About Us

Chester’s Coins located on historic Main Street in Ames, Iowa. We buy, sell, trade and appraise rare coins, currency, and gold and silver bullion.

The store is owned by Kirk Nichols, a passionate coin collector with over 13 years of experience in the rare coin business.  Kirk is a life long Ames resident (Go Cyclones!) and involved in many numismatic organizations. Kirk is a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA),  the Iowa Numismatic Association, and Ames Coin Club.

Who is Chester?

We get this question a lot! Any guesses? The store is named after our family dog, Chester (a pug), who was our pet when we first opened the store.

Facts about Chester’s:

  • Chester’s Coins is an authorized PCGS and NGC dealer.
  • We have been at our current location since August of 2004.
  • We buy, sell, trade and appraise rare coins, currency, and gold and silver bullion.
  • Chester’s Coins is the only local retailer of beer and wine making supplies.
  • Kirk offers a friendly atmosphere where our customers become our friends. Come in and say hi!

We buy, sell, trade and appraise rare coins, currency, and gold and silver bullion.