Jan and Harold have closed their shop, but they are still in business! My friend's dad recently passed away, leaving behind a collection of silver coins and some gold jewelry. I remembered the Olde Towne Coin Co. from my days growing up in Newington, so I called them. We made an appointment for them to come to my house about a week later. When they arrived, they got right to work, sorting the coins and examining the jewelry. They were professional and kind to my friend, and we both enjoyed the banter between them as they went about the task. I felt confident that we were getting fair prices for everything - the process was as transparent as one could hope for. I wouldn't hesitate to call them again or to recommend them to a friend. read more

Olde Towne Coin Company - Jan and Harold Kritzman Olde Towne Coin Company, Inc. Making a house call! - Hobby Shops Near Me

I went in there one time, asking for some raw coins and proof sets. His wife asked me, "How did you know the word raw?" I'm thinking, who doesn't? I'm like, "WOW. Isn't that one of the 5 or 7 most basic terms in coins?" The guy then asked me what I was going to do with the proof coins. I told him I was going to get them graded. Then he starts preaching to me how coins should not be graded. I'm like, "Okay?" After you sell them to me, aren't they "my coins?" Then he asked me if I want to buy them, and get first crack at them with the grading company. In my head I'm thinking, "Didn't you just tell me that they shouldn't be graded?" I stood there for like half an hour with him and his wife standing on this pedestal. I was a bit irritated how they kept preaching to me, thinking they know everything. I've been collecting for 37 years (I'm 42 1/2 now). At the time of this visit, I was a collector for about 30 to 31 years. These power freaks like to make you wait at the door for a minute, before they press the buzzer to let you in or out. I couldn't believe the big headedness. They wear a big hat, but the store didn't have much inventory, and their prices were through the roof. read more

Rude lady says she had owned the place for over 50 years who insisted that you give her $1000 in Cash up front in order for her to order a desired coin from her and then says she does not take Credit Cards "AT ALL " to complete payment. Many other options out there - stay away from this sketchy place !!!! Very uncouth business practices !!!!! read more

What a great shop run by such wonderful people! Harry and and Jan are the most friendly and gracious people you could hope to meet. I sold a cold coin and got a very good price - higher than what other shops were offering - and we also had a nice chat together on a number of topics. Such a pleasant experience. You can buy and sell there with confidence. read more

Harold Kritzman underpays when buying coins from the public and his selling prices are on the high side. He told me that my 1909 S VDB cent was not rare although it is listed on his website as a rare coin. He offered me $1,000 dollars for it at a time when it was listed in the red book at $2,750 in MS63. A month later I sold the coin for $2000. The next time I brought coins to him for an offer he told me that all of the coins I showed him were common including a Gem BU 1854 gold dollar. On this visit I was badly mistreated by Jan. She apparently was angry over the fact that I turned down a low ball offer on a previous visit. I just couldn't believe how rude she was. I couldn't even deal with Harold on that visit due to her interference. Jan accused me of trying to get free appraisals which was not the case. She claimed that I had never bought or sold anything in the store despite the fact that I had either bought or sold on about two dozen previous occasions dating back over thirty years to when Harold had his original store at a different location. I sold Harold a set of Indian Cents in 1996 and Jan was talking constantly to me as if trying to distract me. After I left with a check I looked at the paperwork and saw that numerous coins were graded XF even though they were uncirculated. Harold may be a top notch expert on coins but so what It's not exactly rocket science. read more

It's been a couple years since I've visited, but I drove by the place yesterday, it stuck on my mind, and figured I'd leave a review based on my prior experience. First, the positive: It's a nice, small, clean location, pretty easy to find. The gentleman, Harry, was great! I entered the store with a handful of old coins that I hoped were valuable and was met by Harry, a courteous and knowledgeable guy, a master of his craft, someone who enjoys what he does, it's not just about making money for him, it seemed. He didn't even charge me for reviewing my coins because he determined that they weren't worth much and a certified grading wouldn't be worth the cost. The negative came in the form of the lady in the back of the store, maybe the wife or business partner? This is only my opinion based off a first impression, but the lady came off like she only cared about making money. As Harry reviewed my coins, the lady sat behind what looked like a cash register periodically calling out "How much so far!? Harry! How much money does he owe so far?" Then she looked upset that Harry didn't charge me, so I wouldn't be surprised if the store policies have changed and now people might get charged just for a quick review of coins that aren't submitted for a more formal appraisal or grade, but I don't know. I understand it's a business and everyone needs to make money, but that should be left as implied and not conveyed in a way that the customer feels uncomfortable as was done here, so I probably wouldn't return under the assumption that the lady is still there, unfortunate because the gentleman was a great professional and nice guy. read more

I've both bought and sold to Olde Towne quite a few times this year. Definitely echo some positive sentiments from the other review, but disagree with another. Harold and Jan are the proprietors. Harold is an expert at eyeball grading, and during the process teaches you much about the pitfalls in numismia, such that it makes for an enlightening and enjoyable experience. Depending on the situation, you may have to pay a tiny fee per coin depending on what your transactional goal is. I personally feel this is completely fair, even if $50-ish dollars an hour, because he is the seasoned pro offering you a service. You might just have to pay a few bucks if only a couple of coins for appraisal estimate, but you're getting some of the best advice available in the whole State. No one should complain about that! Their buy prices are fair and competitive but certainly do your own research for a large purchase. I, myself, mostly enjoy the comfort of an in-person transaction from people that REALLY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING. Harold's partner/wife, Jan, is interesting, colorful, and fun to engage as well. She works on the take-ins and transactions, but also has her own substantial network of business channels dealing in vintage clothing (if you have any, definitely give her a call - some interesting hidden value can be found in that kind of thing!). Four stars instead of five, because while overall quite competitive.... for certain things Old Towne is not the cheapest. Just like any business, they have their strengths and weaknesses. BUT, if you want a stellar personal experience and want to learn "how NOT to make mistakes" in coin or bullion collecting - this is absolutely the place to visit! read more