Last Saturday (June 6th), I stopped by Redmond Rare Coins to get a second opinion on a 1 oz silver…read moreround I picked up online, and this shop is the real deal. Santo buzzed me in through their secure entry -- always a good sign for a place dealing in real metal -- and walked me through a full verification process. He did a classic sound test against one of their known‑good coins on a rock slate, then compared it to mine. After that, he used their measurement device and scale; my round hit 31.1 grams, exactly one troy ounce, and the device confirmed it was .999 fine. That level of transparency is exactly what stackers look for. We ended up talking spot, premiums, and the current silver market. Both Santo and his partner in the back (Carol?) were easy to talk with and clearly know their stuff. I also asked about the Red Book, and they confirmed it's a solid foundation for anyone building real numismatic knowledge -- principles stay the same even when prices move. If you're a stacker who values transparency, proper testing, and straight talk, Redmond Rare Coins is a shop worth visiting. Solid people, solid process, solid metal.

Update 7/24/26: The…read moreowner's response does not accurately represent what happened or why I wrote this review. My complaint was never that I was emotionally attached to the coin, seeking validation, or expecting the store to pay full retail. I explicitly acknowledged that dealers need to buy below market value to make a profit. My concern was the inaccurate and contradictory information I received. If you read other reviews I am not the only one who has had negative feedback with Santos. Santos looked at my coin for only a few seconds before saying, word for word, "You should not have graded this coin." He then told me it was an $8,000 coin and said its value tracked the spot price of gold. This was a PCGS-graded 2020-W V75 Proof American Gold Eagle Privy $50 First Strike--a collector coin whose grade, rarity, and numismatic demand materially affect its value. It does not simply trade like ordinary gold bullion. After Santos researched the coin using Greysheet, he found a figure of approximately $12,000. He then changed his explanation and said the original $8,000 figure was what he would offer me. Those are two different statements. Saying, "This coin is worth $8,000," is a valuation. Saying, "I would offer you $8,000," is a dealer's purchase offer. I explained this distinction to him in the store. I also made it clear that I understood why a dealer's offer would be below market value. I did not object to the amount they were willing to pay. My issue was that the $8,000 figure was initially presented as the coin's value and was only reframed as an offer after his own research showed a higher figure. I later took the coin to another reputable coin shop in Bellevue. They confirmed that Santos's statements about the coin not being worth grading and simply tracking the spot price of gold were incorrect. The owner's repeated explanation that they are "a shop, not an auction house" and use wholesale pricing does not address my complaint. I was not demanding an auction price. I was asking for accurate information and a clear distinction between the coin's market value and what the store was willing to offer. I also found the auction-house distinction strange considering the store sells coins through eBay AND WhatNot, although that is secondary to my main concern. There is no need for either side to argue about what happened. If the store's cameras recorded the interaction, I welcome the owner sharing the full, unedited footage so readers can judge for themselves. Original review: I recommend getting a second opinion before relying on a valuation or selling a coin here. I brought in a PCGS-graded 2020-W V75 Proof American Gold Eagle Privy $50 First Strike for an appraisal and possible sale. Santos barely examined it before confidently telling me that I should not have had it graded, that it was worth approximately $8,000, and that its value tracked the spot price of gold. After checking Greysheet, he found a figure closer to $12,000 and then said that $8,000 was actually what he would offer me. Again, I had no problem with the store making a below-market offer. My problem was that the original figure was presented as the coin's value and only described as an offer after further research contradicted it. When I pointed out the difference, the conversation became defensive rather than informative. His manner came across as dismissive, overconfident, and unnecessarily confrontational. I received a second opinion from another established coin shop in Bellevue immedlately after this debacle, which confirmed my understanding of the coin's collector value and the importance of its grading. Based on my experience, I would be careful about accepting advice or a valuation here without verifying it elsewhere. This store barely has any selection of items as well. Plenty of parking as its in a strip mall. I would not recommend this business.

I will give this Coin shop ten stars if I could. Great service and great inventory. Jeff the…read moreowner is a great guy and understands the process of investing in Gold and Silver. He is very knowledgeable and very fair. Unfortunately they will be closing down soon due to unfair Tax laws in Washington State which is a huge loss to us. Wonderful staff and even the store dog was so amazing. I am hoping to go back before they completely close down.

Went in here today to test them out. Brought in a ring to see how they would treat me before…read morebringing in my real business.. Could not have cared less and wanted to help others perceived as more valuable. You're just a mark here.

UPDATE: I wanted to update my original review because I believe it's important to acknowledge when…read morea business makes a genuine effort to address a customer's concerns. After my initial experience, I was contacted by Andrew from Bellevue Rare Coins. He took the time to listen to my concerns and understand why I had felt uncomfortable and disappointed with the original transaction. I really appreciated that Andrew took my experience seriously rather than dismissing how I felt. Andrew was professional, respectful, and thoughtful throughout our communication, and he worked with me toward a resolution that felt much more fair. Bellevue Rare Coins ultimately provided an additional $1,500, which I have now received. While I still wish my original experience had gone differently, I believe the way a business responds when a customer raises a concern says a lot. Andrew made a sincere effort to make things right and followed through on what he promised. I'm very appreciative of how he handled the situation, and I feel much more positive about Bellevue Rare Coins as a result. Thank you, Andrew, for listening and for making the effort to turn a disappointing experience into a much more positive one.

Honest well established business. They are very transparent and have broad knowledge when it comes…read moreto coins. I have a good time every time Ive been in the store whether I have bought something or not. They have many coins as well some jewelry and watches. In terms of pricing they are relatively competitive from a brick and mortar pespective but as always check online and other places for comps.

Hamed and Venetia are the dynamic diamond duo. They are an amazing team to work with when I was…read morelooking for the perfect gem to create my forever engagement ring. Venetia is extremely knowledgable in all precious stones and Hamed has the most creative vision in jewelry design I have ever seen. They are great listeners and will help create an original design that is an absolute jaw dropper. They also offer lots of jewelry pieces in their display. From rings, to bracelets, earrings, necklaces and beyond. If you are looking for that special bling, I highly recommend visiting Hamed and Venetia! They are truly the best

We went to Shirzad Fine Jewelry for customized opal gemstone rings, and Hamed crafted beautiful…read morerings for both me and my husband. We're very happy with the result!

When I first walked up to this place, I had high expectations, as they are advertised as "the…read moreexperts". The sign out front wasn't even a sign, it was a banner strewn across the cement facade of the front of the building. When I walked in, the first thing I noticed was how vacant and old and dirty the place was. Dirt littered the floor, the drop ceiling had gaping holes in it and water stains all over. There was no one in the entry office, but a large hallway carpeted with awful blue carpeting led me back into a larger area where an older gentlemen sat behind a nondescript wooden desk. To the left of him was a PC that was not on, nor plugged in? I asked him if they owned a vacuum, and he laughed and offered me a seat. This was the first sign I should have ran far away. I took out the jewelry that I had purchased at an upscale jewelry shop in a big city from reputable indian jewelers. I had bought 22k Indian gold, and anyone that has ever held gold in their hand knows the difference between this and generic 14k semi-gold type that you buy from JCPenny or any department store. This was quality, HEAVY jewelry and judging by what I weighed it at when i was home, I had a good idea what it was worth. The gentlemen started off telling me how much he knows about gold, and how long he has been doing this. Blah blah blah it continued for a while and eventually I took out my gold and let him take a look. The first thing he said was that it might not really be the carat that I expect it to be, and that he will go ahead and do some tests for me. He said that his tests might damage the jewelry and asked for my consent. Since I planned to sell this stuff one way or the other, I agreed. He took out this little kit from a small box on his desk, that looked as if it came from a Cracker Jack box. It also seemed old, worn, and almost like a prop from some movie scene. He dropped some water looking substance onto a black smooth stone, and scratched the surface using my jewelry. I won't go into the details of the other tests he ran, but suffice to say, when we were finished, he had used 3 out of 4 of the bottles, and told me it wasn't 22k gold. He even went to far as to be "fairly certain" it wasn't going to test at 18k either, and that most likely I had been robbed. Well, I'm no spring chicken, and I wasn't born yesterday, and I know what I bought when i bought it over 15 years ago, so I wasn't believing this guy for a second. Then, the magic moment I had been waiting for arrived...the time when this supposed gold buyer expert would give me his offer. No offer of taking the items and giving them a real appraisal, no, not at all. $300 is what he offered me, and he told me he doesn't think I will get much more for these items. I thanked him, and bit my tongue as I left for I sure wanted to tell him to change his suit, cut his hair, vacuum or maybe just plug in his computer and people might take him a little more seriously, but I decided against it. I took my gold to the place I cash my checks, and in 20 minutes, they offered me more than 2x what he had offered me, about what I expected to get for my 22k gold jewelry that I sold. I would not chalk this up to simply one location. If the corporate parent wants to allow these "franchises" or whatever they call them to use their logo, their company name, and their reputation, then they need to expect to get some bad marks against them when they let yahoos like this guy represent them in the big world. I for one will NEVER go back to this company ever again for anything, they ruined their one chance in my opinion to win me over.

I did a Google Search and found Pacific Gold Exchange. I had some questions and Mike offered to…read morestop by and talk to me at my home where I could show him different pieces I had. I showed him some silver and gemstones that he appraised and and then we discussed making a pendant out of the ring setting leftover from my mother's wedding ring (I had recently set the stone in a different piece). Mike was terrific about communicating the status of my project every step of the way. The pendant turned out beautifully and he was also able to put a gorgeous Peridot in it as well!! I'm thrilled with the results. Customer Service and communication are exemplary here. Thank you!!

From the owner: At PGE, we specialize in the purchase of your gold and other precious metals. We pay fair value…read morebased on daily gold trading prices and we pay on the spot. We work by appointment only. Ask about our mobile service. We also provide estate appraisals and facilitate estate sales. Host your own “Gold Party” with our help and benefit from bringing your friends together. We also deal in jewelry, watches and other valuables. Consignment options available. See our store for jewelry options that fits any budget.

They were very fair in giving me what a gold necklace was worth. Where Bellevue Coins in Lynnwood…read moretried to cheat me out half of what my necklace was worth. I will always go here to sell my gold or coins.

Very disappointed - significantly underpaid for silver I…read morebrought in a large silver collection that included: * 82 silver dimes * 247 silver quarters * 10 silver half dollars * 16 Morgan & Peace silver dollars * 40% Kennedy half dollars * War Nickels * 1 oz silver round They offered me only $3,814. When I asked the employee if this was his best offer, he replied, "This is my best offer." I later calculated the melt value of the silver they kept at approximately $5,100. That means they paid me roughly 75% of melt. Because of this experience, I will not be bringing in my much larger collection that I will soon inherit from my uncle. Very disappointed with Northgate Rare Coin Shop.

I am in utter amazement of the kindness of K. Alan Smith. I live in Olympia and due to the…read moreholidays, felt very restricted on being able to travel to Kirkland to get my ring looked at and cleaned. I called and asked if he had time to take a look at it. He said to me in a very gentle tone, how do you like the ring? I of course, love it and can see the care he took in designing it. So, he said to go ahead and send it to him. That was last Thursday. He texted me that he got it Friday, cleaned it, secured a stone, and sent it back to me at no cost to me and I have it on my finger for the holidays. I am forever grateful and would never use another artist. Thank you truly. Wendy B

Kim is an incredibly knowledgeable and detail-oriented gemologist who will work hard to meet every…read moredesire or your jewelry search, but more importantly he is a true friend to his customers. Kim truly cared about making my fiancé's engagement ring an outstanding piece, allowing me to guide the process while injecting his expertise in a welcoming and approachable fashion. He worked very hard across many iterations to ensure the totally custom ring was everything she wanted. Prices and turnaround time were awesome. I would work with Kim 10 times out of 10 and highly encourage everyone else to.

I had some copper pipes and wires I needed to get rid off, with a quick search I was recommended to…read morego to Pacific Iron and my experience was very smooth. Staff was friendly and helpful. They paid more than I thought I was going to get from it and the whole process took just a couple minutes. You do need to go there driving a car (no walk ins) and show an ID. I'm sure that minimizes the risk of them buying stolen items. Overall, great experience and would recommend selling there. I was also glad to know the story behind this family business :)

First visit. I had a scrap auto part and had read it was worth some coin, so I brought it in to…read morePacific Surprised to find the yard on a busy street near the ballparks: convenient! Almost hidden in plain sight. Yards get a bad rap for trying to rip people off. Not in my one experience: I got what Google said was being paid for the part and weight. I had visited yards with my dad long ago: some of the fun was seeing what people discarded. But here they pretty much removed the scap immediately: about as clean as one could imagine for such a business. A bit overwhelming for a first-timer. Now that I know the ropes, I could be smoother and maybe give the extra star (note: 5 stars is Far Exceeding expectations, involving walking on water. 4 is above average and is a great score. 3 is what a run of the mill experience gets)

The gentlemen that work there were no nonsense and extremely helpful when i needed it the most i…read morewas able to pick up my items and pay off my loan with no hassles. I will definitely be referring anyone who needs a loan to this establishment

I have never been more disgusted than when I entered this place. I was greeted by a African…read moreAmerican man that was extremely unprofessional. I asked him for a rough appraisal on two gold pendants. They belonged to my diseased aunt and I've had them since 2006 and wanted to see what they were worth. I already knew that the gold weight was 18.5 grams and it was 24 karrot gold and the nail inside the gold weighed less than .2grams. he told me to give him the other emblem I said no they were identical and I just wanted to see what one was worth. He walked away 10-15feet and I didn't notice until last night he dug a tool into both of the emblems. He handed me the emblems and said don't ever fxxx return I said I won't ever don't u worry. He then began verbally assaulting me and making gang signs. I was walking to my car and he followed me to my car yelling and cussing to fight him and he had a gun and would shoot me he lifted up his shirt and showed me a black gun. My car wouldn't start and he's yelling at me to get off his property. I didn't have my cel phone it was home. I went to the Mexican restaurant and called AAA. I am 55 years old and recently became disabled. I am very respectful and I was discriminated against and he was trying to rip me off saying that the majority of the weight was in the nail. Then followed to my car and threatened to be shot. I called the Seattle police department and I was told that they couldn't get the video evidence without a warrant. I said I want to press charges because this employee is going to rob and harm someone. Respectfully, Chris Smith