Ancient Rare Coins in Florida: My Journey Through Treasures and Traps

I’ve always been drawn to the magic of ancient coins, especially those with stories like shipwreck recoveries. A recent Florida adventure taught me some tough lessons about the market, and as a longtime collector, I want to share what I learned to help you dodge pitfalls and build a collection you love.

Spotting Scams in the Rare Coin World

While hunting for a specific shipwreck coin, I found a site called ancientrarecoins.com offering unbelievable deals—like an Ex-Lutine coin with original box and COA for just $200, including international shipping. My heart raced until my collector’s instinct kicked in: that price felt all wrong. Turns out, they were using stolen images and might’ve hijacked the address of a legitimate Miami dealer, Gables Coin & Stamp Shop. Here’s what I learned to watch for:

• Prices that seem too good to be true—like identical coins listed at slightly different prices to bait buyers
• No real contact details—just a shady phone number like +177228228195 with no names or addresses
• Broken website links (their “Payment Methods” page was dead—classic scam setup)
• Hijacked locations: always call the actual shop to verify. Others discovered Gables Coin had zero connection to this operation

Trust your gut—if something feels off, it usually is. I always do a quick whois lookup now. This one was registered recently through Wix and expires soon, like most fly-by-night setups.

Building Trust with Dealers: My Personal Approach

My buying habits have changed over the years. I used to take chances, but now I either see coins in person or stick with dealers I trust completely. One of my favorites earned my loyalty by sending coins on open invoice—no payment upfront—just trusting I’d pay or return them. I never sent a single coin back. When I submitted about 50-60 pieces to CAC for grading, over 80% got green or gold stickers. That’s what happens when you build real relationships.

For new collectors, I suggest starting small with reputable sources. Look for ANA-affiliated dealers like Gables Coin—their website feels genuine, with store photos and clear info. Remember, trust grows slowly through honest dealings.

Practical Tips for Safe and Savvy Collecting

In today’s market, staying sharp matters. I’ve scored great eBay deals from new sellers, but only when shipping costs made sense and I studied their feedback like a detective. Here’s my survival checklist:

• Always verify physical addresses and live contact details—real dealers have nothing to hide
• Be extra careful with sites pushing high-end rarities like Vespasian Aurei—scammers target big spenders
• Check domain registration dates. Recent setups? Proceed with caution
• Share sketchy finds with fellow collectors—we protect each other, like when I flagged this Florida operation

Lately I’ve noticed more scams popping up in Florida, so keep your guard up there. But don’t let fear ruin the thrill—after 66 years in this hobby, I still get that rush when I find something special. Stay curious, ask questions, and happy hunting!