My Adventures with Ancient Rare Coins Florida: Scams, Trust, and Collector Wisdom

Ancient rare coins have always captivated me, especially those tied to shipwrecks or historical discoveries. But my recent adventures in Florida’s coin market taught me some tough lessons about scams and why trust matters so much. Let me share what I learned through trial and error, along with practical tips to keep your collection both safe and rewarding.

The Scam That First Raised My Eyebrows

I was hunting for an ex-Lutine shipwreck coin when I spotted one advertised at just $200 with free shipping to the UK. That led me to a site called Ancient Rare Coins. On the surface, it looked professional—attractive prices, sleek design—but then I noticed identical coins listed at $255, almost daring you to overpay. That felt off. When I checked the address, it matched Gables Coin & Stamp Shop, a reputable dealer I know. One quick call confirmed my suspicion: they’d never heard of this operation. Classic scam tactic—hijacking legitimate details to lure unsuspecting collectors like us.

Warning Signs I Learned to Recognize

After that close call, I now watch for these red flags:

• Too-good-to-be-true pricing: That $200 rarity? Pure bait. Scammers count on our excitement overriding caution.
• Ghost operators: No real names or faces in the “About Us” section? Big warning sign.
• Sketchy contact details: Dead payment links or strange phone numbers (like +177228228195) are instant alarms. Always check WHOIS data—this site traced back to a Wix registration from March 2025.
• Familiar-looking inventory: If photos seem lifted from established dealers like Gables, run. Authentic shops shoot their own coins.

How I Build Dealer Relationships Now

These days, I only buy from dealers I’ve met personally or know through trusted channels. One of my favorites used to send coins on open invoice—I’d receive them first, then decide whether to pay or return. I never sent a single one back. Later, when I submitted those 50-60 coins to CAC for grading, over 80% earned green or gold beans. That’s the power of trust. New collectors: start small with ANA-lifetime members or local shops. Seeing actual store photos, like Gables shares online, makes all the difference.

Grading Wisdom and Market Realities

After decades in this hobby, I’ve seen how Florida’s online anonymity fuels scams. Even on eBay, I’ve found gems from unrated sellers—but only when shipping costs were reasonable and I’d done my homework. For grading, I rely on CAC. It’s saved me from overpaying for overgraded coins countless times. Remember: newcomers are prime targets. Always double-check URLs for sneaky typos (like “ancientrarecoins” vs “ancientrarescoins”), and report shady sites. We collectors need to watch each other’s backs.

Keeping the Joy in the Hunt

Coin collecting should bring excitement, not stress. I’ve started examining pieces in person whenever possible, and I share my findings freely—it helps us all avoid pitfalls. Whether you’re chasing a Vespasian Aureus or common-date silver, stick with reputable sources and trust your instincts. Happy hunting! May your discoveries be genuine and your passion stay strong.