I have bought silver coins for my grandchildren from Bob and Steve for many years. They also bought gold coins from me. They have always been friendly, fair, clear, and honest in their dealings with me. Their prices were generally very close to spot price. I recommend them highly and am so sorry Bob has been ill. I hope they reopen soon. read more

I've worked with both Bob and Steve for years and found them to be both honest and fair. I recommend their store. Joe Figueroa read more

Does anyone know how to get in touch with Universal Coin Galleries? They were great! Helpful. Fair prices.

Echoing several other reviewers, this place is definitely a throwback with the cigarette smoke and animal heads on the walls - a kind of bygone era store that is increasingly hard to come by nowadays. Understanding that he needs to make some kind of profit, Bob still offered me a very fair price for my 1924 Saint Gaudens $20 gold coin (this was after I did a bit of research to see what they retail for), but not after a very awkward and curt interaction that left me feeling a little unsettled. read more

Bob with Short temper , no respect to customer , after 10 years and maybe 100 transactions He use ( f ) word on your face , You see Bob polite and can explode in a second over peanut Last week I bought 21 Oz G. Eagles This week I was back buying 9 more and simply ask or said if you might have more maybe keeping for others ?? He went from zero to 100 in a second Yelling Madd ( don't f.. call me lier or I will throw you out like a dog out of my store Do not quetion his knowledge or his offers if you want to walk away with smile in his & your face Or you are standing in store with lock door and angry 80 some year Dry Head old with gun on his belt cross table Steve his partner is calm person but if you give him a chance he won't hesitate insulting you with his dirty jokes In one of my visits I took my wife for first time to their store and as we were buzzed in Steve said ( last time you were with another young lady ) Luckily my wife is supper smart women or .. Bob usually like to sale but not a good buyers he is I remember one time I was selling bunch of gold coins to Bob and I noticed it was 1/4 Oz short when we were counting for total.price When I pointed Bob my concern - Thanks God bob noticed that coin was fallen in front of his foot across table I have to admit ( he is an honest guy ) x%€¥ Anyways long story short After last angry approach by Bob I decide to take my business elsewhere Have a nice life .. read more

I really like this place, other than smelling like smoke when I leave. My brother and I have been here several times now. We did several months of research about where to go and decided to visit Universal Coin Galleries. For the most part, we knew the value of what we wanted to sell, and I believe that helped during negotiations. Knowing something about what you are selling and being able to ask questions about condition and quality let them know you have at least done some homework. We have worked with Bob and Steve individually and found them both fair and extremely knowledgeable on a wide range of collectibles. Steve is very knowledgeable about the history of Pasadena and Altadena. During out first visit, Bob surprised us when he valued one of the items we were selling at $200 higher than what our research had led us to believe we might be able to obtain. Most of the items we had to sell, we received the amount we expected, but we also received higher than expected valuations for quite a few of the items we had under valued. They are older men from my parents generation, where people said what they wanted to say. If you are someone who has extra sensitive feelings, you should probably find a different place. During our most recent visit, Steve showed us an old, dirty, used military jacket that a homeless person had just sold while we were entering the store. The homeless person needed some money so Steve bought it from him. It had no value to the store, and Steve said he would take it home to his wife and see what she could do with it. I asked him how much he paid for it, and was blown away, because he paid very, very generously over it's real value. When I asked why he had paid so much, he told me why the person needed the money and why he helped them out. I was humbled because it was a very honorable thing to do, and I knew I wouldn't have done it. When it comes to business, they will tell you what your selling is worth, what they are willing to pay you for it, and you can take it or leave. They are fair and friendly. They are a business, so they are not going to pay you above their return on investment valuations. My brother inquired about investing in some silver and Steve gave him some good advice about what kinds of silver to invest in, how they buy silver, and how they price the silver they sell. We intend to return to sell additional items. read more

Some of the reviews made me nervous, but the man is perfectly nice and they seem to pay the highest prices around for gold and silver. Yes, there's a guy in there who's smoking, but it's not as if the place is filled with smoke. I recommend this place. read more

Took in a bunch of coins that we inherited, everything from nice gold coins to recent proof sets, silver coins from the 60s, some old Morgan dollars, etc. They took everything and gave me really good prices! They've been in that location for 37 years, 75 years in Pasadena - third generation owner. If you're looking for a fancy jewelry store interior, this ain't it. It's a throwback to the 70s - animal heads and fish on the walls and a bottle of whiskey on the back counter. No glitz, no computers. Just a couple of seasoned coin veterans who assessed my large collection quite quickly. I figure what they save in interior decoration I get back in higher payouts! I was surprised how many people popped in while I was there to buy and sell coins on a weekday afternoon. My advice... sell your coins here. Skip the ripoff jewelry stores and gold exchange businesses. read more

These two idiots (Old Bob & FAT PIG Steve) think everyone that walks in is as stupid as they are! I went in with two, 1 oz containers with gold nuggets. NOT DUST!! It was weighted at least three times by me. 31.1 grams. Bob's scales first, are NOT where you can verify their calculated weight. Second, your verified weight will ALWAYS be less than his scales. Bob stated, it's only 31 grams. I said, that BS and you know it. He threw my nuggets back at me because he's NEVER wrong. They are Southern California's/Pasadena's worst coin or precious metal buyers. They sell NOTHING! They're there only waiting to rip you off. I'll NEVER visit or refer their shop again! I've personally witnessed their unfair antics ripping off old ladies! Beware! You've been warned. I left and went where I should have gone in the first place! I came home with the $6K in cash I was expecting to receive. Thank you, William! read more

Universal Coin Galleries - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

I have purchased from Universal Coin for several years now. They are a couple of grouchy old guys who give straight answers and fair prices. They can be a treasure trove of information about coins and prices of your collections. I highly recommend them. read more

Being a neophyte not connected or knowledgeable to the rare coin world I sought out the services of Bob and Steve at the Universal Coin Galleries based on a referral from a friend. I am the administrator for an estate and came upon gold and silver coins that I had to have appraised and liquidated. Bob and Steve gave me comfort in believing that I would not be taken advantage of and with their expertise they provided both the appraisal and purchase of what I had to offer. I Highly recommend this business and will use them again should the need arise. These folks have integrity and are real professionals in this field, two traits you may have a hard time finding in other coin dealers! Don H read more

Great experience. Gained some valuable knowledge about my coins from the not-so-grumpy guy. I'll be back with more.

These scammers offered me $60 for a coin that was worth over $400. A fair dealer did pay me the proper price for this coin. read more

Great staff, great owners. Knowledgeable and extremely fair. These guys are the Real Deal. Call first and make sure they are open, and be amazed by all the cool, unique, rare, and fun items they have for people to buy. And be ready for a super-fair deal if you are ready to sell! read more

It can be hard to find a kid friendly coin shop these days, but this one is great. They have a long counter where you can sit and look through coins and when the old timers who run the place aren't busy they are happy to chat with you. They literally have a treasure chest of old coins and tokens and kids can get 5 for free. My six year old always enjoys coming here because they give him lots of attention and are very encouraging (and he always ends up getting something for free). The place is clean and uncluttered which makes it more relaxing than some of the other places around. The pricing is reasonable as well. I've been to quite a few places in the area and this one to me is the kid-friendliest. Also, bonus points for being open on the weekend, which these days not a lot of coin shops are. read more

Universal Coin Galleries - Street View - Jewelry Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Excellent store! There is a huge variety of coins and a very friendly owner. Really, such a nice guy; he will really try his best to accomodate every customer. I was so impressed and I highly recommend it. I am from the East coast and just had to stop by. We dont have a store like it close to home. I wish I lived closer so that I could be here a lot more often. read more

Thankyou Steve! Very helpful and kind! Highly recommended because they are honest!! I've never seen so many coins in my life. If your a collector these guys are very knowledgeable!! read more

I went in there and talk to the grumpy old man they're nice people they know what they're talking about so if you have questions ask the grumpy old man read more

Was sold a 2 oz piece of silver here in Oct. of 2015 when silver was scarce. Took item in yesterday 5-17-16 and the same gentleman told me it might not be silver at all and it only weighed 1 1/2 oz. Told me he didn't remember me. Paid 35 dollars received back 19. I've been buying online since March. I've referred many people to them through the years, for that I apologize. I was ripped off. Sold possible base metal at less weight. Buyer beware! read more

Great experience working with Steve today. Super nice staff and very fair prices. definitely 5 stars

Good people, very fair (best offer in town), and a pleasure and ease to work with them.

My job took me out to Pasadena and I had some time to kill. Decided to look up coin shops on yelp. Im glad I did!! Great experience with staff and regular customers. All very helpful and knowledgeable. I enjoyed the conversations and feedback. I will be back!!! Thank you Steve. read more

Great place! Best prices, knowledgeable and helpful owner & staff, this is THE place to go for buying & selling coins & precious metals!

I have been going to this fine outfit now for the past 20 plus years. Both Bob & Steve are stand up guys. Unlike most Coin shops that I have been to. They have always given me a fair and honest deal. read more

Bought 2 nice coins in there today at a good price. One was raw and one was certified. Will go back there again.

First time in this shop and what a great experience. Bob was very friendly and knowledgeable, plus they have great prices. Will definitely be coming back for future purchases. read more

Visited for the first time today and picked up a couple ounces of silver rounds. Nice staff and great prices over spot. I will definitely be back. read more

Rude and very unfriendly. Looked at me like i was going to steal something at any minute. They were absolutely not interested in making any reasonable offer on any items he sold. I asked them to look at a jar of old penneys my Grandfather left. It took him one second to say that this jar of pennies was worthless. 6.00 for pre ww2 pennies ! Hum. I will keep my money and shop somewhere else. I was told these people would be honest. I think if they could they would charge you for advise. Buy over the internet, there's not much savings going hear that's for sure. read more