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 Replies: 26 / Views: 2,286 |
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Valued Member
United States
188 Posts |
I recently responded to a craigslist add that only stated "Lincoln cents $100. It was a 20 minute drive and when I arrived at the house it was a women in here 70's who had recently lost her husband who was a Lincoln Cent hoarder/collector. She invited me in and the collection was laid out on the table. When I started looking at the coins I asked her to confirm how much she wanted for them and she told me that a dealer offered her $100 but she didn't sell them to him because he was rude. Well, turns out that it is a complete set 1909-2008 minus the S VDB to include the proofs from the early 40's on. Everything from 1930 on is BU mostly red or R/B and there are several BU teens. The 14-d is AG, 09-s is a weak Fine but the other semi-keys are VF and above. I told her that they were worth allot more than $100! She told me she knew that and her husband would have wanted them to go to an honest person who would enjoy them and appreciate them. I insisted that I pay more and she refused saying that she didn't need the money. Before I left she asked me if I would be interested in buying his junk cents for face value. I said yes because I like to search for varieties. She said your going to have to carry them out of the cellar yourself because they are heavy. When I got down there, there were (5) 5000K bags 3 marked 40's & 50's, and 2 marked 09-39. I carried them up and I told her they were worth allot more than $250 and was told the same as the before. She didn't need the money and thanked me for being honest. This is truly the deal of a lifetime and I truly feel blessed that this has happened to me but I came away from all of this with mixed feelings. On one had I got a great deal and on the other hand I ripped off an old lady. Sure I told her what they were worth and she didn't care but in the end I ripped of an old lady. I could try to send her a check but I doubt she would cash it. I think the least I could do is send her some flowers or something. Any thought's? |
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Valued Member
United States
171 Posts |
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Sounds like you did the right thing. You offered to pay her more than the first guy. I bet she would like the flowers.
Mark
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10284 Posts |
You can always do something nice for somebody else ( on his and her behalf and honor ) who might need some help or charity if it will clear up your conscience. She said she didn't need the extra money you offered, so that is done. If you made out like a bandit, why not sell some and give the proceeds to a responsible charity or cause? Your collection will shine a lot more brightly. You'll feel much better about owning it.  Edited by TNG
04/15/2009 09:46 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1745 Posts |
 , maybe her late husband had a favorite charity or there was some charity indicated in the obituary where memorials are to be sent. Send a donation and then a handwritten note to her thanking her again. |
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Valued Member
United States
121 Posts |
I don't think you ripped her off. She was aware of their value and she likely had no one to leave them to that would appreciate them. If she didn't need the money then she must have felt a need to pass them on to a collector similar to her husband. You sure got a nice deal. I think the flowers idea is a nice thought.
Maine_Jim
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Pillar of the Community
United States
632 Posts |
Yea, flowers and chocolate. And let me add a  to the forum and an OooRaah! Edited by acidic1
04/15/2009 09:56 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2669 Posts |
Since her husband was a collector, if you do decide to sell some and do something charity-wise with the proceeds, why not consider sponsoring a Young Numismatist? Keep it in the family, so to speak  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2049 Posts |
I love the ideas above...
1) Take a portion of what you would have paid above what you did, and donate it to a charity on their behalf
2) Send a nice thank you note...I am sure she is lonely now that her husband has passed away, so a simple gesture like that will probably brighten her day
You did the right, honest thing but you cant force someone to accept more than they're asking. Kudos to you for being honest enough to offer more though.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
959 Posts |
Just by shearing your experience with this forum, you certainly didn't rip her off. You didn't have to share this with anyone. I'm sure it made her happy knowing someone like you will take care of her husbands prize collection.
A contribution to there favorite charity, if one exists, would be good.
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Valued Member
United States
198 Posts |
USMC Lion, I think it would be a wonderful gesture to send her a big bouquet of flowers and a thankyou card. It would make both of you feel better! ~ Jim
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Moderator
 United States
187446 Posts |
I think you did the right thing by being honest. You are probably the perfect person to "inherit" this treasure, so do not feel guilty. It would be completely different had she not told you herself that she knew what they were worth.
There is a lot of good advice in this thread, to share the wealth as it were. One good turn deserves another.
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Valued Member
United States
383 Posts |
Flowers are clearly the way to go here, and more than she would expect.
You could also find a parent & child at the next show you go to, explain your story above, and give the kid some of the harder to find coins. Not necessarily keys, but that would be nice too.
This way more than just you get to enjoy this old man's collection, and everyone wins.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Quote:
Sure I told her what they were worth and she didn't care but in the end I ripped of an old lady. I could try to send her a check but I doubt she would cash it. I think the least I could do is send her some flowers or something. Any thought's?
Nah, don't feel like you ripped her off- that was the dealer attempting to do that  You are right, I bet she would not cash a check for extra money. You made out pretty dern good with the Lincolns for $100 and then $250 face in Wheaties is over-the-top awesome, I bet that some treasures do lurk in there. The charitable donation is a good idea but you may want to try something that would have a more direct impact on her. Ask if she needs any help around the house with anything- offer yourself as a handyman for a day or two if you are capable of that. Older widows are usually not able to take care of things when husbands pass away and a house tends to deteriorate over time. Go ahead and pay it forward  When I was in high school, I had a lawn mowing business and I cut grass for a few elderly widows and others in the neighborhood. Over time, I started to notice things that should be fixed and I offered to help out. Yeah, they always paid me for it but I was not doing it for the money, I just felt they needed some extra help. I knew I was making a difference and they greatly appreciated the work because I usually had a glass of lemonade and a plate of cookies waiting for me when I finished and they doted on me to their friends like I was a grandchild This also got me quite a few referrals to their friends and I ended up doing work for them too. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Quote:
Ask if she needs any help around the house with anything- offer yourself as a handyman for a day or two if you are capable of that. Older widows are usually not able to take care of things when husbands pass away and a house tends to deteriorate over time. Go ahead and pay it forward A very practical and helpful idea, in additional to all those already made. And what a nice experience for both of you--the collector's torch has been passed to you. |
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
USMCLion, I think you should bring her some flowers and maybe even take her out for lunch,that would probably make her day,she sure made your day right? John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2661 Posts |
With the above suggestions. Ask if she or her husband has a favorite charity. If they do not, then ask if she would mind if you donated to say.......The Wounded Warrior Project in their honor, a charity which I am sure you can relate. |
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Replies: 26 / Views: 2,286 |
Posted 04/15/2009 09:44 am
