About ME

From Coin Collector To Prominent Paper Money Dealer

What began as a childhood fascination with coins has grown into a full-fledged career in Rare U.S. Paper Money.

It all started when I was young. My dad used to set aside Kennedy Half Dollars, Eisenhower Dollars, and anything else he thought was unusual or worth saving from circulation. I remember the thrill of holding those coins—feeling like I was touching a piece of history. That curiosity turned into a passion as I searched for silver coins, key dates and errors, eventually building my first complete Washington State Quarter set (Nothing special I know but this was the start). 

As my knowledge and collection grew, I delved into mint errors and rare date coins, which naturally brought me to the coin show scene—and, inevitably, to U.S. paper money. 

What began as collecting quickly turned into sourcing—first for friends, then for collectors and dealers through word of mouth. That "thrill of the hunt" never went away. Over 15+ years (with a few breaks along the way), I’ve built a strong reputation in the hobby. I’ve handled thousands of notes, helped uncover several discovery notes, and—most importantly—made lasting friendships with collectors and dealers alike. 

Today, I remain as excited as ever to share this passion and help others discover the joy of U.S. Paper Money collecting.

With the long-overdue launch of www.TriStateRarities.com, my goal is to make our growing inventory easily accessible to both collectors and dealers. Whether you're just getting started or searching for that next big note on your list, I hope our site becomes a valuable resource in your collecting journey.  

Thanks for stopping by.

– Christopher McGugan @ Tri-State Rarities