Hello, everyone!

Summer’s still in high gear here on the Central Coast. The weather’s been amazing – cool, cloudy mornings, then clearing to bright, sunny afternoons.

It’s fun seeing lots of visitors strolling through downtown Pismo Beach, and I love talking to everyone who comes into the shop. Whether you’re browsing or interested in something specific, it’s great learning where you’re from and what brought you in.

I’m also grateful for the growing number of regular customers. Another interesting thing in this current economic environment of rising inflation is the number of customers who are turning to Pismo Beach Coins Etc. Gallery as their precious metals broker.

In this issue, I share why silver (and gold) are great investments – and very liquid, with a ready market of buyers and sellers.

Also in this issue, you’ll find:

• Top 10 list of coins found in most collections (and learn what a “spender” is)
  
• silver as an inflation hedge
  
• a story of international intrigue
• and a few more things
  

Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the pleasure of checking out dozens of coin collections brought into the shop, mostly by the family members who have inherited them.

They typically have no idea what any of their collections are worth, and they come to me for a no-cost evaluation. I’m happy to do these – just contact me to set up an appointment – and I honor the trust given to me to share an honest evaluation of something that’s often a source of family history.

I have noticed a pattern in almost all of these collections. They usually have lots of what I call “spenders.”

“Spenders” are coins and paper money that will never be worth more than their face value, even in our children’s lifetime. The tricky part is that some of these coins look rare, collectible, or valuable.

So to help you look at your own collections (or if you want to sort through that big jar of coins), I put together my Top 10 list of the most common “spenders” found in almost every collection.

Here they are, from least common to most common.

• 10. Modern Lincoln memorial cents, saved for no rhyme or reason
• 9. Badly damaged or corroded coins; these include coins that were buried in the ground at one time, or coins that someone purposely damaged
• 8. Miscellaneous foreign coins from recent travels abroad
• 7. Sacagawea and presidential gold-colored small size dollar coins
• 6. 1976 and newer $2.00 bills. They look rare and potentially valuable, but are only worth $2. Quick! Spend them before inflation gets worse!
• 5. Common state quarters. They are everywhere you look.
• 4. Eisenhower dollars. These big clunky dollars with no precious metal content just take up space.
• 3. Susan B. Anthony dollars (also known as Jimmy Carter quarters among coin dealers). Millions of these still languish in bank vaults across the country.
• 2. Kennedy clad non-silver half dollars. You can still get your bank to order you as many as $500 boxes of these as you want.
• 1. And the #1 coin encountered in collections? Bicentennial quarters and half dollars. They were made by the mint for two years and will never be rare.

Here's what some of the most common spenders look like:

I have made it my mission to always make a separate pile of these “spenders” when evaluating a person’s collection. On average, it amounts to a couple hundred dollars that can be deposited in the bank, given to children, or even used as tips at restaurants.

Regardless of what they choose to do with them, they are always happy to realize that they have some extra money to spend if they want to.

In the next issue of Pismo Treasures, I’ll share the most common coins that do have value as collectibles. Stay tuned!

Recently, we have seen an increase in the number of people converting their cash that they have kept on hand (stored at home) into silver bullion. I believe this is a sound decision.

They understand that, given the current run-away inflation reported to be 8.5%, the buying power of their cash is decreasing by the same amount.

By the way, isn’t the true inflation rate 25%? After all, the “Dollar Store” now charges $1.25 instead of $1.00 for most of their items.

With silver now valued at around $20 per ounce, it’s almost a no-brainer that now is the time to convert your at-home cash reserves into silver coins or bullion. 

In these photos, you'll see the range of silver options you can add to your investment: 

• Mexican Onza Libertad coins 
• U.S. Silver Dollars 
• ingots 
• bars

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.

Shopping Secrets of a Coin Dealer (04/2022)

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)

There are lots of long summer days left as we head into September.

If your travels bring you to Pismo Beach, or you live locally, stop in and say hello!

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. It’s one of the reasons why I love this business so much. To me, there’s a human interest story behind every collectible just waiting to be told.

Are you looking for something specific? Let me know! I just might find it for you as I’m always on the lookout for new inventory.

Until next time, stay curious!

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.