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He’s a Niles metal-money merchant — to coin a term
Curt Franson, owner of Niles Coin Shop, takes a look at the Coin Dealer newsletter, which publishes the current value of coins. | Tina Harle~For Sun-Times Media
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NAME: Niles Coin Shop
SPECIALTY: Coins, currency, gold, silver, jewelry sales
LOCATION: 7637 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles
HOURS: Tues., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wed. and Thurs., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
CONTACT: (847) 967-5575
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Updated: July 23, 2012 1:45AM
In this challenging economic climate, business has still been pretty busy for Curt Franson, owner of the Niles Coin Shop, which has been operating in the village for more than 30 years.
“Some people want to sell anything and everything,” Franson said.
The Niles Coin Shop is at 7637 N. Milwaukee Ave.
The store buys and sells coins, paper currency, gold, silver, jewelry and some collectibles, such as Hummels and Laddro figurines. Franson offers these pieces of handmade artwork from Germany and Spain at a large discount, usually 50-60 percent off of regular prices.
To keep things new and exciting the selection of rare collectible coins and currency is continually being changed. At The Niles Coin Shop, customers have a safe, secure and friendly environment to buy, sell and appraise single items, as well as whole collections.
“We have some ancient coins but most of those are low-grade,” Franson said.
The oldest coin dates all the way back to 100 A.D. The old Roman coins are low-grade and are worth about $5, Franson explained.
The shop sells U.S. coins, as well as foreign coins, and offers vintage pocket watches and classic jewelry at discount prices, as well as commemorative tokens, medals, tickets and brochures from major events such as the Chicago World’s Fair.
Franson said every other Tuesday the store offers its online Bid Board, which involves 250 coins and paper-currency items. The Bid Board is a free, members-only auction and features various unique items.
Franson is anticipating more customers will want to purchase gold and silver in the near future.
“In the last 10 days the prices of gold and silver have gone down so people that want to invest have a good opportunity to do that,” Franson said.
Franson’s son works with him, as well as a part-time employee.
Collecting coins has been a hobby of Franson’s for several years and when the opportunity arrived seven years ago he purchased the store from his friend.
Franson said many of his customers are adults and seniors, but he does see some kids shop at the store.
“We do have some kids that come in,” Franson said of youngsters generally between the ages of 7 and 18. “It’s mostly the older people that have a lot of coins.”
Franson said Niles has been a great location to run his business.
“It’s good because we’re so close to Chicago,” he said.
