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.

Do yourselfs a favor don't bother to even consider this as potential source to get the best value…read morefor your precious metals.. I had a piece appraised and certified beforehand I was just looking to know if they would be competitive and beat my other estimates. I ran into a lack of professionalism tied in with a waste of time. You can do better with another establishment for sure.

Very good customer service and a fair price. Would come back! Sold gold and silver. In and out in…read moreminutes

Went in and was taken care of quickly and professionally…read more Straight deal. Solid human. Well satisfied. Thank you!

I cannot recommend this place highly enough. Exceptional service, great communication, and a…read morefriendly and not-intimidating place to be. Mark has helped me to learn more about some of the jewelry I've inherited, restrung vintage pearls for me, bought gold scrap, and sold me beautiful silver coins. I am impressed by the professionalism and integrity of this entire operation.

Had a great experience here getting my engagement ring appraised, as well as shortening a bracelet…read more The owner(s) here are extremely nice and knowledgeable. Their prices are very reasonable. The only downside is that their collection/selection is smaller than the big chains, but they definitely make up for it in personalized service and friendliness. Highly recommend.

My entire family loves this place. They are great. Nice jewelry, great service, super good prices…read moreand great value. They made my daughter's wedding ring, and it looks amazing.

LOVE this little locally owned pawn shop. I have both bought many products from them as well as…read moresold a couple of items. Sold a 9mm pistol and a DJ Mixing Board. Got great, reasonable offers for them and easy transactions. I have also bought 3 guns from them (hunting rifle, Mossberg shotgun and .38 special pistol) from Peter in the gun department. He is such a great guy, very knowledgeable and up front. Makes the transactions very easy. I will continually go to Peter for purchases in the future and recommend him to basically anyone. Great little shop and I love doing business with these nice ladies and gentlemen. Keep up the good work!

This is the best pawn shop in the Northwest. I've had experience with the other pawns throughout…read morethe years but once I did business at Ben's I don't go anywhere else. Besides supporting a locally owned business you establish a working relationship with them. They are all great and are fair and honest rare qualities to find in this business. Thanks a million everyone at Ben's appreciate you and keep doing what you do!!!!

We have our Miele vacuum serviced here. Bap prices are excellent. Check out their vacuum sales…read more Great prices.

Last year, I dropped my machine off at this store for repairs. I was on my way out of town for my…read moremother's memorial, and was trying to keep up a cheerful front. Unfortunately, the woman I will only refer to as "B" decided that I do not actually deserve my own machine. She chastised me when I told her the problem my machine was having, and even BATTED MY HAND AWAY when I went to touch my own machine. As I was leaving, I playfully said "Goodbye" to my machine and "B" literally rolled her eyes at me. I could not bring myself to go back to that store, so my husband retrieved my machine, but I've been so upset about "B"s behavior that I haven't even touched the machine for the past year. I used to LOVE sewing, and "B" completely ruined it for me. I hope you're proud of yourself, "B".

They are very nice and straight to the point love this store have done business with him for years…read morethey dont pay good for silver or gold but they sell at best price in town for sure great guy easy to deal with

Decent selection of gold and silver bullion for purchase at reasonable price. Would buy from again.read more

The employee I worked with was very kind and I got a good amount for my jewelry. They don't low…read moreball you like some other places do I highly recommend!!

A1 Cash is a popular place for pawn or selling. The owner is very personable, knowledgable, and…read morewilling to offer advise. And, the rates are good.