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 Replies: 15 / Views: 1,464 |
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Valued Member
United States
150 Posts |
A few years ago, I bought a collection of the Westward Journey nickels in all kinds of finishes as well as the different types. Well I looked over them recently and noticed that the platinum and the gold AND the silver finishes are starting to tone. I got ripped off big time  Here is a sample of the platinum series. I don't know if you can see it in this picture but the coins are turning a rainbowish color.  The sets were supposedly sealed air tight. When I looked at them, I noticed I can open them just by lifting the edge with my fingernail. Now it's too late to return them, so I wasted $125, eh, live and learn. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but even without the toning they NEVER would have been worth $125. Plated coins are considered to be altered and lose the vast majority of their numismatic value. Even without the plating, they never would have been worth much due to the fact that hundreds of millions of Westward Journey nickels were produced.
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Valued Member
United States
270 Posts |
Yep, it is almost certain that they only possess a value of five cents each.
Better to spend your time here reading about the economics of collecting prior to embarking on any other such risky investments.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
they are actually worth less that 5 cents a piece to me because they are altered coins which have been dipped in other precious metals
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2217 Posts |
This is what I fear would happen to ALL my precious little gems were I to not ensure I have a PVC-free album!
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
3831 Posts |
Cost of plating - not a lot honestly. They perhaps require just 0.00001 gram of precious metals. Amazing how little plating requires these days.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
834 Posts |
PSP.
Sorry for your loss, everyone that has collected coins at one time or another over the years has made a mistake in this hobby. If I might offer a suggestion if there is something you would like to buy come here first and ask our members we have all been there and done that good luck.
Bruce.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1031 Posts |
We all have made some kind of purchase that has made us think a lot more than twice about it. The more you read on this site the more you will learn. Research before you buy. I'm still guilty of not doing that, but that comes with experience. You've found a great place to learn just as I have.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1203 Posts |
O.K. now PSPV, you are just kidding with us when you came up with this story, aren't you? Well, at least you got some one to bite with the tale!  |
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Valued Member
 United States
150 Posts |
OldDan, I really REALLY wish I was making a joke. But it is true. That was when I first started collecting the nickels. And since then, I only buy from the mint, ebay, or trade at the bank. And sometimes I use my system of inserting money in soda machines and hitting the coin return. That system actually paid off big time. ~Scott |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1031 Posts |
What did you get out of the soda machine?
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Moderator
 United States
6563 Posts |
I hate drink machines. They take my bills, my drink AND my precious change.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
651 Posts |
PSP, We've all made at least one dumb mistake when we first started collecting so don't beat yourself up too bad. On the bright side your loss is limited to a $125, an expensive lesson yes but not financially devastating. Mine was buying overpriced coins from Littleton in the late 80s. At least you made the wise decision to educate yourself simply by being here where we share experiences. So things can only get better from here  . Ken |
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New Member
United Kingdom
10 Posts |
PSP, Sorry to hear about your loss. Our interest is full of people looking to take our hard earned money through a variety of tricks. However, I'm in agreeance with Ken_3567. We all make mistakes, so accept that this one was yours and be mindful going forward. I would be sceptical about trading on ebay with large sums of money. You can pick up some good finds on ebay, but it's also open to a lot of abuse. Sounds like you need to go and make a decent purchase from a reputable supplier to lift yourself back up again! |
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Valued Member
Ireland
498 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
161 Posts |
I have bought from Littleton but just the intro specials in the paper from time to time. I recently got the entire 03 to 06 nickel set unc. for about 4.00 (probably inflated but not too much). I actually made a profit on some silver eagles I bought from them a few years back. Just be careful and don't try to buy the hottest thing on the market without careful inspection or a guarantee that the items can be returned if not as described.
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Replies: 15 / Views: 1,464 |
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Posted 04/25/2007 6:19 pm
