PGS Gold & Coin - Palatine, Illinois

Michael Grossmann

Update Response to Owner/ Manager in pictures.......2 Stars Reduced to 1 Star

I try to avoid writing bad reviews being a small business owner myself but feel kinda compelled in this instance unfortunately.
I was looking to begin to scale out of some Uncirculated Gold and silver krugerands this past July. I regularly passed by this place so I thought I'd give them a try. I had called before and spoke to a gentlemen who gave me a great vibe and seemed very knowledgeable.
I have been a gold and silver ametuer collector for 20 years. Far from an expert, far from a schlept. After waiting patiently for over an hour while the representative sorted coins with another gentlemen, I played uneducated to a couple rather condescending questions by the woman who introduced herself as one of the owners. Before even getting to the uncirculated sleeves of sealed krugerands, I was curious to see what she would say about a pair of 18k and 14k solid gold pocket watches I recently acquired. I did this in essence as a test of the establishments integrity just to see where they sat fully knowing their MELT value based on several other professional assessments before even getting to the much more substantial 1oz Krugerands.......I also for valid reason was waiting patiently (for over an hour) before announcing what I had on me. I was there to do real business......
She took a magnet to the vintage mechanical watches and in 2 seconds told me " These are not gold and aren't worth anything. Maybe $20 each. I've been doing this 40 years." Almost awe strucken as I politely asked if she wanted me to remove the case backs so she could see clear as day they were stamped as "18K" and "14k" solid respectively (pics enclosed)......it was quick to "What else you got" ( My time is valuable). I simply politely told her if you're telling me these watches are not gold at all ( see pics) then not to worry about it. I thanked her for her time and left. Had she simply started " I'm sorry we don't buy those" or "We are not interested in those unfortunately but are happy to see if we can conduct business on something else" I WOULD NOT be writing this review.......But if she can't accurately identify vintage jewelry as being Gold or not and instead incorrectly identified and gave a price minimally 1300% off of value two other local competitors offered........ What if I was a schlep who didn't know any better
I fully aknowledge that you cannot judge a business by one incidence or by one employee but in this case it was an owner. And although I take no issue if they simply were not interested in the watches, the tone and attitude and overall experience after waiting patiently to minimally be treated respectfully sent me down the street. In my opinion this was very short sighted in such a competitive business with a lot of competition. We all have room to learn more , even "experts."
I'm NOT writing this review to SLAM this business NOR would I go so far as to question their overall integrity. IM WRITING THIS REVIEW AS A REMINDER TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC NOT TO HESITATE TO SHOP AROUND OR GET A SECOND OPINION if something seems off. Another buyer happily paid me fair value of $1320 for (1) of said solid gold "NOT GOLD $20 Watches" ( See Pic) and I'm having the other refurbished as another gold buyer advised me it was in my best fiscal interest.
To the Gentlemen I initially spoke with on the phone... I have a feeling said review and interaction and likely transaction would have gone quite differently had we sat down across from one another to conduct business. I didn't bring the large Satchell I came in with for show ....... And although I aknowledge the sleeved Uncirculated Krugerands would have been much easier to negotiate over, it was regrettable that the first 5 seconds with the representative there at the time prevented this possibility.

Yours Respectfully,

MW Grossmann
Wilmette IL

Ellie Karafotias

Had a wonderful experience. Dan was very patient with me and all my questions I had about silver. He took the time to explain how the system worked. I definitely will be bring more silver and gold to them. I also felt that I got a honest price from them. Thank you for everything Dan.

Karen Doheny-Stockhausen

We brought several pieces of my mom's jewelry. Dan took his time and explained what he was doing to determine the value. We were pleased with his professionalism, and will definitely return if we have more to sell.

Richard Koerner

This store is the epitome of professional and fair. Dan was relaxed, knowledgable and fair as I sold three silver half dollars to him. The location was clean and all the staff were very friendly and approachable. I went there on a whim because they were close. The reward was the best experience I could have wished for. Thank you Dan and PGS for preserving history.

alina hondros

I had the pleasure of working with Judith Katz to sell some gold and silver jewelry and coins, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From the start, Judith was incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and patient, guiding me through the entire process with ease.

What stood out most was Judith’s honesty and integrity. I felt confident that I was getting a fair deal. Whether you're new to selling jewelry and coins or have experience, I highly recommend Judith for her expertise and exceptional service.

Kristine Hedke

Great place to stop if you have some items you think may be worth something. Compared to a decade ago I feel I have been getting top dollar for my gold here. Very kind people as well!

David Gordon

Just heard an advertisement for these folks on the radio and thought I would glance at my previous review which mysteriously has disappeared, probably because this organization paid Google to take it away, because it was very negative, and I had irrefutable evidence that they play stupid and are scammers.

If I were you, I would stay as far away from this establishment as possible. They have a track record of trying to swindle valuable material and coins away from unknowledgeable consumers.

I specifically tried to get an estimate on some collectible silver coins, 48oz Troy silver .999 with certificates of authentication included in my valuation request. I was quoted $18 when the melt value of them at the time was over $800. I still have the entire email correspondence from 2019 with Aaron M. Ratkovich.

Again, stay away.

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Here is my response to your response: it does not matter when my experience happened. You can try and make nice nice in your response, but the fact of the matter is it happened and it is in writing attached to this review and I am making other consumers aware. There is no excuse for it and I am not the only one. I’m sure other reviews have been removed as well because it is not a frivolous expense to remove negative reviews. In fact there are businesses dedicated to doing so and with your current marketing blitz I’m sure you have elected to try it. I might be wrong there, but it doesn’t matter. My experience stands for itself. You cannot change the past and I can guarantee you I will never call or enter one of your facilities in the future.

Jimmy Dean Carlson

It was a pleasure doing business with Judith. We had a very nice conversation while I was there. I heard of PGS from friends and I was happy I listened to their advice.