NUMISMATICS

Nestled in the heart of Sugar House, Utah, All About Coins stands as more than just a shop — it’s a living piece of local history, culture, and passion. For 44 years, this cherished coin gallery has offered Utah trade tokens, U.S. and world coins and currency, gold specimens, and rare collectibles. But what truly sets this place apart is its soul, embodied in its founder, Bob Campbell, whose deep-rooted love for rare coins has shaped not only his personal journey but also the community that has grown around his shop.

The Spark that Ignited a Lifelong Passion

For Bob Campbell, the allure of rare coins started with a deeply personal connection. Born in Salt Lake City in 1958, Bob’s life changed at a young age when he stumbled upon his late father’s modest coin collection. His father, also named Bob Campbell, passed away when Bob was almost five years old. “I have no memories of my dad,” Bob reflects, “but one thing he left behind was a small collection of coins. And through those coins, I found a way to seek him out.”

The collection, stored in a simple white box, contained various coins from around the world, each holding stories that fascinated young Bob. These coins served as a bridge to his father, sparking a curiosity that would eventually shape his future. “Me learning about coins was me seeking out my father,” Bob explains. “And now it’s a way for me to honor him.”

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Coin Shop

Growing up in a working-class family, Bob’s path to success wasn’t easy. After his father’s passing, his mother worked as a dishwasher and house cleaner to make ends meet. Despite these hardships, Bob was determined. At the age of 12, he took control of the family’s coin collection, buying out his brothers’ shares. “To say I was obsessed is an understatement,” he admits, recalling how he would ride his bike ten miles to visit local coin shops. He even started a coin club in his neighborhood, proving his passion was more than just a hobby — it was a calling.

After returning from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bob began working at Wally’s Coin Shop in Salt Lake City, a place that would later become All About Coins. Bob’s mentor, Wallace Hopper, recognized the young man’s enthusiasm and took him under his wing. “Wally gave me a book, The Guidebook of United States Coins, and asked me three questions,” Bob recalls. “He told me to find the answers before I came back, and that started my journey of learning and collecting.”

Bob eventually bought Wally’s coin shop, and in 1983, he and his wife Carol officially took over the business. With a humble start — just one cabinet of coins — the Campbells doubled their sales each year. By 1987, the shop had its first million-dollar year, cementing Bob’s reputation as a professional numismatist.

A Community Hub for Collectors

What truly distinguishes All About Coins is the community it has built. Bob isn’t just a businessman — he’s a teacher, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for the art of coin collecting. “I’m very transparent, and I tell the truth,” he says. “Being a collector first is a plus because people see that I’m excited about coin collecting. This is a hobby that can be profitable, but you need to learn about the coins — what’s rare, what’s surviving, etc.”

The shop serves customers ranging from novice collectors to experienced numismatists. Bob’s hands-on approach ensures that each visitor leaves with not only a coin but also knowledge. “We teach our customers,” Bob says. “We have great times — it’s fun. This place is like a candy store.”

On Saturdays, the shop transforms into a family affair, welcoming young collectors and planting seeds for future generations of numismatists. Bob has even made Halloween a special event, giving away coins instead of candy to the hundreds of trick-or-treaters who visit each year. “We call it planting seeds,” he says. “We’ve been doing it for 40 years, and now we have third generations coming in.”

A Legacy of Expertise

Bob’s expertise in numismatics extends far beyond the local community. Over the years, he has become a respected authority in counterfeit and alteration detection, teaching seminars to federal agencies like the Secret Service, FBI, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Treasury. His dedication to his craft earned him the title of President of the American Numismatic Association, where he once testified before the U.S. Senate on coin design changes.

Despite his impressive credentials, Bob remains humble about his knowledge. “I’ve never referred to myself as an expert,” he says. “I just love learning, and I’ve always been fascinated by the history that coins hold.” His complete collection of Mormon gold pieces, including all six design types, is a testament to his deep appreciation for the stories coins tell. “Holding these coins is like holding history in your hand,” Bob says. “It’s an adventure.”

A Family Business with a Lasting Impact

As All About Coins approaches its fifth decade in business, the legacy that Bob has built is now being passed on to the next generation. His daughter Sarah manages the jewelry portion of the shop, while his son Alex oversees the geology side of the business. Together, they carry on the family tradition of excellence, ensuring that the shop remains a cornerstone of the local community.

Reflecting on his journey, Bob attributes his success to the values his mother instilled in him growing up. “We didn’t have much, but my mom taught me how to negotiate and how to save,” he says. “I never took any business classes — I learned everything from my mentors and from life.”

For Bob Campbell, All About Coins is more than just a business. It’s a tribute to his father, a testament to his love of history, and a beacon for coin collectors across Utah. As the shop continues to thrive, one thing is clear: the legacy of All About Coins will continue to grow, one coin at a time.