Open today · 9:00–5:30
Est. 1982 (559) 222-2646
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Meet our experts

Forty-plus people. Two generations of one family. A cousin, a best friend from childhood, a friend of the family for decades, and a master jeweler who ran his own shop for twenty years before joining ours.

The Family

Two generations, one counter.

Steve Sr. opened the doors in 1982. His children grew up behind the counter and own the business today — which is why the answer to "can I speak to the owner?" is usually just "yes."

◆ Since 1982 · Founder

Steve Foster, Sr.

Founder / Co-Owner

After a career in restaurant management, Steve opened Fresno Coin in 1982 as a small family shop. An expert in U.S. coins with a particular passion for Bust Halves.

His love of Fresno history is the reason those photographs are on the Showroom walls. He simply couldn't help himself.

Specialism: U.S. coins · Bust Halves
◆ Since 1982 · Founder

Kathy Foster

Founder / Co-Owner

Kathy is responsible for the warm service that built the loyal customer base this business still runs on — the reason people say things like "my dad told me this was the place to go."

Deep knowledge of vintage jewelry and precious stones, and a deep love for her family.

Specialism: Vintage jewelry · Precious stones
◆ Second Generation

Steve Foster, Jr.

President / Co-Owner

Stephen has worked for the company since he was in middle school. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Fresno Numismatic Society, the Foundation at Fresno County Office of Education, and the California Pawnbrokers Association.

All three with the same goal: raising the professionalism and image of the pawnbroker industry.

Boards: FNS · FCOE Foundation · CAPA
◆ Second Generation

Philip Foster

Vice President / Co-Owner

Philip grew up in the family business and is now proud to be an owner. He developed an interest in Ancient Roman coinage as a child and expanded into U.S. coins in the mid-90s.

A GIA certified diamond expert, he spends most of his time running The Showroom — so he's usually the one standing at the case.

Specialism: GIA certified diamonds · Ancient Roman · U.S. coins
◆ Marketing since 2011

Stephanie Foster-Mullins

Marketing Director

Although she grew up around the family business, Stephanie officially took over marketing in 2011.

She credits her 15-year career in law enforcement with helping her appreciate working every day with her siblings, parents and colleagues.

Previously: 15 years in law enforcement
◆ Since 2008

Michelle Page

Chief Administrative Officer

With a Business Administration degree from Fresno State and a flair for organisation, Michelle has been the glue keeping Fresno Coin running smoothly since 2008 — through a period of significant growth.

Specialism: Operations · Fresno State BS
The Coin Counter

The people dealers drive to see.

Walt Ankerman is a professional coin dealer who drives hundreds of miles to work this counter twelve times a year. These are the people he's coming to see.

◆ A decade at Fresno Coin

Aaron Ellis

Manager, Showroom

Stephen's best friend since childhood, and a decade of employment here. He grew up around his father's local clothing business, Coffee's, and later worked for Corporate Gottschalks.

A specialist in American coins with a particular interest in Silver Dollars.

Specialism: American coins · Silver Dollars
◆ Coin dealer ~30 years

Mark Fischer

Coin Specialist

Interested in coins since childhood and dealing them professionally for nearly thirty years. He joined Fresno Coin in 2008 as a currency and coin expert, and is a member of the American Numismatic Association.

Particular interest in Early American Type coins, and a real eye for coins with beautiful toning — which is exactly why we tell you never to clean one.

Specialism: Early American Type · Currency · ANA member
◆ Started as a customer

Michael Hall

Assistant Manager, Showroom

Mike started as a coin collecting customer and moved quickly through the ranks over the past few years — which tells you something about how this counter works.

Known for his willingness to serve others; recently honoured by a local Boy Scout troop. An interest in gemstones and a devoted family man.

Specialism: Gemstones · Coins
The Bench

Thirty feet behind the counter.

Your ring doesn't go in an envelope to a stranger in another state. It goes here, to people you can stand and talk to before they touch it.

◆ Since 2004 · 40+ years at the bench

Richard Cervantes

Master Jeweler

A seasoned jewelry expert of over forty years, with the team since 2004. After taking an interest in art at school he became a jeweler's apprentice — that, plus instruction at the GIA, led him to start his own business, which he ran for twenty years before joining us.

Known for his incredible craftsmanship and his personality, in roughly equal measure.

Specialism: GIA trained · Repair · Restoration · Custom
◆ Since 2010 · 12+ years

James Edwards

Jeweler

With a passion for creativity, James has been providing "outside of the box" solutions for clients for over twelve years. Since joining in 2010 he's made a significant impact on our fabrication process.

Affectionately referred to as a perfectionist, and prides himself on attention to detail. If you want something built rather than repaired, this is usually who builds it.

Specialism: Fabrication · Custom design
The Loan Window

The people who don't judge you.

"They don't pass judgment and I appreciate how willing they are to work with you." — Mirna Levato. That's a description of specific individuals, not a policy.

◆ Since 2004 · Visalia

Richard Dahlgren

Manager, Loans

A friend of the Foster family for decades, and with the company since 2004. He spends the majority of his time managing the Visalia location.

Loves Disneyland, and collects vintage watches and foreign gold coins.

Specialism: Vintage watches · Foreign gold
◆ Since 2005 · Blackstone

Kendra Heltne

Manager, Loans

The owners' cousin, with the company since 2005. A loan expert known for her dependability, her customer service, and her knowledge of our Authentic Luxury department — the Chanel and Louis Vuitton side.

Also a passion for music. Primarily at our Blackstone pawn location.

Specialism: Loans · Authentic Luxury
◆ Since 2009 · Blackstone

Rosa Velasquez

Assistant Manager, Loans

Rosa started in 2009 and genuinely loves interacting with customers while they do their transactions.

Passionate about jewelry, and collects Mexican silver and gold coins. Mainly at our Blackstone pawn location.

Specialism: Jewelry · Mexican silver & gold
◆ Since 2009 · Blackstone

Adela Velasquez

Assistant Manager, Loans

Adela has been providing courteous and efficient service since 2009. She feels proud when customers compliment her efforts, and is building more expertise in diamond quality and pricing.

Specialism: Loans · Diamonds
◆ Since 2009

Alex Schaeffer

Supervisor, Loans

Alex joined the team in 2009 and worked hard to gain expertise in coins, later becoming knowledgeable about our Authentic Luxury designer items.

Proud to be part of a company that does as much for the community as this one does.

Specialism: Coins · Authentic Luxury
◆ Since 2011

Brittany Sousa

Office Administrator

After joining in early 2011, Brittany quickly proved how versatile she would become — with experience beyond her years.

Involved in local radio and many charities around the Valley.

Also: Local radio · Valley charities

And roughly twenty-five more people across three counters who aren't on this page. Over forty of us, all told.

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More about us.

Ask for someone by name.

It's that kind of shop. Two generations of one family, and about forty people who'd rather explain it than sell it to you.