Amazon's new collectible coins store offers consumers rare coins from many vendors.
According to a press release, the online retailer's business, launched Wednesday, gives customers access to over 10,000 pieces of United States currency from more than 75 top coin dealers. These include Stack's Bowers Galleries, Kagin's, David Lawrence Rare Coins and Liberty, which provides consumers historical and back catalog coin inventory to look through via anicent libraries on Amazon's website.
Amazon's director of marketplace said the new venture resulted from customers' requests for a place to shop for coins.
"Collectors of rare coins are passionate about the hobby because coins represent the intersection of history, collectibility and wealth," Steve Johnson said. "Coins have been one of the most searched for items in our collectibles stores. The introduction of the Collectible Coins store was inspired by customer demand and the need to provide a unique experience for customers to discover graded and rare U.S. coins from reputable dealers. We're thrilled to bring the excitement and discovery of coin collecting to Amazon."
Stack's Bowers Galleries' president said the company looks forward to the new partnership.
"Collecting rare coins is a unique opportunity to hold history in your hand, along with the knowledge that you own a lasting symbol that has inherent value and importance," Brian Kendrella said. "We are excited about the opportunity to showcase our unique numismatic products to Amazon's customers and reach a broad customer base that may be new to the joys of coin collecting."
Kagin's owner said the company's coin selection gives customers access to their extensive supply of collectibles.
"Amazon can offer millions of new individuals access to the wonderful world of numismatics. With direct access to the Saddle Ridge Hoard Treasure, the largest buried treasure find in U.S. history, Amazon customers can appreciate why this collectible field is called the Hobby of Kings," Don Kagin said. "Coins are historical artifacts that tell us more about a culture or civilization than anything else. They represent history in your hands. Amazon has made a commitment to provide the necessary resources to make their store a vital and first class experience for the collecting public and coin dealers. It offers an alternative to other numismatic platforms that just do not reach as many individuals."
Archivists recently uncovered an 1866 $20 Liberty Head Coin, and $1.2 million No Motto coin in California's Saddle Ridge Hoard Treasure, according to the press release.
