Auctions And Coins

Nah, we have bidiots with dollar signs in their eyes bidding everything up thinking that the 1910-1920 F graded large cents they bought for $40 will pay off on their online Facebook ads/spam.

Maybe different where you live but in rural New Brunswick buying overpriced collectables and Lotto 649 tickets is how we save for retirement. Going to cash out my Princese Diana beanie baby here in a few weeks to pay off my student loans.

I have occasionally bought medium value coins in the $100 $1,000 range from internationally recognised auctions for 30 years or so. Ancients to modern.

I have established quite a solid acquaintanceship with two auction lot describers, who have an internationally recognised reputation.

If I am interested in any lot that may be available, I go to the view day, then submit a written fixed price bid. I do lots of research through my own book references, as well as on the internet, before attending the view day.
I rarely attend the auction itself.
If I submit a successful bid that is way above the second highest bid, I am invoiced at 5% higher or next bidding step above the second highest bid.

That is a good way to buy from auction without getting emotionally involved, and find myself accidentally engaged in an auction room bidding war.

I keep away from auctions and ebay. Just to many crooks. I'll stick to coin shows.