found are in great shape. They’d never been buried, so just think about that. 

These coins were carried around by Romans buying goods in the markets in the years between 300 and 500 AD. Since then, they’ve been in pockets and purses and desk drawers and who knows where else for thousands of years! 

And now, in 2022, we get to enjoy them and think about the people who carried these coins many, many years ago. It's the history and stories like this that continue to excite me and inspire my passion for collectible coins. 

Did you know that U.S. paper currency prior to 1923 was much larger than today’s paper currency? Take a look!

Compare the current $1 bill with the The Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank dollar (printed in 1918).

I also found paper $1 silver certificates printed in 1923. 

Come see the differences for yourself!

Need Gifts? Graduation, Mother's Day, Father's Day, or birthdays, we've got you covered

In addition to coins and currency, we have so much more!

If you’re looking for quality jewelry, browse our beautiful gold and sterling silver pieces, many with precious or semiprecious gemstones, as well as Native American turquoise and coral jewelry. 

We have an ever-changing selection of fun vintage and antique collectibles. 

Clip the coupon below or mention the sale when you come in and enjoy 20% off sterling silver jewelry through June 20, 2022. 

Rings | bracelets | necklaces | brooches | earrings | and more

We’re open Wednesday - Sunday, 10:30 - 5:00.

Past Issues of Pismo Treasures 

If you’re interested in reading past issues of our newsletter, here are links.

Each issue has a feature about a collectible or coin, plus news and updates.

Why Should Silver Be on Your Wish List? (12/2021)

Gratitude and Grand Openings, Summertime and Smiles (8/2021)

Spring, Bling and Sinatra in Pismo Beach (3/2021)

Dig in! Pismo Treasures (12/2020)

Discovering and sharing the colorful history of coins and collectibles has been my passion since I was a kid. I love thinking about the people who've owned and enjoyed the item so many years before. 

If this issue spurred any interest, let me know! If there are certain topics or items you'd like to know about, I'll do my best to dig up the information. 

I appreciate your support and it's my goal to serve you for many years to come. 

Wherever your spring and summer take you, here's to a safe and rewarding journey. 

Stay curious and keep exploring! 

John Zalesny

Proprietor

www.pismocoinsgallery.com

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P.S. A question for you.

As you wander around the shop, you may wonder about the stories or history behind a certain piece. Don’t be shy -- ask!

I love sharing the background of items and what makes each one special.

Now a question for you. What would you like to read in this newsletter? Whether it’s what makes jewelry valuable, why certain coins are collectible, how old something needs to be before it’s called an antique, or any other question, let me know!

Just reply to this email with your question and I’ll cover it in a future issue.

P.P.S. Let’s Stay in Touch!

On my store’s website, you’ll find more information about the services and selections in the store, as well a bit about my background and how the store came to be.

Check out the shop on Facebook. 

You can also find the store on Google Maps.

While you’re online, I’d sure appreciate your review of my shop and your experience! And please share with your friends – your recommendation is the best way small businesses like mine can grow.