About Us

Our Story

In 1959, legendary numismatist Dean Witter created an innovative coin album to hold US Proof Sets. With the success of the albums, the following year, Dean decided to open Witter Coin in a small store on Bush and Kearny streets in the Financial District of San Francisco.  Dean later moved to the historic Hobart Building on Market Street in 1982.

In 2016, Seth Chandler, a passionate coin collector for decades took over the business from Dean and great expanded the company to a nationally known firm, "America's Coin Shop". For our 50th anniversary in 2020, we moved to our current location on Lombard Street in San Francisco. Today Seth and his team of 12, run our large showroom offering complimentary appraisals on any coins and we have solidified our reputation as one the top buyers of coins, gold & silver in the nation.

Sell to Us

Witter Coin buys collectible items from the public every day. We buy rare coins, gold and silver bullion, watches, jewelry, and other collectibles. Whether it is a large lifetime collection or just a single item, we make the selling process easy.

Please bring the items into our store and our experts will examine and appraise your item. “I just want to know what is worth,” inquiries are always welcome. At that point you can make the decision to sell or keep your item, there is never pressure to sell.

What We Sell

Witter Coin has been selling rare coins and numismatic items since 1960! We have one of the top inventories of PCGS graded coins in the country. We are nationally known for handling incredible US Gold rarities and building amazing sets of rare coins. We sell coins from $1 to $1,000,000 across the world and at major national coin conventions.

Many of our rare coins can be viewed by clicking on this link

At our store, we have a large selection of coins, gold and silver bullion, paper money, fine watches, and jewelry. 

Visit Us at 2299 Lombard Street

Our Staff

Seth Chandler, Owner and Chief Numismatist, of Witter Coins. He started collecting coins when he was four by placing Wheat Cents in blue Whitman coin folders given to him by his parents. Things started getting serious when Seth was ten. Money earned from mowing lawns was used to buy coins at his local coin store, Edgewood Coin Shop. Seth spent so much time at Edgewood; they offered him a job, working there from the age of 14 to 18.

Seth has been an avid coin collector for over 40 years and his collecting interests includes early United States gold coins and all coinage minted at the three San Francisco Mints. When not playing with coins, Seth spends time with his three young children and lovely wife, Jen.

Joe Pielago, Vice President and Numismatist, is an avid collector who turned his passion into a career. Previous to joining Witter Coin, Joe ran PCGS Banknote and worked all throughout PCGS for over 5 years.  He also helped start Palos Verdes Coin after college and has been collecting and dealing since he was 12.

Joe studied Entrepreneurship at University of San Francisco and is beyond excited to blend his entrepreneurial experiences with his numismatic background to continue helping Seth and the team at Witter Coin in building America’s Coin Shop.

Ben Brodie, Professional Numismatist, at Witter Coin, bringing a lifelong passion for rare and historical coins to the team. His journey began at just five years old, when he would eagerly sort through foreign coins and buy ten for a dollar. By middle school, his hobby had grown into a full-time pursuit, and he was already buying and selling coins. That passion carried him through his years at Florida State University, where he earned a degree in Commercial Entrepreneurship.

In 2019, Ben joined Witter Coin as an intern, spending every summer in college gaining hands-on experience in the field. After graduating, he came on full time in 2023 as a professional numismatist. He specializes in U.S. type coins, with a particular love for original surfaces and strong eye appeal. His favorite design is the Standing Liberty Quarter, a coin that shows his appreciation for classic American artistry. Whether he’s helping collectors build their sets or handling rare pieces, Ben brings expertise, enthusiasm, and respect for the hobby to every interaction.

Colton Merrill, Numismatist & VP of Whatnot Operations, began collecting coins at 16 and quickly turned a new hobby into a lasting passion. By 18, he was already immersed in numismatics, pairing his early experience with an Associate's Degree in Business. Over the past four years, Colton has worked closely with Witter Coin through Witter Coin University, in the showroom, and now leading the company's Whatnot operations. He brings energy, knowledge, and a genuine love of the hobby to every part of his role.

James Andrews, Showroom Manager, is a native San Franciscan. He studied Anthropology at the University of Oregon and then spent the first part of his professional life working in education. He casually collected coins as a child and has truly grown to appreciate numismatics fully while working at Witter Coins. One of his favorite parts of working at Witter Coins is seeing the variety of coins and notes that enter the shop daily. He enjoys reading and walking during his spare time.

Brandon Chen, Gemologist & Showroom Associate, earned his Graduate Gemologist diploma from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where he trained in diamond grading and gemstone identification. His interests include gems, minerals, and precious metals, with a focus on both their scientific and artistic qualities. At Witter Coin, Brandon helps collectors and clients understand the unique qualities of each stone. Whether evaluating a diamond or identifying a rare gem, he brings knowledge, precision, and a clear appreciation for natural beauty to his work.