The collector’s field guide / Coin shops
San Francisco, California · United States
Witter Coin
A public San Francisco showroom for rare coins, bullion and paper money, with a company story beginning in 1960.
Build a visit around one collecting question
Witter Coin’s San Francisco showroom brings together rare coins, bullion and paper money. Its published categories include silver denominations and Morgan dollars. The operator welcomes the public and recommends appointments when bringing a larger collection.
For an album project, bring a short list of missing dates and a comfortable spending limit. If you are exploring a series for the first time, ask to compare a few examples rather than trying to survey every cabinet at once.
From coin albums to a San Francisco shop
The company story begins with Dean Witter’s proof-set album project in 1959 and the opening of a small shop at Bush and Kearny the following year. It also records a move to the Hobart Building in 1982. Those milestones distinguish the 1960 business opening from the undated opening of today’s Lombard Street premises.
Source: company story
Compare the coin as well as the holder
If comparing certified silver coins, record the date, mintmark, grading service, grade and certification number. Look at both sides under the same lighting, and ask about surface marks, toning and any qualification on the label. A numerical grade alone need not answer every collecting question about a particular example.
For an inherited collection, keep related notes with their coins and avoid removing pieces from holders. Explain whether you want identification, a possible sale or formal valuation paperwork. Ask which type of evaluation is available and what it costs before leaving anything behind.
Find the Lombard Street showroom
Visit information lists 2299 Lombard Street, San Francisco, CA 94123, at Pierce Street, with onsite parking. Call 415-781-5690 to arrange a larger collection discussion or confirm current access before a special trip.
Take a short list
Three questions for the counter
- Can we compare examples from my chosen series at similar grades?
- Should I book time for this collection, and what type of evaluation will I receive?
- What item description and return terms will be recorded with this purchase?
Sources & review notes
Confirm stock, visit arrangements and transaction terms directly. Inclusion is not an endorsement or a guarantee of pricing, authenticity or service.
- Witter Coin: showroom and collecting categories (opens a new tab)
Public showroom address, phone, onsite parking, appointment recommendation for larger collections and coin/bullion/currency categories.
Confirm current access and allow extra time for larger collections. No opening-hours or stock feed is provided.
- Witter Coin: company story (opens a new tab)
Dean Witter album project in 1959, shop opening the following year, 1982 Hobart Building move; rare coins, bullion and paper money. Explicit gold and silver collecting or bullion topics; not current availability.
The 1959 album project preceded the shop. The opening date of the current Lombard Street premises is not established.
No current prices, stock feed or live opening status is provided. History is operator-reported; this is not a first-hand shop review.