Coins Magazine

I realize that no guide is exact, I use things like that for a general idea of the value is. So if something is priced for $2, I wouldn't pay more than $2.25 and I wouldn't sell for less than $2. Does that make any sense?

People attitudes change all of the time, especially when the holidays come around and last minute panic strikes! We all want to buy low and sell high, but sometimes you get burned on some items and you come out way ahead on others. I got a good deal (IMO) on a Twenty Cent Piece a couple of nights ago, nice AU strike (CCF opinions indicate that it was cleaned), for VF money. I may not be so fortunate next time I sell something to cover the expense.

Eye appeal is buy appeal. If you like something, buy it. It does not hurt to haggle with the seller, the worst thing they could say is "no". Something holds true when you sell.

I use numismedia.com Fair Market Values as a guide.

No. I see the COINS price guide as a retail guide. If you are buying I would expect to pay somewhere around the listed price. As fr as selling you are not going to be able to sell at those retail prices. Figure up to around 40% back of the listed prices. So if it says $2 you may not be able to get more than $1.20 for it. Actually for a low value item like that you might get even less because they probably have plenty of them already. But if it is silver you would have the bullion value as a floor value.

I would say the closet guideline is the Greysheet/Bluesheet series of publications. The top graded coins will always bring the best money. I don't mean the Pop 1 or 2 coins, I mean in each grade. i.e.; a super nice high end XF original, no damage, no cleaning, no problems will always bring more than a low end problem XF coin, and usually way above ASK pricing. So buy the best coin you can afford, I learned there is usually another coin out there, don't jump too quick on the first one you find, study the series you are collecting well, get to know the striking characteristics for each year and MM, become an expert, you'll know when you run across one, and you'll buy smart. Collectors and dealers will aways want superior material in any grade or series and end up paying for it when the find it.