the company

Carsley Whetstone is a combination of two great Montreal firms; Carsley a coin store operating since 1928, and Thompson & Whetstone founded in the 1980s.

Alexander Carsley founded Carsley in 1928, and was an early pioneer in the Montreal numismatic community. He built a family business, with a storefront to serve collectors. This business grew over the years and was relocated to St-Catherine Street. In the 1980`s he handed off the business to his assistant Jose Reis who helped grow Carsleys into one of Montreals largest coin shops. Carsleys has a reputation selling some of the rarest Canadian coins, including the 1921 50 Cents, the only known 1944 Tombac nickel, and many of the rarest Canadian Colonial tokens. In 1995 Mr. Reis passed away, and his wife and sister in law took over the day to day operation of the store.

In the early 1980`s a partnership was formed between Morley Thompson and William Whetstone. Both were very knowledgeable buyers and valuators of antiques, jewellery, and coins. They established an office downtown in the Drummond building, and ran a successful business for 2 decades. In 1999 Mr. Thompson retired from the business, and Mr. Whetstone along with Odile Flashner, and Roy Sturgeon (as a consultant) took over the operations.

In August 1999, Mr. Whetstone purchased Carsleys, the two companies were merged, and operations were amalgamated at our current address.

During this time Michael Joffre, began to work part-time as an advisor for the new Carsley Whetstone & Company Inc. He helped the company develop a web presence, and market their services online. As well, he provided expertise relating to pop-culture, and numismatic (coins) collectables. He developed a working relationship with the firm, and decided in 2005 he wanted to pursue his interest in numismatics full time.

In February 2005 Mr. Joffre purchased the outstanding shares from the other partners, and in the 5 years since has greatly expanded the firm. In the fall of 2005 a retail operation was restarted, first with comic books, and then in the spring of 2010 with a full coin section. Jewellery and coins continue to be the main focus of the firm, but CWC also makes a market in silver objects, antique pocket & wrist watches, and military medals.

We are well known in Montreal, and have kept the same offices for over 25 years. We are also well known across Canada, and the world. Mr. Joffre has maintained many of the contacts from both predecessor companies, and travels to conferences regularly to gain knowledge, and meet new potential clients.

We are proud of our 83+ year heritage, and look forward to serving our clients for years to come.