They say money doesn’t grow on trees—but what if it’s hiding in your pocket? Some coins, e.g., the 1975 dime no mint mark value, have sent collectors into a frenzy, selling for thousands of dollars.
But why leave it to luck? If you’ve got a collector’s eye and a love for something new, why not look for rare specimens on two wheels? New York City is a paradise for cyclists and coin collectors as well. There are many shops scattered across boroughs. Each has a lot of rare finds, historical pieces and investment-worthy specimens.
Ditch the subway, avoid the traffic, and take the route. Today we’ll map out the best bicycle trails leading straight to the city’s top coin dealers.
Are you ready to ride for riches? Let’s roll!
Route 1: Lower Manhattan Loop
Start: Battery Park
End: Midtown
Distance: ~5 miles
Stops: Wall Street, Charging Bull, Trinity Church, One World Trade Center
Old places have soul, and so do old coins.
If there’s one place in New York that breathes history, it’s Lower Manhattan. These streets were once walked by bankers, traders and merchants dealing in gold and silver centuries before the New York Stock Exchange even existed. And guess what? The spirit of commerce is still alive—you just need to know where to look.
Your Stops:
Stack’s Bowers Galleries (123 W 57th St.) – One of the most prestigious coin auction houses in the world. If you’re looking for ultra-rare coins and graded investment pieces, this is your spot.
Manhattan Coin & Jewelry (30 W 47th St.) – It’s located in the Diamond District. This shop offers collectible coins, bullion and currency notes.
Best Cycling Path: Start at Battery Park and ride up Broadway—this route lets you avoid the heavy congestion of Canal Street while giving you plenty of historic landmarks to admire along the way.
Tip: Take a quick detour to Trinity Church and check out the resting place of Alexander Hamilton—he’d surely approve of your numismatic experience!
Route 2: Midtown Madness
Start: Central Park South
End: Times Square
Distance: ~4 miles
Stops: Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal
Can’t buy happiness? Maybe. But a 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle might just come close.
Midtown is the heartbeat of New York. It’s full of business moguls, flashing billboards and some of the best coin shops in the city. This route is for those who love their collectibles with a side of dazzling city lights.
Your Stops:
NY Gold & Silver (37 W 47th St.) – A great spot for people who want to trade or invest in gold and silver bullion. They also have a solid collection of historical U.S. coins.
Heritage Auctions New York (445 Park Ave.) – Ever dreamed of holding a coin that once belonged to royalty or a founding father? This auction house specializes in rare numismatic wonders.
Best Cycling Path: Cruise through the bike-friendly lanes of Central Park, then weave your way down 5th Avenue—an iconic ride past some of NYC’s most famous landmarks.
Tip: Stop by Grand Central Terminal and peek into the Campbell Bar.
Route 3: Brooklyn Bound
Start: Brooklyn Bridge
End: Bay Ridge
Distance: ~7 miles
Scenic Stops: DUMBO, Prospect Park, Sunset Park
Fortune favors the bold – and those who dare to cross the Brooklyn Bridge on two wheels.
Brooklyn has always been a place of reinvention—its industrial roots, its modern-day artistic flair… But beneath the hipster cafes and street murals lies a market for collectibles, coins included. If you’re up for a ride and the chance to find some numismatic pieces, this is your route.
Your Stops:
Brooklyn Gallery Coins & Stamps (8725 4th Ave.) – A neighborhood classic with a large collection of world coins, U.S. currency and even rare stamps.
Crown Heights Collectibles (Kingston Ave.) – A lesser-known shop with a personal touch—expect interesting finds and fair prices.
Best Cycling Path: Start your ride across the Brooklyn Bridge (early morning is best to avoid crowds), take a coffee break in DUMBO, then follow 3rd Avenue down to Bay Ridge for smooth sailing.
Tip: DUMBO’s flea markets sometimes have vintage coin collections—worth a pit stop before heading to your main destinations!
Route 4: Queens Quest
Start: Queensboro Bridge
End: Flushing
Distance: ~6 miles
Scenic Stops: Astoria Park, Roosevelt Island, Flushing Meadows
Not all treasure is buried—sometimes it’s sitting quietly in a Queens storefront.
Queens might not be the first place that comes to mind for coin collecting, but don’t underestimate it. If you like the thrill of discovery, this route is for you.
Your Stops:
Astoria Coins & Collectibles (28th Ave & Steinway St.) – A cozy spot with an impressive selection of foreign coins and paper currency.
Elmhurst Rare Coins (Broadway & Roosevelt Ave.) – A no-frills shop where collectors swear by the occasional “lucky find.”
Best Cycling Path: Cross the Queensboro Bridge, follow the waterfront through Astoria Park and end in Flushing—a neighborhood with a rich history (and fantastic food!).
Tip: Once in Flushing, grab some dumplings at White Bear—you’ve earned it after all that riding!
The Final Stop – Satisfaction
There’s something about coins that makes them special. Each one has history, value, something that lasted through time. And maybe, just maybe, the next one you buy will be the rare find that changes everything.
So, what are you waiting for? Pump up those tires, grab your helmet and hit the streets. NYC’s numismatic space is waiting to be explored—one pedal stroke at a time.
Now, the real question is: Which route will you take first?