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.

Seth Chandler is the owner and chief numismatist of Witter Coin, America’s coin shop. They have proudly served collectors since 1960 in San Francisco. Seth leads one of the most dynamic and community-focused coin shops in the country along with his 28 employees.

Seth is a lifelong numismatist who has been recognized multiple times by Coin World as one of the Top 100 Numismatists of All Time. He was also recognized as one of the “Greatest Coin Graders Of All Time” by COINage magazine. He has built some of the finest coin collections in the nation and is a contributor to the iconic Red Book, the world’s best-selling price guide and reference for U.S. coins.

Seth is a co-founder and guest grader at CAC Grading, the world's finest coin grading and authentication company. He also serves on the Board of Governors for the American Numismatic Association (ANA) — the world’s largest coin club. He’s also an instructor for Advanced Coin Dealing at the ANA’s prestigious Summer Seminar.

In 2021, Seth founded Witter Coin University (WCU), a nonprofit that brings Young Numismatists (ages 14–20) to San Francisco for an all-expense-paid week of hands-on learning, mentorship, and immersion in the world of coins. Every year they raise over $200,000 to provide 40 scholarships to Young Numismatists. Seth’s dedication to education extends to his shop, where he hires around 10 interns each summer to learn and work alongside the Witter Coin team.

Seth also founded the San Francisco Coin Club, also known as “The Club with the Most Coolest Coin Nerds in the World.” He is one of the top sellers of coins and bullion on the livestreaming platforms, Whatnot and eBay Live. He also created the most popular social media account for a coin shop, bringing numismatics to a whole new audience. 

Seth is the creator of the annual San Francisco Coin Scavenger Hunt. Seth hides $50,000 worth of coins across iconic locations all over the city during National Coin Week. This draws coverage from all four local news stations as well as the international press.

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