Hi Robert,
This is available easily for $11 or less: http://iteadstudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=16&products_id=6
Comes with loop antenna.
They put out ASCII. Data Sheet: http://iteadstudio.com/store/images/produce/RFID/125KReader_U/RDM630-Spec.pdf
Cards and Tags are 50 cents.
13.56 Mhz is close-sensing, not at any big distance..