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Whitehall Coin & Jewelry: A New Adventure

A Passion Project Begins

With an undeniable love for all things historical, the mother-son duo, Aziza Khalil and Alexander Hatch, have embarked on a fascinating journey. Their new venture, Whitehall Coin & Jewelry, just opened its doors at the MacArthur Center, 3690 Lehigh St. So, what’s the story behind this unique partnership?

From Coins to Custom Jewelry

Their venture traces back to 2007 when Khalil joined Northampton Coin & Jewelry. By 2018, the business split, with Khalil taking over and eventually closing Northampton Coin Exchange. The move to Whitehall was driven by the desire to blend coin dealing with jewelry. As Khalil aptly puts it, “We wanted to include jewelry, but couldn’t at our previous location.”

The Expansion Dream

Previously situated alongside another jewelry store, their operations were restricted. So, Khalil and Hatch made the bold move to Whitehall, seeking independence. Khalil recalls, “People had to walk through the front of their store to get to us because we were in the back.” Now, it’s all theirs.

Hatch’s Love for History

Hatch, a Penn State-Lehigh Valley grad, joined his mom at the Northampton Exchange while on a job hunt. He notes, “I kind of fell in love with it, and here we are.” His passion isn’t just a recent discovery. He’s always had an appreciation for history and how things evolve over time.

Coins with Stories

Stepping inside their store is like entering a mini-museum. Khalil and Hatch’s coin collection boasts pieces over 200 years old. One rare find is a coin from 1798, minted just a decade after the Constitution’s ratification. According to Khalil, “Every coin has a story to tell.”

Diving into the Value

Today’s coins might not have the same spending power as before. In fact, producing pennies and nickels costs more than their face value. Yet, some coins hold significant value. Take the pair of 1792 copper coins that fetched $869,500 at auction. As Khalil notes, “It really all depends on the rarity of the coin.”

Business Hours and History

Whitehall Coin & Jewelry opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on most days, with shorter hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The space once housed Hess Jewelers and Unbreakable Fitness, each adding its layer to the building’s history.

What’s Happening in Lehigh Valley?

• Rite Aid closed all its stores nationwide.
• Drink Fresh by Djurdjura opened at Lehigh Valley Mall.
• The Juice Pod started operations in Bethlehem, offering healthy foods like smoothies and salads. Check out their locations.
• Unwine Vineyards wine bar opened in Bethlehem, having previously operated in Easton.

Final Thoughts

Khalil and Hatch’s store is more than a business; it’s a celebration of history and passion. As they continue to share stories and treasures, the Lehigh Valley is bound to flock to this newfound gem.

Retail Watch is your go-to for retail and restaurant news in Lehigh Valley. Got tips or questions? Email Graysen Golter at retailwatch@mcall.com.