Las Cruces is the economic center of the Mesilla Valley, and the second-largest city in New Mexico. It lies at the juncture of Interstate 10 and 25, between the Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande.
It was settled by the Spanish in 1598, when conquistador Juan de Onate claimed the land north of the Rio Grande for New Spain. It became the subject of land squabbles during the 1800s, when it was claimed by the Mexican Empire, and later by the Republic of Texas. In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo established the United States as the land’s rightful owner. The U.S. Army began to develop Las Cruces a year later.
Most residents chose to settle in nearby Mesilla instead, until the railroad reached Las Cruces in 1881. While this didn’t experience the population explosion seen in many American cities, it did help the area grow steadily. More people arrived when the New Mexico State University was founded in Las Cruces in 1888. As the university has grown, so has Las Cruces. A large urban renewal initiative in the 1960s helped Las Cruces transform into the modern city it is today.
Don’s Collectibles
(575) 522-3721
3020 Majestic Ridge
Las Cruces, NM 88011
Don’s Collectibles has sold a diverse range of collectible items, including gold and silver coins, for more than 40 years. Don’s Collectibles specializes in U.S. gold and silver coins, including Morgan dollars and proof sets. All these coins are professionally graded or sourced from the U.S. Mint.
The Blue Stone Too
(575) 532-6342
1301 E Lohman Avenue
Las Cruces, NM 88011
The Blue Stone Too sells a range of historic and valuable silver and gold coins. It is located in the heart of Las Cruces, and overseen by store manager Lisa Wright.
Traderman Pawn Shop
(575) 541-0215
122 Avenida de Mesilla
Las Cruces, NM 88005
Traderman Pawn Shop buys and sells a range of products, including gold and silver coins. The store was established in 1962 and is now a third-generation pawn outlet. The owners promise to consider all reasonable offers on their merchandise.
MMJ’s Pawn Shop
(575) 526-9053
2215 N. Main Street
Las Cruces, NM 88001
MMJ’s Pawn Shop is another pawn shop that buys and sells gold and silver in the Las Cruces area. Like Traderman Pawn Shop, it is also a family business currently overseen by its third generation. Its proprietors encourage serious shoppers to bargain with them to take home the best deal on gold, silver, and other merchandise. The store has been a part of the Las Cruces community for more than 50 years.