You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times if you live near Plymouth Road. It isn't flashy. It doesn't have a giant neon sign or a TikTok influencer standing out front. But Redford Jewelry and Coin MI has become a bit of a local institution for anyone in Wayne County who actually cares about what their gold is worth. Honestly, the world of coin shops is usually pretty intimidating. You walk in, it smells like old paper and copper, and you feel like the person behind the counter is judging you for not knowing the difference between a proof set and a circulation strike. This place feels different.
They've been at it for decades. Since 1984, to be exact. That is a long time to stay in business in a niche that relies entirely on trust. If you screw someone over on a gold buy in a tight-knit community like Redford or Livonia, word gets around fast. People talk. They tell their neighbors at the grocery store. Yet, this shop is still standing, likely because they treat the process like a conversation rather than a shakedown.
What Really Happens When You Walk Into Redford Jewelry and Coin MI?
Most people go there for one of two reasons: they’re cleaning out a deceased relative’s junk drawer or they’re looking to hedge against inflation. It’s a weird mix of emotions. You have the person with a handful of tangled 14k gold chains and the serious collector hunting for a specific Morgan Silver Dollar.
The process is pretty straightforward, but it's the nuances that matter. When you bring in jewelry, they aren't just looking at the "pretty" factor. They’re looking at the weight and the purity. It’s math. Cold, hard math. They use the current "spot price" of gold or silver—which fluctuates every single minute the market is open—and they work backwards from there.
You’ve got to realize that no shop pays 100% of the spot price. They can't. They have to keep the lights on and pay the staff. But the mark of a good shop like this one is how close they get to that number. If gold is trading at $2,000 an ounce and someone offers you $800 for an ounce of pure gold, you walk out. Immediately. Redford Jewelry and Coin MI has built a reputation on being "fair," which in this industry means they're giving you a percentage that actually makes sense for both sides.
The Coin Side of the Counter
Coins are a different beast entirely. It isn't just about the metal; it’s about the "numismatic" value. This is where most people get confused. You might have a silver quarter from 1964. It’s 90% silver. That’s worth a few bucks just for the metal. But if you have a rare mint mark or a coin in "Uncirculated" condition, that value jumps.
The guys here know their stuff. They aren't just looking at a catalog; they're looking at the actual market demand. They deal in:
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- US Type coins (the old stuff like Indian Head pennies)
- Gold Bullion (Krugerrands, Eagles, Maples)
- Silver Bars and Rounds
- Paper currency (those old large-sized bills that look like play money)
- Estate jewelry that's too nice to melt down
Why People in Michigan Trust Local Over Online
You can sell your gold online. There are dozens of "mail-in" services. But honestly? That sounds like a nightmare. You put your valuables in a box, ship them to a warehouse in another state, and hope they don't "lose" it or lowball you.
When you go to a physical location like the one on Plymouth Rd, you're watching them weigh it. You see the scale. You can ask, "Hey, why is this one worth less than that one?" And they'll show you. They might point out a scratch you didn't see or explain that a certain "gold" ring is actually just gold-filled. That transparency is why they've survived the rise of the internet.
Also, they're members of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Michigan State Numismatic Society. These aren't just fancy stickers for the window. These organizations have codes of ethics. If a dealer starts pulling fast ones, they lose their standing. In the coin world, your reputation is basically your only real asset.
The "Scrap Gold" Misconception
Everyone thinks they have a fortune in their jewelry box. You probably don't. Most "gold" jewelry is 10k or 14k. That means it’s only 41.7% or 58.5% pure gold. The rest is copper, silver, or nickel to make it hard enough to wear.
When you take it to Redford Jewelry and Coin MI, they calculate the "melt value." They aren't paying for the "art" of the ring unless it’s a piece they can actually resell in their display case. If it’s a broken clasp or a single earring, it’s going to the refinery. Understanding this saves you a lot of heartbreak. You aren't getting the "retail price" you paid at the mall jewelry store twenty years ago. You’re getting the commodity value.
Beyond Buying: The Collector’s Haven
It isn't just about selling your old stuff. For a lot of people in the Redford and Livonia area, this is where they go to buy.
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The hobby of coin collecting—numismatics—is weirdly addictive. It starts with one silver dollar. Then you want the whole set. Then you’re looking for "errors," like a coin struck on the wrong planchet. The staff here acts as much as consultants as they do merchants. They can help you figure out what's worth grading (sending off to a service like PCGS or NGC) and what’s just "junk silver."
They also handle appraisals for estates. If your Uncle Bob passed away and left a safe full of coins, do not—I repeat, DO NOT—clean them. This is the biggest mistake people make. They take a dirty old coin, scrub it with baking soda to make it shiny, and instantly destroy 90% of its value. Collectors want the "patina" or the original "mint luster." Leave the dirt. Take the whole mess to the shop and let them sort through it.
Knowing the Neighborhood
Redford is a blue-collar area. It’s a place where people work hard for their money and they don't like being toyed with. The shop reflects that. It’s no-nonsense. You won't find a guy in a tuxedo offering you champagne while you browse. You’ll find people who know the difference between a 1916-D Mercury Dime and a 1916-S without looking at a book.
Location-wise, they are perfectly situated. They’re right there on Plymouth Road, making them accessible to people coming from Detroit, Livonia, or even Dearborn. Parking is easy, which matters when you’re carrying a heavy box of silver sets or a bulky estate collection.
How to Prepare for a Visit
Don't just walk in with a tangled bag and expect a check in two minutes. If you want the best experience at Redford Jewelry and Coin MI, do a little homework.
- Sort your items. Group your 10k, 14k, and 18k jewelry. If you don't know, look for the tiny stamps on the inside of the bands or the clasps. A magnifying glass helps.
- Check the spot price. Go to a site like Kitco or Apmex before you go. Know what gold and silver are doing that day. If the market is crashing, maybe wait. If it's hitting record highs, it’s a great time to sell.
- Bring ID. This is a legal requirement. Any legitimate shop buying precious metals has to record who they're buying from to prevent money laundering and the sale of stolen goods. If a shop doesn't ask for your ID, leave. They aren't following the law.
- Be realistic. You aren't going to get rich off three broken rings and a handful of wheat pennies. But you will get a fair chunk of cash that’s better than having those items sit in a drawer gathering dust.
The Integrity Factor
There’s a story I heard once about a guy who took a coin to a shop—not necessarily this one, but a similar local spot—thinking it was worth $20. The dealer looked at it, realized it was a rare variety, and told the guy it was actually worth $500.
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That is the difference between a "We Buy Gold" kiosk at the mall and a dedicated coin and jewelry shop. A kiosk worker is trained to weigh and pay. A numismatist is trained to identify. Redford Jewelry and Coin MI falls into that second category. They have the expertise to spot the "diamond in the rough."
Actionable Steps for Your Valuables
If you have a pile of items and you're sitting on the fence, here is exactly what you should do right now.
First, stop cleaning your coins. Seriously. Put the cloth down. Even a soft paper towel can leave micro-scratches that a dealer will see under a 10x loupe.
Second, separate your silver. Look for any US dimes, quarters, or half dollars dated 1964 or earlier. Those are 90% silver. Kennedy half dollars from 1965 to 1970 are 40% silver. Everything else is just "clad" (mostly copper and nickel) and only worth face value. Don't waste your time bringing in buckets of modern quarters unless they're Uncirculated or Proof sets.
Third, check your jewelry for "costume" pieces. Use a magnet. If a piece of jewelry sticks to a magnet, it isn't gold or silver. It’s steel or another base metal. Gold and silver are non-ferrous. This saves you the embarrassment of trying to sell a "gold" necklace that's actually just plated iron.
Finally, just go in. The market for precious metals is volatile. If you've been holding onto things since the early 2000s, you're likely sitting on a massive profit compared to what you originally paid. Whether you're in Redford, Livonia, or anywhere else in Metro Detroit, having a face-to-face evaluation is the only way to ensure you aren't leaving money on the table. Trust the locals who have been doing this for forty years; they've survived every recession and market bubble for a reason.
Grab your box, head down to Plymouth Road, and see what the "market" actually thinks of your collection. You might be surprised.
Expert Tips for Sellers:
- Request a "Detailed Quote": If you have multiple high-value items, ask for a breakdown. Most shops are happy to explain the math.
- Watch the Scale: Legitimate dealers in Michigan must have their scales certified by the state. Look for the weights and measures sticker.
- Check Recent Sales: Use eBay "Sold" listings (not "Asking" prices) to get a ballpark idea of what your specific coins or jewelry might be worth to a collector before you walk through the door.