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 Replies: 23 / Views: 2,523 |
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New Member
United States
27 Posts |
Hello,
I'm gearing up to start selling the coin collection that was given to my Fiance and I. All foreign coins. Mostly silver coins that I'm interested in selling at the moment. Haven't gone through the non-silver coins yet (the silver coins are in better shape than the other non-silver coins).
My biggest question: is it better to not state a grade "estimate" if it's not graded? I'm a complete newbie, and can't tell the difference between a VF or a MS63. Some of the coins I have value much differently from VF to a MS62 or UC. It's the difference between $20 and $200. I see alot of conflicting "grading" on the coins I've looked up on e-bay. Some coins that individuals are stating are BU, or a MS grade and mine appear to be in much better condition.
My biggest fear is I say something like "Looks to be a XF or better" and some uber coin guru buys it, and is dis-satisfied because it's actually a lower grade. I have 100% feedback on my account, and would like to keep it that way.
I've contemplated sending the potentially higher value coins to the NGC or PCGS for grading. However like everything in the coin hobby, even the pricing for a foreign coin is very confusing. I can't tell if it's going to cost me $16 or $50!
My other worry is counterfeits. These coins have been stored in a trailer since 1972. If they are counterfeit, they are not some modern Chinese copy bought on e-bay.
So, any tips for a newbie selling on e-bay? What's the do's and do not's?
Even when it comes to images. Some pictures I take (depending on how I have the flash setup) will make every single flaw show up. Some don't. Is it best to be as honest as possible when it comes to possible bag marks, etc? I guess what I'm asking is it better to photograph how it looks to the naked eye (IE take the picture out in the sunlight) or use a flash that highlights, and sometimes overly shows scratches? I don't want to lie, but I don't want the coin to look worse than it really is.
Sorry if these are stupid questions. I try not to leave anything to question. Every detail counts, and may impact what I get for these coints.
Thank you all, look forward to reading your replies.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36678 Posts |
The best thing to do is put up a nice clear photo of both front and back of each coin and let the buyer do the grading. I'm assuming you will start these at .99 with no reserve price to keep fees down?
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Valued Member
United States
366 Posts |
If you're putting coins up on ebay and are concerned they may be counterfeit. I would take them to a local coin dealer for their opinion first. Most places will do an appraisal for free. If they are fakes that shop owner will tell you. As for posting pictures. I make it a point to never edit the photos. Make sure they are as clear as possible and let the bidders judge the coin quality for themselves. You run the risk of queering the deal if your photos misrepresent your coins, and that could also get you unwanted negative feedback as well. |
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New Member
 United States
27 Posts |
I would like to do that, in the hopes of getting alot of "lookers/watchers" but my worry is with the ebay market it seems to be very flooded with coins. My fear is mine will get lost, buried pages behind those who put the right keyword in or something to get ranked higher. |
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New Member
United States
27 Posts |
Hmm, never really thought of that Joblll. My pessimistic attitude tells me I'd get the cold shoulder or something, unless I try and put on a show that I want to sell to him/her. Not many people like to do things for free now-a-days.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7840 Posts |
You could always practice your photography skills and show them the CCF!  Edited by oih82w8
06/21/2012 1:43 pm
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Valued Member
United States
366 Posts |
I wouldn't stress about not being a power seller. A good picture and the right price will be enough to sell your coins.
I would look at what other sellers do for their coins and base your auction accordingly. I'm pretty new here, but it looks like CCF is set-up for sales so people will be able to offer comments to get you on your way.
~JobIII
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1659 Posts |
High quality pictures are paramount. I like the above idea of practicing your photography skills and posting your pictures here on the forum first.
Besides that, we like to look at coins!
If you posted pics here first, not only could we give you some photography pointers if needed, we could also give you a ballpark idea of what the coin might be worth.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
Good pics are a must...  I bought this for a buck and a half cause nobody bid on it. I took a chance. Much to my surprise, this is what was in that old 2x2....  I was going to flip it but I kept it.  Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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New Member
United States
27 Posts |
Edited by poor_red_neck
06/21/2012 2:23 pm
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New Member
United States
27 Posts |
Unfortunately I left my DSLR with my folks. They're opening a restaurant so they're photographing the food for the website I'm making.
I'm still experimenting with this old Canon point-n-shoot to get a good picture. It does a good job with macro shots, just need to work on my lighting.
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New Member
United States
27 Posts |
52Raymo,
That's a beautiful coin. Did you clean it at all, or was the 2x2 window just dirty?
I've so far not touched the coins. Haven't even wiped them off with a dry cloth. Too paranoid I'm doing something I'm not supposed to.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
No, I didn't even touch the coin with my fingers. The pic is at it was upon freeing it from the old 2x2. I was shocked when I took it out and immediately recognized my first MS Indian. She has since improved her pic taking abilities so no more picking her listings.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
Man, I love your coins !
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1659 Posts |
Quote:
I've so far not touched the coins. Haven't even wiped them off with a dry cloth. Too paranoid I'm doing something I'm not supposed to. That's good. Don't clean, wipe, or otherwise try to "improve" your coins. You'll very likely do more harm than good. I don't have the knowledge to help you with these coins, but your pics are quite good. The only thing you might try is a neutral background. Sometimes a colored background with mess with the white balance and skew the color of the coin. |
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New Member
United States
27 Posts |
What are the rules about linking to ebay auctions? I thought I read it once when I first joined, but after looking at the Rules and FAQ only thing I can find is about CCF's own marketplace. Disclaimer: I'm not posting this to promote the auction, only to seek feedback on my lack of listing ability :) How's this? I couldn't get the flash to take a picture worth a crap, so I just went outside to snap the pics. http://www.ebay.com/itm/14078088630352Raymo, Thank you! I've never had much interest in coins before, however I'm enjoying the research into all these coins. Here's my story how I received them. I've still got quite a lot to go through. Here's some of it:    Edited by poor_red_neck
06/21/2012 3:47 pm
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Replies: 23 / Views: 2,523 |
Posted 06/21/2012 1:35 pm
