How do you celebrate the legacy of a man who was part of Mother Lode
history and Mother Lode history was part of him? This was the question that faced Calaveras
Coins and Collectibles matriarch Merinna May-Wesely after the sudden passing of
her beloved husband Howard Wesely in January.
Nearly 20 years after the opening of internationally recognized coin
shop at its location on the historic end of Angels Camp the future of the
business was uncertain. However the
outpouring of community support was a motivating factor in the decision for
Merinna and her son Scott to continue the family run business that has been a
mainstay in the historic district of the city of Angels. A common statement among fellow merchants
was that “Howard helped keep everyone
honest.”
With amazing fortitude they soon turned the grief of their loss into the
celebration of the life in memory of the man who served his community and
neighbors with integrity, honesty and knowledge for over two decades. Within two months the shop was open once
again for business. “The mentality of
the whole team here at Calaveras Coins is to provide unsurpassed customer service
and education to both our loyal clientele and new ones to empower them to make
good solid decisions whether buying or selling,” states Scott.
Calaveras Coins turns unwanted items from garages, basements, attics,
bookshelves, jewelry boxes, silverware drawers and curio cabinets into cash
that people can use right now, when needed most. It is easy and convenient to sell with them
and cash is paid on the spot. This helps
avoid the need to sell online, have garages sales or buying a booth at a flea
market. Calaveras Coins is a one stop
shop that serves the community and provides services far beyond just
coins. Whether selling or not, free
evaluations are given daily on antiques and collectibles that range from
silverware collections to beer steins, steel toys, militaria, old bottles, tokens
and of course coins. These services are
invaluable during these tough economic times many in the Mother Lode find
themselves.
For those who want to purchase jewelry like a engagement or bridal set
their motto is never pay retail again! With nearly a 900% mark up on jewelry at
retail stores Calaveras Coins breaks the mold with its ability to pass on
amazing savings to people, many times offering rings for the price of the gold
alone. “Our goal is to run this business
that would have made Howard proud and keep our clients coming back again and
again,” commented Merinna.
The business is run in the same manner as before serving clients from
Monday through Friday 10am to 5pm and alternative times by appointment. With 50+ years of combined experience in the
pawn, jewelry, coins and online sales businesses the wealth of knowledge is a
valuable asset to the patrons of this diamond in the rough. Giving back to the
community that has supported their business is a continued policy with donation
to local charities, education of gold, silver, jewelry, collectibles and
friendly service that can be rare to find among this industry. Visit their location at 1263 S. Main Street
in Angels Camp and discover how Calaveras Coins can help you!
By Gerad Slayton
