El Cajon is a cultural melting pot in the foothills of El Cajon Mountain. This diverse community has one of the largest Chaldean Catholic and Iraqi communities in the United States, as well as many Hispanic, African-American, and Asian residents. It’s known as The Big Box by locals, after the translation of its Spanish name.
The city’s earliest settlers were Roman Catholic missionaries who discovered the area while searching for pasture land in the early 19th century. It wasn’t until the Mexican Era that plots of land in El Cajon were made available to individuals outside the church. Wealthy Spanish dons, who were always envious of the fortunes of the Catholic Church, seized the opportunity. Growth was slow, with just 25 families living in the valley by 1878.
El Cajon finally became recognized as a city in 1912, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that it really began to develop. The city got a police car and mail service in 1942, and its famous Mother Goose Parade began in 1947. Its population grew from 1,471 in 1940 to more than 5,000 by the end of the decade. Today, nearly 100,000 residents call El Cajon home. If you’re one of them or you’re passing through the area, here is a guide to El Cajon’s brick and mortar coin and bullion dealers.
Broadway Coin & Stamp
(619) 440-0362
473 Broadway
El Cajon, CA 92021
Since 1982, Broadway Coin & Stamp has bought and sold a range of coins, paper notes, stamps, and gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion from the United States and around the world. Commemorative coins, Krugerrands, and American Eagle coins are part of its extensive inventory. Its coin holders, jackets, and tubes help keep purchases in mint condition.
Santee Coins
(619) 588-2880
1020 El Cajon Blvd.
El Cajon, CA 92020
Santee Coins has specialized in U.S. coins and gold and silver bullion since opening in 2007. It is a small, privately-held store with a dedicated team of staffers who have a comprehensive knowledge of numismatics. Santee Coins also offers estate appraisals, as well as retail services.
East County Pawn Shop
(619) 588-4207
941 Broadway
El Cajon, CA 92021
Coins, cameras, jewelry, musical instruments, power tools, electronics and more are all available at East County Pawn Shop, a family owned business established in 1983. The shop has a reputation for customer service, and they offer layaway plans to help shoppers expand their collections.
Golden Pawnshop
(619) 593-7739
1246 E Main St. Suite 111
El Cajon, CA 92021
Golden Pawnshop’s name gives customers an indication of its high-end inventory. The store specializes in precious metals, with collectible coins and fine jewelry amongst its range. It opened its doors in 1992, and has learned valuable lessons about what customers need during more than 20 years in the trade.