Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Pawn Loans & Precious Metals in Escondido
Escondido Coin & Loan has served the community since 1959, establishing itself as the oldest continually operating coin shop between San Diego and Riverside. Our family-owned business offers a trusted environment for transactions involving precious metals, estate jewelry, and pawn loans. With decades of collective experience, our team prioritizes transparency, fair pricing, and customer education.We maintain a secure facility with 24/7 monitored security systems and professionally installed gates to protect client assets. Our expertise spans numismatics, bullion trading, and jewelry appraisal, supported by a commitment to community engagement and customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on providing personalized service that balances tradition with modern financial needs.
Services
Pawn Loans
Precious Metals Sales
Estate Jewelry
Coin Trading
Currency Exchange
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1959 with expert numismatic knowledge
- Secure 24/7 monitored vault for pawn loan collateral
- Competitive bullion pricing aligned with spot market rates
- Transparent appraisal process with GIA-qualified gemologists
- Extensive experience in rare coin authentication and valuation
What people say
Great experience
Honest and fair
Best price on spot
Great prices
Excellent service
Services
Pawn Loans
We offer state-licensed pawn loans secured by valuable items. Collateral is stored in our steel-reinforced vault with 24/7 security monitoring. Loan terms follow California regulations with 4-month periods plus 10-day grace periods. Our transparent process includes clear fee structures with no hidden charges, prioritizing customer education about their obligations and rights.
Precious Metals Sales
We buy and sell gold, silver, and platinum bullion products including US Eagles, Canadian Maple Leafs, and pre-1964 coins. Transactions require in-store completion with payment via cash or certified funds. Our pricing aligns with spot market rates plus minimal premiums covering storage and handling costs. We provide authenticity verification guidance for customer protection.
Estate Jewelry
Our inventory features previously owned gold and platinum jewelry obtained through unredeemed loans or direct purchases. Items undergo ultrasonic cleaning and professional appraisal by GIA-qualified gemologists. We offer appraisal documentation for pieces valued over $1,000, with pricing typically 40-60% below retail replacement values while maintaining quality assurance.
Coin Trading
Specializing in US and foreign coins since 1959, we offer rare coin evaluation and trading services. Our PCGS-authorized experts provide market-based valuations and authentication. We maintain extensive reference materials for accurate grading and offer educational resources about coin preservation techniques to protect collector value.
Currency Exchange
We handle US and foreign currency transactions including rare banknotes and silver certificates. Our experts evaluate condition factors affecting value and provide storage recommendations. Services include authentication of historical currency like Confederate notes, with educational consultations about market trends and investment considerations for collectible paper money.
People
Ray Ellis
President
Third-generation numismatist with 40+ years experience, Ray leads operations while maintaining active involvement in rare coin authentication and customer consultations.
Jim Ellis
Vice President
Specializing in bullion markets, Jim manages inventory and pricing strategies with 35 years of precious metals trading expertise, ensuring competitive market positioning.
Tonya Beckham
Store Manager
Overseeing daily operations since 2010, Tonya ensures customer service excellence while managing jewelry inventory and appraisal coordination with GIA-certified professionals.
Mac McKelvey
Numismatist
Certified coin grading specialist with PCGS accreditation, Mac provides expert evaluations and maintains educational resources for collectors and first-time sellers.
Kay Ellis
Administrative Director
Handling regulatory compliance and documentation since 1985, Kay ensures all transactions meet state licensing requirements while maintaining customer records security.
Questions
What identification is required for pawn loans?
Valid government-issued photo ID and proof of ownership for collateral items. Borrowers must be at least 18 years old.
Do you loan on electronics or computers?
We currently don't accept electronics as collateral due to rapid depreciation and market saturation with existing inventory.
How are precious metal prices determined?
Prices track real-time spot market rates plus minimal premiums covering handling costs. We update rates daily based on external market data.
Can I get my pawned item back after defaulting?
We send written notices with 10-day grace periods for redemption. After expiration, items become store inventory.
Do you provide jewelry appraisals?
We offer free verbal evaluations. Written appraisals by GIA-qualified gemologists available for items valued over $1,000.
What payment methods work for bullion purchases?
Cash, local cashier's checks, or personal checks (with 10-day clearing period). We don't accept credit cards for metal transactions.