What is the OC Rare Coin & Bullion?
OC Rare Coin & Bullion is a well-established numismatic and precious metals dealership based in Orange County, California. Founded in 2013, the company operates two locations, one in Orange (500 N State College Blvd, Suite 1100) and another in Costa Mesa, serving both collectors and investors.
Staffed by a small team of pros, OC Rare Coin offers a wide range of services, including coin and currency sales, bullion trading, appraisals, estate consultations, and even expert witness services for legal professionals.
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Their inventory is impressively diverse. On the rare coin side, they stock U.S. and world coins, spanning colonial-era small cents, classic silver dollars, pre-1933 gold coins, modern series, proof sets, error coins, tokens, and exonumia.
Their online shop features an eclectic mix of certified high-grade Morgan silver dollars, early Indian cents, and colonial copper pieces, among others. For bullion, they deal in precious metals—including gold, silver, and platinum offering bars, rounds, and government-minted coins suitable for both investment portfolios and collectors.
OC Rare Coin & Bullion is appointment-based, ensuring personalized attention and professional transaction handling, from buying and selling to appraisals and estate evaluations. They emphasize transparency and customer satisfaction, offering services like appraisal consultations even if customers seek valuations elsewhere.
Who are the People Behind OC Rare Coin & Bullion?
OC Rare Coin & Bullion, founded in 2013, is led by Dennis Tarrant, who serves as its President and principal expert. With over 30 years of numismatic experience, Dennis previously worked as a professional researcher and cataloguer for Heritage Auctions before establishing OC Rare Coin. His deep expertise in both rare coins and bullion underpins the store’s reputation for knowledgeable guidance and professional service.
The business operates with a small, specialized team based in Costa Mesa, CA, where staff assist in buying, selling, appraising, and consulting on both rare coins and precious metals. They serve a diverse client base ranging from individual collectors to attorneys, banks, and estates, offering everything from everyday bullion purchases to expert witness testimony in legal matters.
One past owner of the Orange County location, Joel Rettew, is noted in Yelp reviews for having sold gold coins to customers before that branch closed. This suggests the company has maintained consistent standards and expertise across its team over time.
In summary, OC Rare Coin & Bullion is run by a tight-knit, experienced group led by Dennis Tarrant, a veteran numismatist, with support from skilled staff and past contributors like Joel Rettew. Their combined expertise—ranging from rare coin cataloguing to legal consultation—forms the firm’s backbone, ensuring professional service for each appointment-based visit.
Does OC Rare Coin & Bullion Offer IRA Services?
No Precious Metals IRA Program
A detailed review of OC Rare Coin & Bullion’s services covering rare and world coins, bullion, appraisals for estates, jewelry, watches, and expert witness work reveals no mention of IRA or self-directed IRA services. They emphasize transparent, appointment-based buying, selling, and appraisal activities but do not offer retirement-account support.
What Precious Metals IRAs Require
To hold physical bullion in an IRA, three elements are essential:
- Self-directed IRA account through an IRS-approved custodian
- IRA-compliant metals (e.g., Mint-produced bullion bars or coins meeting purity standards)
- Secure storage in an IRS-approved depository, not at home or in personal safes
Dealers facilitating this process typically advertise dedicated programs to assist investors with account opening, custodian partnerships, selecting eligible metals, and arranging storage—none of which OC Rare Coin & Bullion does.
Industry Contrast
Firms that do offer these services, such as American Rare Coin & Bullion, American Rare Coin & Collectibles, or IRA-specialist dealers, specifically promote their IRA programs and guide clients through transfers, storage solutions, and custodial compliance.
- OC Rare Coin & Bullion: Focuses on numismatics, bullion trading, appraisals, estate services, and expert testimony.
- No IRA Services: They don’t offer self-directed IRAs, custodial arrangements, or IRS-compliant storage solutions.
- To open a Precious Metals IRA, you must work with a specialist firm offering full IRA support from custodian selection to depository coordination.
OC Rare Coin & Bullion is a reputable rare-coin and bullion dealer, but does not support IRA investing with precious metals.
What Products Can You Purchase at OC Rare Coin & Bullion?
OC Rare Coin & Bullion offers a rich and diverse range of numismatic and investment-grade products. Their inventory is carefully curated to meet the needs of both collectors and investors, ensuring something for every level of interest and expertise.
First and foremost, they carry an extensive selection of United States coins, including colonial-era issues, small cents, early copper types, five-cent pieces, dimes, quarters, half dollars, silver dollars, modern commemoratives, and pre‑1933 gold coins. These include high-grade Morgan silver dollars, Indian Head cents, and other prized historical coins visible in their online gallery.
Their world coin offerings span every continent—Asia, Europe, Canada, China, Australia, and more—along with specialized categories like ancient and medieval issues, tokens, civil war-era tokens, and medals.
OC Rare Coin & Bullion also specializes in error coins and exonumia, including Civil War tokens and various medallions or trade tokens—ideal for collectors who seek more niche or unusual items.
On the precious metals side, they stock a variety of bullion products such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bars and rounds, as well as specialty mint issues. Standout pieces include 1 oz Northwest Territorial Mint silver coins (e.g., Coast Guard, Bald Eagle series) with 24K gold trim.
The firm also deals in rare and collectible currency, offering small and large U.S. notes, colonial currency, Civil War-era notes, obsolete state banknotes, fractional currency, and world paper money.
Moreover, OC Rare Coin & Bullion offers books, supplies, jewelry, and watches—including certified numismatic coin slabs (sample slabs), tools for collectors (albums, holders), and occasional jewelry pieces.
- U.S. Coins: Colonial, copper, silver dollars, modern commemoratives, proof sets
- World Coins & Currency: From ancient to modern notes and coins
- Error Coins & Exonumia: Medals, tokens, Civil War issues
- Precious Metals Bullion: Gold, silver, platinum, palladium bars/rounds, specialty minted coins
- Collectibles & Supplies: Books, coin holders, jewelry, watches
OC Rare Coin & Bullion’s breadth from historical rarities to bullion and practical collecting tools makes it a top destination for enthusiasts and investors seeking depth, variety, and expert guidance.
OC Rare Coin & Bullion Fees and Pricing:
OC Rare Coin & Bullion operates on a transparent pricing model that reflects industry standards. Their catalogue, available online and in-store, lists individual coins with clear prices, such as a 1898 Indian Cent currently priced at $48 or a 1901‑P Morgan Silver Dollar at $295. Prices reflect current market conditions, authentication, rarity, and condition, and may adjust as values shift. Moreover, the shop frequently offers daily specials and promotional discounts, allowing collectors and investors to find compelling deals.
OC Rare Coin & Bullion also provides free, no-obligation appraisals a valued service among customers. For formal written appraisals, they charge $150 per hour, which covers detailed valuation work used in estate planning, insurance, or legal contexts.
All transactions are conducted by appointment, with staff offering personalized guidance on pricing, grading, and market trends. Thanks to their extensive dealer network, the shop is often able to locate specific or rare items at competitive prices even if not in stock immediately. Their consistent “$$ Moderate” pricing as listed on Yelp and MapQuest reflects an approach aimed at offering fair value rather than rock-bottom bargain deals.
Overall, their approach balances transparency, expert service, and market-competitive pricing, making OC Rare Coin & Bullion a trustworthy destination for both collectors and investors.
What Do OC Rare Coin & Bullion Reviews Say?
#1. My late aunt left me a little collection of coins, stamps, and jewellery that she had accumulated over the years. In my search for a new dealer to whom I might bring my collection, I visited a number of different dealers.
#2. Exceptional and unforgettable! I met with Dennis and he carefully and thoughtfully appraised my items but encouraged me to get appraisals elsewhere so I could determine their legitimate value.
Are There Any OC Rare Coin & Bullion Lawsuits?
I couldn’t find any records indicating that OC Rare Coin & Bullion (in Orange County) has faced lawsuits or legal action. No filings appear under its name in consumer protection databases, legal archives, or news media, and online reviews remain glowing—with no reports of disputes or complaints.
That said, the rare coin and precious metal industry sometimes encounters legal troubles, typically related to deceptive practices or non‑delivery of items. For example, several high-profile dealers and investment schemes such as Security Rare Coin & Bullion Corp., True Bullion, and others have faced lawsuits or enforcement from the FTC or state regulators for misleading claims or failing to fulfill orders. These cases often involve selling coins at inflated prices, misrepresenting buy-back guarantees, or not delivering promised products.
OC Rare Coin & Bullion appears to operate with integrity and professionalism. While legal challenges in the broader rare coin sector highlight the importance of caution, this particular business shows no signs of legal trouble. As always, you can reinforce confidence by requesting proof of authenticity, appraisal documentation, or warranty details during transactions, but there’s no indication that fears of lawsuits are warranted here.
Can You Trust OC Rare Coin & Bullion? Is OC Rare Coin & Bullion Legit?
You can confidently trust OC Rare Coin & Bullion—it’s a legitimate, well-respected numismatic and precious metals dealer with a strong track record and no notable red flags.
OC Rare Coin & Bullion holds an impressive 5.0-star rating from 53 reviews on MapQuest and consistently high marks on Yelp, where clients commend the knowledgeable, honest, and attentive service provided by owner Dennis Tarrant and his team. One reviewer said, “Outstanding experience, he carefully and thoughtfully appraised my items but encouraged me to get appraisals elsewhere so I could determine their legitimate value,” highlighting their commitment to transparency.
There are no records of lawsuits, regulatory complaints, or consumer disputes tied to OC Rare Coin & Bullion. Their professional reputation is further corroborated by their eBay presence, where they sell rare coins and bullion dating back to 1998, with thousands of transactions and an excellent seller rating. They also maintain memberships in respected industry bodies like ANA, PNG, PCGS, and NGC.
Transactions are appointment-based and highly personalized, and clients appreciate the level of care, clear communication, and fair pricing that define the OC Rare experience. Though rare coin and bullion dealers have occasionally faced legal scrutiny due to deceptive practices, OC Rare Coin & Bullion stands apart with no negative history of that kind.
In summary, OC Rare Coin & Bullion is a trustworthy, credible destination for rare coins, bullion, appraisals, and collectible currency. Your trust in their expertise and integrity is well-backed.
OC Rare Coin & Bullion Review Summary:
OC Rare Coin & Bullion is a highly reputable rare coin and precious metals dealer based in Orange County, California. Known for its strong emphasis on expertise, transparency, and customer service, the business has earned consistently high praise from both collectors and investors. Founded in 2013 and led by veteran numismatist Dennis Tarrant, OC Rare Coin & Bullion operates by appointment only, allowing for personalized attention and in-depth consultations.
Customers frequently commend the business for its honest appraisals, fair pricing, and vast knowledge of coins, currency, and bullion. Online reviews, especially on platforms like Yelp and MapQuest, highlight five-star experiences that reflect professionalism and care. Many clients mention that the staff encourages price comparisons and offers clear, unbiased information, even advising customers to shop around before making a decision. This openness has helped establish OC Rare Coin & Bullion as a trustworthy name in the Southern California numismatic community.
The company’s inventory is broad and diverse, including U.S. and world coins, certified collectibles, precious metals bullion (gold, silver, platinum), and historical currency. In addition to buying and selling, they offer appraisal services, estate consultations, and expert witness testimony. Despite their extensive offerings, they do not handle IRA-related services or long-term bullion storage, keeping their focus on physical transactions and collectible markets.
Importantly, there are no known lawsuits, regulatory issues, or consumer complaints against OC Rare Coin & Bullion. Their clean record and excellent reputation reinforce their legitimacy in an industry that occasionally sees legal and ethical concerns with other dealers.
In summary, OC Rare Coin & Bullion stands out as a professional, client-focused, and knowledgeable dealer with a strong track record. Whether you’re a serious collector, a casual investor, or someone managing an estate, the company offers reliable service, fair evaluations, and an impressive inventory, all delivered with honesty and expertise.
