A Dream Come True
Portsmouth Coin Shop, located at 614 Chillicothe Street in downtown Portsmouth, isn’t just a business—it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream. Owner Daniel Malone has been passionate about coins for as long as he can remember.
“I basically grew up with coins,” Malone shared. “Also with antiques, baseball cards, and all that. I just do coins and currency here at the shop now.”
From an early age, Malone was drawn to the thrill of buying and selling. He and his family frequented flea markets, picking up and reselling anything they could find—sometimes even salvaging items from dumpsters or attic cleanouts. His love for numismatics, however, was solidified during the silver boom of the 1980s.
“I always told my dad, ‘We’ve got to start a coin shop.’ It was my dream,” he said.
Though he briefly attended Shawnee State University, Malone ultimately left to pursue a career at the high-stress Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville. For 15 years, he worked in corrections, but during that time, he also honed valuable skills in web design and online sales.
“While I was there, I learned how to do websites. I learned how to do eBay and online sales. I started selling,” he said. His online success eventually gave him the courage to take a leap of faith. In 2017, he opened Portsmouth Coin Shop. By 2019, his thriving business and YouTube channel allowed him to leave his prison job behind, cash in his retirement, and fully dedicate himself to his lifelong passion.
Educating the Coin Community
While Portsmouth Coin Shop serves as a hub for collectors, investors, and enthusiasts, Malone’s reach extends far beyond the walls of his store. His YouTube channel, CoinHELPu, has become a go-to educational resource for people around the world.
“I have over 1,800 videos on YouTube right now. My channel has 230,000 subscribers and counting,” he said.
Through his channel, Malone covers crucial numismatic topics, including coin grading, mint errors, varieties, grading companies, and general coin and currency knowledge. His videos help viewers navigate the complexities of coin collecting, teaching them how to appraise, value, and sell their coins.
“There are three types of coin buyers: collectors, stackers, and investors,” he explained. Collectors are drawn to the history and artistry of coins, stacking enthusiasts focus on their metal content, and investors hope for long-term financial gains. However, Malone cautions against seeing coins as a quick-money investment.
“If you’re going to be in it long term, I guess you could consider it an investment,” he said. “But there’s no guarantee. It’s more of a hobby than an investment. You hope there’s a return. If you stay in for 20 years, you should see a return.”
Malone also warns against overpriced coins sold through late-night TV shopping channels, advising buyers to work with reputable dealers instead. Customers can shop both in-store and online at portsmouthcoinshop.com for a carefully curated selection of coins and currency.
A Trusted Resource for Coin Enthusiasts
Beyond just selling coins, Portsmouth Coin Shop provides appraisals and buys coins from the public. Malone notes that pre-1964 quarters are particularly valuable due to their silver content, and 2019 and 2020 quarters with a “W” mint mark can also fetch a high price.
The shop’s most common inquiry? People wondering if their Wheat Pennies are valuable. While certain rare dates command higher prices, most are only worth a few cents each.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of numismatics, Malone’s CoinHELPu community offers direct access to his expertise.
“I have a help community where you can ask any question you want from me. I get on there every evening. I eat supper, watch TV, and answer the questions,” he said.
With Portsmouth Coin Shop and his growing YouTube presence, Daniel Malone has not only realized his own dream but also created an invaluable educational resource for coin enthusiasts everywhere.
Visit Portsmouth Coin Shop:
- Address: 614 Chillicothe St, Portsmouth, OH 45662
- Phone: (740) 354-2646
- Hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed
