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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,675 |
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New Member
United States
18 Posts |
I'm thinking of attending my first coin show some time this summer and it purports to sell "ancient coins" as well as all the other types of coins. Just wondering what I should be aware of if looking or buying some ancient coins from sellers? I would mostly be interested in buying uncleaned/crusty coins so I'm not quite sure how much crusty coins go for at coin shows, depending on their condition I'm assuming. Watch out for sellers who perhaps could be selling questionable coins?
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Research before you go to the show. ebay is a good start for current values. John1  |
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Valued Member
United States
234 Posts |
If you are mainly interested in uncleaned coins than a coin show is a great place to buy since you can actually touch the coins instead of looking at pictures on ebay. Not many people sell fake uncleaned coins but just because a coin is uncleaned it may have poor details even if it is heavily encrusted. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
I have been to 2 coin shows and have bought ancient coins at both. What I noticed is that not one of the coins I ended up buying was attributed correctly. This means you have to do your own research first so you at least have an idea of what you are buying. Do not trust the dealer's tags.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
You must know your subject well before you start buying. You must quickly be able to spot the differences between a cleaned and an uncleaned coin, not to mention understand pricing and value. I'm thinking you should go to a few shows, look at coins and make notes, BUT NOT BUY until you feel armed with the basics. I know it's tempting, but save your money until you're ready - otherwise you may lose it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
There are plenty of very legitimate dealers on ebay selling 'semi cleaned' coins. By the time most coins reach a dealer at a U.S. Coin Show they have been picked through and you are most likely to end up with what are referred to as LRB's (late Roman bronze) of very common types. Even after cleaning they are usually worth around $5 each and the dealer is going to want $3-4 each. As it is your first show I will assume you are relatively young and probably have a somewhat limited budget. A word of advice ......... Quality over quantity ! If you really want junk box material that is okay. But you will probably loose interest in them over time. If you have around $50 to spend I would recommend getting something which will keep your interest over the rest of your collecting days. You won't be able to afford someone really famous (or infamous !) but there are some Roman emperors like Claudius, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius that can be had in very nice condition for well under $50. Do you have a particular area of interest ? Geographic or Historical ? If you can give me a few clues I might point you toward something that might be of interest. Lately I have been buying too many coins myself ! There are great deals out there and I can't afford to buy all of them ! Edited by FVRIVS RVFVS
06/13/2015 11:17 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
I would add that there are a few charlatans on ebay too ! Present company excluded |
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
FVRIVS RVFVS, Looks like an ancient coin giveaway coming up soon (your post count)  . John1 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
Hmmmmmmmm
Perhaps the planets are aligned in your favor after all
Accipiter
Drop me a line !
"Junk" is something I can provide (gratis) easily enough
Qui es tu ? Greek or Roman ?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4971 Posts |
accipter, when you're at the show, if you have internet access be sure to comparison shop some. check the coin on vcoins and acsearch and see if the price is reasonable. I've only been to a few coin shows, but I've never spent more than 25 bucks on a coin (i knew what I was getting in those cases...but a good fake could have got me). if I can't research, check fake databases, and I don't know the seller...I'm very nervous about buying more expensive coins.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Good idea Chrismat71. I like bringing my IPAD and or iPhone to the show. I can look at a few coins and then retreat to a chair somewhere and do a bit of research. Once you do this it is surprising just how inaccurate some sellers' descriptions are.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,675 |
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Posted 06/13/2015 3:43 pm
