This is a multigenerational family business that specializes in well curated antique coins, swords, knives, opera glasses, and other collectibles. This is higher end "stuff" that's priced accordingly. I came here twice during our recent trip to NOLA, and each time I was reminded of a piece of advice from my Dad: If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it. Observations 1. Prime Royal Street location. 2. The store displays and the somewhat cluttered back office could be considered antiques in themselves. Or in other words, functional but a little frayed at the edges. 3. The young family member minding the counter was informative, reserved, and watching everything. The few questions I asked were answered well, but without much elaboration. I felt a little embarrassed asking for a price (like a old blood letting knife @~$5000), but I got over it. 4. I ended up buying an antique key at $75 and had the pleasure of witnessing a sale the old fashioned way. An older (and well dressed) family member comes out of the back office, greets me professionally, looks the item over, writes a paper receipt, accepts payment, puts my little treasure in a company envelope, and thanks me for the business. 5. James H Cohen & Sons has a website, but it doesn't come close to covering what you'll find in the store. I did also wonder how often it's updated. I'd love to come back again, if I'm in town again as I love exploring this kind of merchandise, whether I can afford it or not. In the meantime, I'll work in some website views. read more

walked into this Civil War shop, and I was absolutely blown away at what they had for sale. There were several rifles and all sorts of weapons, including swords and knives from the Civil War era, and it was really cool to see this in person. Everything is really legit and if you've got a couple thousand dollars you can get yourself a really cool collectible piece. The staff were so, although we didn't purchase anything they were available to answer any questions. They also sell old money, so if you're interested in other kinds of collectibles, there's a couple interesting memorabilia in here up for sale. read more

With walk past this place after it had closed one night and saw the array of antique rifles on the walls they were too numerous to count but easily would have been 50 or more. When we came back to peruse the place, we also saw that it had glass cases with antique and if not antique valuable coins. There was one middle-aged woman who was handling and viewing with the aid of the staff a Winchester style rifle which was a 45 caliber. I do not know how much the cost was but they provided quite a bit of information to her and quite a bit of time for her to handle and to view the weapon. I even heard the gentleman state that the rifle has some quirks due to its age and might not operate as it should every time. As the oldest boy is a coin collector we were looking for something which he could have perhaps a proof coin from 1992, the year of his birth for his February birthday just a couple of months away. They did not laugh at our request but said that it would be easier to find something from 1892 then this more recent century. I asked if they had a British coin from 1768, which is the year that my ancestors came on the Brigantine Chichester to Charleston South Carolina. They found something for 1763 but not the year that I wanted. During my search I looked and found a coin from the time that Jesus was on this Earth. They were quite helpful in lowering the price on this coin. For those who would like to find antique weapons or valuable antique coins, I certainly would recommend this place. read more

James H Cohen & Sons - Jewelry Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Closed on Friday before the hours on Yelp. Went back Saturday morning. Couldn't believe the grumpiness from the old man. He clearly didn't even want to be there. I was looking for a common date Morgan Dollar minted in New Orleans in circulated condition. Prices on these items are fairly standard. They were charging roughly double anything reasonable. Then the guy completely lied to my face. He told me he could wholesale his coins for a higher price than I expected to pay. Since I work in a coin shop and I've wholesaled to Apmex, Upstate; and AZ Coin Exchange; know he was lying right to my face. This is a terrible tourist trap. You can't possible be desperate enough to do business here. read more

Amazing store! I've visited dozens of times & have purchased multiple items from them over the years. It doesn't matter if you buy a $30 item a $30,000 item or chose to buy nothing they will treat you as a valued customer & are always ready to help. read more

this place is a straight up museum. coins and gadgets as far as the eye can see. you will be transported back in time as mr. cohen takes you for a ride on his magical mystery tour. see napoleon as he truly is. alexander. galileo. lincoln. GREAT..maybe even phenomenal. read more

James H Cohen & Sons - guns - Jewelry Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Overpriced, lacking in knowledge, condescending I buy and sell firearms for a living, particularly antique ones. I was on vacation in NOLA and saw this place, instantly wanted to go in. When striking up a conversation with one of the employees about a trapdoor I mentioned the example on the wall had the infamous ramrod bayonet. I was told with absolute confidence in a condescending tone that it's not a bayonet and it's a cleaning rod. After questioning that I was told I am incorrect because the salesman was an optics armorer in the Marine Corps. I love veterans and servicemen, but putting acogs on modern M4s is not equal knowledge about antique firearms. For the record, the ramrod bayonet is a limited production specification that did not pass military trials. It is by far the coolest thing about that rifle, you might want to know that. TLDR: Boldfaced lies or incompetence given with an extremally condescending tone. This shop is also charging about $2k extra for the trapdoor I mentioned. read more

This is my favorite store in the French Quarter. Cohen & Sons has been around for a very long time. My first visit came as a small child on a field trip. While most of my classmates wanted to hear about haunted stuff and palm reading, I wanted to check out swords, old guns, and coins. Fast forward many years to the present day and this old man still likes looking at swords, old guns, and coins. This shop has an almost museum feel as the majority of their items are displayed in glass cases or on the walls. Walking through I am always amazed at how well preserved some of the items are. Viewing an old Colt single action revolver in the case makes me think of all that weapon has seen. Was it carried by an old west lawman, or outlaw? The possibilities are endless. While the weapons are super cool, so are the large collection of paper money and coins. There was everything from shipwreck coins to more modern $1,000 bills for sale. One of these days I will add some ancient coins to my collection and this will be where I pick them up. If you are into cool stuff like I am, this is a shop you must visit while in town. PS On my most recent visit I brought my oldest child. She thought the coins were cool, but wasn't as in to the guns or swords. This let me know that I have obviously failed as a parent. If you want to be a better parent than me, I strongly recommend you get your kids here much earlier than I did. Everyone should appreciate antique guns. read more

Fascinating shop and people who will share their knowledge if you show any real interest

An antique store opened in 1898, James H. Cohen & Sons sells vintage collectibles from around the world. I bought my dad a tattered Roman coin from the rule of Constantine the Great. When I hold it in my hand, I get real poignant and can't help but think of all the cheap hookers and bags of Roman blow it helped score down the ages. From what I can remember, they also sell Napoleon's sword and Hitler's bureau set, which I'm pretty sure, when combined, gets you 43.4% closer to world domination. read more

James H Cohen & Sons - Glock-enspiel. - Jewelry Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Let me begin by saying that I collect firearms. I do know some things, but also know what I don't know. So I am not afraid to ask questions. I have worked in the firearms industry for years, am humble, and know that many people specialize in antiquity. Lots of people know more than I do. I browsed the cases and saw several items that intrigued me. I was set to buy a peperbox that would have fit in my collection nicely, but... When I asked the guy behind the counter about a french bayonet on the wall things went bad. I have the exact bayonet and would love to have the rifle that it belongs to. I thought if they have one, done deal. Ship that sucker to my brother in law's FFL. But when I asked about the rifle, the salesman took the opportunity to be the smartest man in the room. I asked what model rifle went with that bayonet? He said a french year 1874. I inquired if there was a make or manufacturer with that rifle? He replied ITS A FRENCH 1874! Well that response is not going to help my cash from my wallet. Do I know that there was only one french rifle made in 1874? NO! An 'I don't know would have sufficed'. Or a Gras Fucil if he actually did know. Now that I have had a chance to hit google, I have learned that it was a Fusil Gras mle 1874. But instead of talking guns with me, he had to bee rude. Did his ego get in the way of a sale? Probably. Or maybe he thought I was just a tourist there to put finger prints on his wears. Well news for you, you are in the french quarter nola. Everyone is a tourist there to put finger prints on your wears. Your job is to sell stuff. My response was "well now I know, thanks". But the sales prevention person had to act like I was an idiot for asking for a further definition of the weapon. I used to have to train my salesmen not to talk people out of guns because of their particular bias, but this guy was just rude. If you don't want people to ask questions, just flip the sign to closed. I'm sure I can find a peperbox and a Gras 1874 on gunsamerica. Wont be back. However I will tell every gun guy I know, not to bother. read more

James H Cohen & Sons - Don't Bother. - Jewelry Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

One of the reasons my wife and I came to New Orleans this weekend was to visit this shop. It taps into a few of my historical and collecting passions ... and those who know me know that I spend way too much time in these sorts of shops. So I went in wanting to love this place. Really wanting to love it. I've learned over the years that some antiques shops cater to really dedicated collectors, and others cater to more of a "tourist" crowd--especially in locations like this. I was really saddened to discover the latter; they were far more interested in selling collecting kitsch to interested tourists than they were in talking to someone who has collected (and knows what he's talking about) for most of his life. Even my wife was struck by how unwilling they were to take things out of the case. Seriously, that cased Colt revolver isn't all that rare or exotic, and there was a chance we may have talked seriously about price if I could have checked the condition of the bore, the lockup of the cylinder, etc. But as it stands, it's still in your case and my money is still in my wallet. I'm going to go back today to see if they were just having an off day, or if the sun was just getting to me. I really hope I can revise this review later, because I seriously want to love this place. But I simply cannot abide by shops that dispense attitude; there are far too many other eager and willing sellers that will take the time to build the relationship. And in the world of numismatology, notaphily and antique weapons, relationships mean everything. read more

Very eclectic store. Really strange in a wonderful sort of way. Other reviewers have said the store is like a museum. I understand their comment, but prefer to say the store is a remnant from a bygone era. I can imagine my grandfather shopping here in the 1950's, and it literally hasn't changed a bit in the ensuing 60+ years. We really enjoyed it - both the merchandise and the curiosity of it all. The store sells several types of items - vintage and antique firearms, swords, bayonets, old currency and coins, shipwreck coins and memorabilia, and a few nice cases of jewelry. A really curious mix, but it somehow works. The salesperson was friendly and attentive. She negotiated the price fairly, and they shipped the item back home for us. They shipped it VERY quickly, and it arrived VERY quickly. 'Great to do business with. Very professional. I'd buy from them again in a heartbeat... read more

Working here in NOLA and being a collector of civil war era arms of course I had to visit this shop. Yesterday was my fourth visit and was taken back by how pleasant the owner and his staff were. I asked to see their carbines and the gentleman placed on a mat several on the counter. I was allowed a lengthy inspection and the gentleman helping me patient and knowledgeable. There was no high pressure anything which I of course appreciated. Later my wife wanted to have a look (we had to trade off so one of us watched our bikes outside the shop) and she was given the same courtesy and respect. The owner actually approached her and asked if she had any questions, what she was interested in seeing etc. This impressed us both as we were both made to feel as comfortable as we are so made when visiting our favorite bike shop off Frenchman. My thoughts were after our visit that though their arms are priced on the high end (the overhead of the shop has to be substantial) that I very much wanted to do business with them, that I would very much like to have a carbine or two from this local French quarter shop. read more

James H Cohen & Sons - Jewelry Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

My husband and I were lucky to find this store. They have everything from beautiful jewelry to antique guns. My husband bought me a beautiful diamond and sapphire ring. He bought himself an antique knife. The prices were excellent. We checked before buying and after. Steve the father and the son could not have been more knowledgeable and friendly. If I go back, we are going back. VERY trustworthy family owned business. read more

Cohen & Sons is better than a museum: it's free to stay for hours, and you can find some damn cool and incredibly interesting parts of history. Definitely my favorite antique store on Royal St. that I found during my visit to NOLA. They have everything: antique guns, maps, currency, and old coins. Not just Civil War old, but even 400 B.C. old! It was at Cohen & Sons where my antique map obsession began. I got two amazing maps from 1770s depicting the US (cartographer believed California was its own island) and ancient China (sans Tibet and with many other differences). I wholeheartedly recommend visiting if you're in NOLA! read more

Some really nice items. A wall of early percussion firearms, swords & miscellaneous. Fellow behind the counter was very nice & obliging, however, know your stuff. Prices were 20-75% higher than other sources. With that said, a handful might be hard to find elsewhere. I can't speak to the coins and paper money. read more

James H Cohen & Sons - Jewelry Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

I went there knowing that I knew nothing about coins but that I wanted to buy a few as a gift. I explained this and to help said a coin connected to New Orleans, France or Ireland, or possibly a pirate doubloon was what I was thinking of. The unfriendly man who was trying to not help shook his head and said but what coin do you want. I found my patience and said, 'maybe you could show me a few.' He reluctantly pulled coins out and explained not much about anything. All without looking at me and no emotion. WHY DO THIS? It is obvious you are intentionally being rude. It is insulting to your customers and your employers, and even other co-workers who might like the chance to make a sale. It is so rude and unnecessary. I am not sure what I was supposed to understand from his behavior but I understand he is arrogant and this place is poorly managed since employees are allowed to act this way. There are too many places to buy coins for cheaper and with a much better experience. I thought shopping local was going to be nice. No, it was horrible. PS I reluctantly bought a coin just so the effort wouldn't be completely futile. I regret it.:-( read more

We always try to stop in on any visit to NOLA. We may not be able to afford much at Cohen & Sons, but it's always a great experience! Family-run, friendly, and professional ~ we highly recommend you take a gander, and buy a coin or two while you're there! read more

This is the most impressive coin dealer I have ever encountered; I love that it's a family-owned business with personalized attention. One of the 'sons' (I forget his name) patiently explained to me the myriad of antebellum currency notes, helping me pick the perfect 1771 Philadelphia 5-shilling note. I'm more of a numismatist, but I was really impressed with their antique weaponry and jewelry. Should I ever make it back to the French Quarter, this will probably be my second stop (right after a savory Cajun meal somewheres). read more

Great Customer Service!!! I purchased a great "New Orleans Mint" Morgan here last week...with cool toning! I am not a serious coin collector (there are people who spend MILLIONS ON A SINGLE COIN), but the people here took care of me just the same. I really liked the vibe from the lady who was helping me, I have a feeling she is an owner...Or married to one of them!!!! Anyway, cool stuff here. Will buy here again when I go back to NOLA. read more

Interesting. Definitely the type of place collectors go. I did not get to delve that far into the inventory. There were not many people working or anyone able to answer questions. I felt like it was a wing in a museum where all of the stock was meant to be on display. read more

Just went to look at the coins and asked a few questions. Not one, but two employees acted like I should've already known the answers. The first employee gave me a look, which he thought I was the dumbest person he ever talked too. The second employee a little more helpful, but once he realized i was just interested in looking and learning about some of the coins, he suddenly seemed to busy to help me in an empty store. read more

A few years ago I had a very interesting conversation with Mr. James Cohen about duel pistols. He took the time to give me a thorough explanation about these pistols. Ever since, I've been looking forward to visiting his store again and discuss the purchase of either French or British duel pistols. I finally made it back to New Orleans for the first time since 2005 on 7/4/10. The first store I visited on 7/5 was James Cohen & Sons. Unfortunately, I was treated very badly by Mr. Jerry Cohen. He first almost refused to shake my hand, he then proceeded to treat me and my wife in an incredibly rude manner and with total lack of courtesy or respect. After the conversation I had a few years ago with his father, Mr. James Cohen, I must say that I'm incredible surprised. While at their store I noticed they have a large number of 1909 Argentine bayonets for sale. Most of these bayonets are rather common. Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Co. manufactured at least 180,000 of this model bayonets. However, a few smaller runs for small military units were also produced. Consequently, some of these bayonets have different serial number nomenclatures and can be extremely rare. I explained this to Mr. Jerry Cohen and asked him if I could somehow look at the serial numbers of those bayonets they have for sale. My request apparently bothered him. They lost a customer for absolutely no good reason. Marcelo S. Parravicini read more

Was excited to visit this shop while visiting New Orleans for the first time. I was traveling with my dog and was pleased to find most shops allowed me to bring my dog in the shop with me out of the hot sun. However this shop owner played games and asked if I had a 'clean-up' kit for my dog. When I said I did he said 'then, no' as he felt this indicated my dog would use his store as a restroom. He went on to ask if my dog was well housebroken... With regards to allowing dogs in the store, say yes or no. Either way, i don't care. don't play with people. I didn't feel like looking around after this. One star for the customer service. read more

I purchased some coins recently and spent a large amount of money. The guy who waited on me the first time was rude and said not one word. I spoke to another guy with a better attitude. Come to find out, the coins were not accurately identified and over priced for what I paid. It turned out the coins were cleaned and that ruined the value and are not worth squat. I got scammed this time, but will never purchase from these guys again. read more

I love this place!!! It is full of antique guns, coins, and banknotes. If you are a serious collector or love stuff like this than this is the place for you. read more

Very nice store with knowledgeable staff. The item I purchased was mis-identified but certainly by accident. After identifying it a day later at home I let them know that it was not what they thought it was and they quickly refunded me a fair portion of the cost. Would shop here again. Lots of coins and weapons, recommended! read more