Ebay For Coins

It's been very mixed for me. Recently got a 64 Kennedy for $8 shipped. Looked great in the pics and the description just said "looks uncirculated but I don't grade coins." When I got it it was obvious it had been cleaned because there were small scratches all over it. I didn't bother trying a refund though over $8 but I'd never trust buying a $2000 coin on there unless it was from a reputable seller.

I have never bought a coin from ebay. I cannot get over the buying a coin without having the chance to examine it in hand. Sure, I could take advantage of return privileges, but it seems that I would prefer to avoid the hassle.

This is not to say that I will never do it, because I have been eyeballing some of our CCF member ebay sales for the last two years.

I have gotten what I consider a few good deals on ebay. It is like the slot machine on Twilight Zone. I find it hard to not look at what is offered since I otherwise have to drive to nearest dealer and hope he has what I want. I know he has store rental to pay, store help, taxes and all the rest, and I must help pay that overhead. However, the dealer I most often use will haggle with me so that is good. I know the more coins I buy the better deal I will probable get down the road. The business relationship is important to these long time dealers I hope. If he sells me a coin at true RedBook value with maybe 10% off I wonder what he pays for the same coin? No wonder people use ebay because I bet the dealers who have shops pay only 50% of RedBook value otherwise how do they pay bills and make a little profit? I am speculating of course. What do you guys do with your collections once you have a few good coins? I have bank deposit box, but then I don't get to look at my coins.....bummer! If I buy a safe I tip off anyone who sees it that I have something worth stealing, and I want no home invasions just to get at my few coins. Now if I had horde of $20 gold pieces there would be obvious answer. Perhaps many coin collectors also have a small gun collection, alarm system, security cameras, motion detector lights etc. I survived Vietnam, and would hate to die over a few coins in last years of my life. Pawn brokers all carry guns, but I did not notice my closest coin dealer if he was packing or not but I bet he had some heat on him, especially in that neighborhood (any neighborhood). When do you insure your collection and how do you do it? I am a FNG at this which is obvious.