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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12437 Posts |
Quote: 1. To immunize myself against the many high-quality fakes that exist, should I purchase a slabbed coin, buy a raw coin after familiarizing myself with the die varieties, or familiarize myself with the die varieties and then purchase a slabbed coin? I would purchase a graded coin from either PCGS, NGC or ANACS. I would stay away from lesser services; others may think differently. OR purchase an example (certified or raw) from a dealer who specializes in the series - a dealer who seldom handles the coin may not have the proper expertise. Quote: 2. My budget is on the low end for these coins, in the roughly $600-$1000 range...Should I try to save up to $1500 and buy a more visually appealing example,,, I would try to purchase the best quality example you can afford. I wouldn't skimp on "the biggest coin purchase of my life". Take your time and make a purchase that you can always be happy with owning! Quote:3. Going back to the counterfeiting problem, is buying from ebay (even a slabbed coin) something that should be regarded as completely off the table? Ought I to restrict myself to purchasing in person or from a more reputable online site like Great Collections? For me, ebay would not be my first choice (unless purchased from a recognized expert in the series with a return policy). My preference would be to inspect the coin in hand vs. online, but I recognize that this isn't always possible. Hope that helps! Good luck!
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2010 Posts |
I remember back in the late 60's- early 70's when some collectors would actually dust their folders and albums with sulfur to intentionally achieve toning over time. Some of the toning was pleasing, others not so much. Your quest for a Draped Bust Dollar is a large task to accomplish especially with your current budget. Something certified with enough pleasing details might run $2000-$3000. If you are intent on acquiring one, I would save some more money before making a decision. Best of luck my friend! One of these has always been a dream of mine as well.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4480 Posts |
Best to stay away from ebay unless the example is in a TPG holder for sale by a reputable dealer. if you are going to spend $1000 plus for a coin, consider purchasing the example from one of the major auction houses Great Collections, Heritage or Stacks for selection and value. If you buy a details example, I see no issues with cracking it out and putting it in an album, and I would not be concerned about the toning. If you purchased a straight graded example, it would be best not to crack it out
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Valued Member
United States
421 Posts |
I'm in a similar boat, I like old raw low-grade coins, but am afraid of counterfeits. So the best way to get these is to buy "Details" coins on the various sites where you can't really tell it's details, then crack it out, rub it up a little and it's "good to go". To get a Draped Bust dollar under $1000 though, that will be tough, here's a sampling and seems they are all plugged, holed, graffit'd, scrubbed shiny, otherwise mangled.
Edited by TimNH 08/16/2026 1:16 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3352 Posts |
In that price range you'll be getting an unslabbed details coin. It's very hard to find worn bust dollars that don't have problems.
"Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
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Moderator
 United States
193156 Posts |
Great advice here. I wish you good luck! 
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2234 Posts |
I've purchased many older coins from ebay and never had a problem. Just because there are fakes there doesn't mean you're going to get one.
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Moderator
 United States
193156 Posts |
Quote: Just because there are fakes there doesn't mean you're going to get one. I agree. Online purchases require due diligence and patience.
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Moderator
 United States
103180 Posts |
Lots of good advice being given here. Some that I may use in the future when I get back to filling up more of my 7070 Dansco album.
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Moderator
 United States
193156 Posts |
Quote: Some that I may use in the future when I get back to filling up more of my 7070 Dansco album. That time is now. 
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1900 Posts |
I bought mine raw and uncertified ~15 years ago and have always been very pleased with the coin and its price. It is not a coin to skimp on cost. Save up; spend a little more and get something you will truly enjoy that will likely increase in value over time. Mine has a major well known die crack that I actually find appealing. I do not favor whitman albums but I wish dansco had included slots for the earlier types. Best of luck with your search. 
Edited by mysilveryears 08/18/2026 10:23 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3352 Posts |
I have one with that crack too, but in G-VG. Nice coin mysilveryears.
"Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1900 Posts |
thq, I would love to see a pic of yours!
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Moderator
 United States
193156 Posts |
Quote: I bought mine raw and uncertified ~15 years ago and have always been very pleased with the coin and its price... Amazing! 
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3352 Posts |
"Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
Edited by thq Today 1H 18M ago
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