In the bustling heart of Chicago's North Side, a modest shop opened its doors in 1929, marking the humble beginnings of what would become a titan in the world of numismatics. Ben Dreiske, a passionate collector with an eye for rarity, founded Ben's Coins and Stamps during the dawn of the Great Depression. Despite the economic turmoil, his small enterprise thrived on the growing fascination with coins and stamps, laying the groundwork for a legacy that would span nearly a century.

By 1936, Ben's ambitions outgrew the North Side, prompting a bold relocation to Chicago's Loop, the city's commercial epicenter. Two years later, in 1938, the shop found a new home at 72-74 W. Washington St., nestled within the iconic First United Methodist Church Building. The move signaled Ben's intent to establish a lasting presence in the city's bustling downtown. World War II brought unexpected prosperity, and between 1945 and 1949, the business boomed, necessitating yet another move—this time to 31 N. Clark St., still within the same building. The late 1940s and early 1950s saw the shop expand its footprint, mirroring the growing demand for rare coins among collectors and investors alike.

In 1962, Ben took a transformative step, partnering with David Shapiro to incorporate the Rare Coin Company of America, Inc., or RARCOA®. This formalization marked a shift from a local shop to a professional firm poised for national prominence. The company's reputation grew steadily, and in 1968, Dennis Forgue, an expert in currency and autographs, joined the team, adding depth to RARCOA's expertise. The 1970s ushered in new blood: Kurt Eckstein, Ben's nephew, brought familial loyalty. Jim Simek joined in 1971, followed by Ed Milas in 1972, who quickly rose to partner status. That same year, Ben retired to Florida, entrusting his legacy to a new generation.

The mid-1980s saw Ed Milas steer RARCOA to Willowbrook, first to a bank building and then to a private, secure facility—a fortress for its priceless inventory. In 1994, Ed's son, Wayde Milas, joined the firm, ensuring the family tradition endured. Wayde's arrival foreshadowed a new chapter, and in 2009, he purchased RARCOA outright, taking the helm as the numismatic world evolved into the digital age.