Coin Store, Ebay, Or Roll Hunt? Which Is Best?

Ive actually had a lot of good experiences on ebay and like that there is quite a wide variety of coins on there. My local coin shop is pricey because of the location they are in and I can often get better prices on ebay with the competition and have had good success with classic commems on there. That said my ebay purchases are always graded, and 9 times out of 10 from a coin shop that is using ebay to reach a wider customer base. I have not and will not buy anything raw on there where I wouldnt have any problems buying raw from my coin shop.

Dont personally have any experience roll hunting as I dont currently collect any coins that would circulate regularly, although I do really like Ikes and Buffalo nickels so that may change.

I guess it all really depends on what you are looking for and whats available. Theres good coin shops and bad coins shops. Just like theres a lot of good honest ebay sellers, but theres a lot of fakes on there as well. I tend to stick to the motto if it seems to good to be true it is, especially with online buys.

What do you consider "best"?

Best coins? Your LCS will allow you to see them up close and personal before you buy. Also coin shows or coin auctions.

Best price? I have a friend who spends all day every day scouring ebay for deals; If you're willing to spend the time, check for mispriced, mispelled auctions. I do not have this kind of time.

Best price on specialty coins? Internet boards like this one.

Best deal? I've bought silver at deep discounts from pawn shops just before closing or at month's end when they are trying to make their numbers.

Best sense of that win-the-lottery treasure-hunting feeling? You can not beat the feeling of finding silver in a roll that you paid face for. Or a even dime in a penny roll.

You left out coin shows. That's probably my favorite way to get coins.

Very strange a dealer would go by Red Book prices. Sounds way over priced and a very poor choice for the buyer to shop there, especially since Red Book prices are usually way too high. You might get some deals if gold or silver go up quickly.

And it all depends upon what you are looking for. Generally roll searching is for keeping your collection current. You won't find much for great value, except some varieties and errors and that's what roll searching is really good for. Once in a while you find some silver.

ebay, just like any other place, has all kinds of deals. You really have to do a lot of searching and comparing though.

Coin shows are great too, but you have to do a lot of walking and comparing. They are great for cherry picking. ebay can be compared in seconds or minutes, whereas a coin show can take many minutes or hours to complete, depending upon the size of the show.

I was going to say "None of the Above" and mention coin shows.

I tend to shop exclusively at the coin store I go to. I do like ebay but I like raw coins and buying raw on ebay is like asking someone to rip you off. Plus the store I go to has good prices, a good environment and lots of coins for me to look at in hand.