Coin Shops in Connecticut

Finding good coin shops in Connecticut has gotten complicated with all the mixed reviews and fly-by-night operations flying around. As someone who has spent countless weekends driving across the Nutmeg State visiting every coin dealer I could find, I learned everything there is to know about the Connecticut numismatic scene. Today, I will share it all with you.

There’s something genuinely special about walking into a good coin shop. That musty smell of old paper money hits you first, then you see the display cases full of coins you’ve only ever seen in reference books, and behind the counter there’s usually an owner who’s been in the business longer than you’ve been alive. I’ve experienced all of that in Connecticut, and I want to point you toward the places worth your time.

Gold Leaf Coins in West Hartford, CT

This one has become a regular stop for me, and for good reason. Their inventory spans everything from affordable circulated cents that a beginner can pick up without wincing at the price tag, all the way to high-end gold pieces that’ll make your heart skip a beat. The staff genuinely knows their stuff, which matters more than people realize.

I watched them turn away some questionable coins once that other dealers might have tried to pass off to an unsuspecting buyer. That told me everything I needed to know about their standards. What I appreciate most is how they treat beginners and serious collectors the same way — no condescension, just real enthusiasm for numismatics. That kind of attitude is honestly rarer than you’d think in this business.

Sam Sloat Coins in Westport, CT

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. If you’re into exonumia and unusual pieces, Sam Sloat is absolutely worth the drive to Westport. Their Civil War token collection alone has kept me occupied for entire visits — I’m talking hours just going through one case. The world currency selection tends toward the genuinely eclectic, not just the common stuff that every shop carries, but pieces from countries most collectors completely overlook.

The inventory changes frequently here, which is both exciting and a little dangerous for my wallet. Repeat visits almost always turn up surprises. I’ve found pieces I didn’t even know I wanted until I saw them sitting there in their cases, practically calling my name. If you collect anything outside the mainstream, put Westport on your route.

The Happy Coin in Cos Cob, CT

Yeah, the name sounds a bit whimsical, but don’t let that fool you — The Happy Coin takes their business seriously. Their range covers ancient coins all the way through modern issues, with pricing that’s generally fair by market standards. What really sets them apart for me is their transparency. They’ll walk you through exactly how they arrived at a price and show you comparable sales data to back it up.

They also offer appraisal services that I’ve found consistently reliable. If you’ve inherited a collection and have no idea what you’re looking at, or if you’re just curious about what that pile of coins you’ve accumulated over the years might actually be worth, it’s worth bringing pieces in for their evaluation. They won’t pressure you into selling on the spot, which I really respect.

Willimantic Coins in Willimantic, CT

The owner’s background in education really shows in how they interact with customers. Every visit feels a bit like getting a lesson, but in the best possible way — the kind of lesson where you walk out knowing something you didn’t before and excited about it. They’re particularly good with newer collectors who are still figuring out what interests them and what pitfalls to avoid.

The inventory focuses on accessible pieces — coins and currency that won’t break the bank but still have genuine numismatic interest. If you’re trying to build a collection on a budget, and let’s be real most of us started that way, it’s hard to beat what they’ve put together. I still swing by whenever I’m in eastern Connecticut.

Harvest Gold Jewelry in Litchfield, CT

This one’s a bit different from the rest. It’s primarily a jewelry store that happens to carry coins. But here’s why that can actually work in your favor — people bring in gold jewelry and coin collections together, and sometimes interesting pieces end up here that might otherwise go straight to bigger dealers in the cities.

I wouldn’t make it my first stop for serious numismatic purchases, but if you’re already in the Litchfield area (and honestly, it’s a beautiful drive), it’s worth popping in. I’ve stumbled onto a couple of nice finds there that I never would have expected.

Heritage Collectibles in Bethel, CT

Heritage caters to all kinds of collecting interests beyond just coins. Their antique and vintage inventory is all over the place, which means you genuinely never know what you’ll find on any given visit. I’ve spotted old currency tucked in among vintage signs and militaria that the staff didn’t even realize was special.

For serious numismatic needs, this probably isn’t going to be your primary destination. But for those serendipitous discoveries that make collecting so addictive? That’s a completely different story. I set aside a Saturday afternoon every few months just to browse their shelves.

Coin And Card in Branford, CT

The combination of coins and sports cards under one roof makes more sense than you might think at first. There’s a huge overlap in collector psychology between the two hobbies — the thrill of the hunt, the grading obsession, the condition debates. This shop serves both communities without pretending to be a specialist dealer in either one.

It’s a solid spot for casual collecting and building starter collections. Don’t expect the deepest numismatic expertise, but do expect friendly service and fair dealing. I’ve brought my nephew here a couple of times and he always leaves with something cool without me going broke.

North Haven Coins in North Haven, CT

Seventy-plus years in business. Let that sink in for a second. That kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident in numismatics, or in any business for that matter. Their specialization in precious metal bullion alongside collectible coins means they serve both the investment-minded buyers and the pure collectors who are in it for the history.

I’ve consistently found their pricing competitive, particularly on bullion. If you’re making a significant precious metal purchase and you want to compare prices, North Haven Coins absolutely needs to be on your list. The experience and knowledge behind that counter is worth the visit alone.

Silas Deane Pawn in Wethersfield, CT

Look, pawnshops can be a real mixed bag for coin buyers — I won’t sugarcoat that. But Silas Deane has built a decent reputation in the numismatic community over the years. They understand that coins require different expertise and handling than generic pawn merchandise, and they price things accordingly. Sometimes that works in your favor; sometimes it doesn’t.

It’s worth stopping by if you’re already in the Wethersfield area, but I probably wouldn’t make a special trip specifically for coins. Think of it as a bonus stop on a day when you’re hitting other shops nearby.

Online Options from CT Dealers

Several Connecticut dealers maintain solid online presences that extend their reach well beyond their physical storefronts. JCS Gold offers shipping on orders over $500, which can be cost-effective for larger purchases if you know exactly what you want. Meriden Coin and Stamp lets you browse inventory from your couch before deciding whether it’s worth the drive.

That’s what makes the Connecticut coin scene endearing to us collectors — the combination of old-school brick-and-mortar knowledge with modern convenience. I still prefer handling coins before I buy them, always will, but online options expand what’s accessible to everyone, especially when you’re hunting for that one specific piece.

Connecticut’s numismatic scene might not match what you’d find in New York or Philadelphia, but the dealers here tend toward the knowledgeable and genuinely passionate. Take your time exploring, ask lots of questions, and build relationships with the people behind these counters. The connections you make often matter just as much as the coins themselves — and sometimes those relationships lead you to pieces you never would have found on your own.