| Author |
 Replies: 9 / Views: 2,148 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1795 Posts |
I buy 95% of my coins off of ebay and I've noticed that commemoratives have been extremely high and bargains are few and far between. I would say this has been so for approximately the last six months. I use the FMV guide and they have been way above the norm for MS an PR 69/70 coins even the 68 coins are overpriced. I've even checked on Classic Commemoratives and they are the same way not cheaper as I've read. |
|
|
|
CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12262 Posts |
As I'm not an active buyer of US commemorative coins on ebay, I can't directly comment on what you are seeing. What I can say, however, is that I've seen a definite softening of prices at the coin shows I attend compared to two or three years ago. Since I'm only looking for a few upgrades to what are already relatively high mint state coins, I want to hold any potential new purchases in my hands and examine them firsthand. So, shows are where I have purchased almost all of my collection. As an example of the price softening, I recently upgraded my MS-64 Vancouver to a flashy MS-65 example. I paid about the same for the 65 as I did years ago for the 64. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
|
|
Moderator
United States
188052 Posts |
I agree with the coin show sentiment, both as preferred venue (desire to hold any potential purchase in hand) and softening pricing. Deals seem more plentiful over the last couple of years.
|
|
Valued Member
United States
283 Posts |
I don't know much about moderns, but the prices for classic commemoratives seem to be quite low. Classic gold commemoratives also seem to have bottomed out. I've added several ms65 halves to my collection for at or below greysheet bid. All of which were purchased from ebay. Of the few shows I've been to in the past year, dealers' prices seem to be close to what the FMV guide lists. I'd imagine the best deals to be had are on ebay auction listings. The market just seems pretty slow. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
591 Posts |
I read this article by Mark Ferguson a few years back (it's from 2011). http://www.coinweek.com/coins/comme...t-potential/He says, " Over the decades the coin market has experienced many "cycles," as those with experience refer to market activity within the coin market. These cycles are periods of price appreciation for particular series or areas of coinage, like the "early" Federal issues struck from 1792 to 1836, Barber design coinage, Morgan silver dollars, Saint Gaudens $20 gold coins, early commemoratives, etc. Early commemoratives have had their cycles from time to time, but really haven't seen an upsurge in activity, except as referenced above, for about 20 years. Many experienced coin dealers across the country have recognized this soft trend for early commems and have begun buying them up and inventorying them. Some are even starting to once again make markets in early commemorative coins. This should be a signal to investors." Not sure how low the classic commemorative market will go, or if there is any guarantee it will come up again. I guess buy what you like (and it's easier to do that when prices are low), and don't necessarily expect to sell at a profit (if you plan to sell). |
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
5828 Posts |
Most of my buying takes place both early and late in the year, but not in the middle of the year. Just not enough money... However, I am 15 now so I can get a job over the summer so that may all change.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
I buy mostly ar local coin shops. And use greysheet as a price guide.
My buying for modern commemoratives has slowed, because I have
not seen them come in as often. I think dealers are not paying much
for modern commemoratives.
For classic commemoratives, I think the prices have soften a little,
but they have never traded very often at the LCS's here. I am saying
we don't see all the different designs come in. Mostly just the commons.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
1795 Posts |
All valid points but I was basically referring to purchases on ebay. Thank all for their comments! |
|
Valued Member
United States
469 Posts |
I have not seen any softening of prices on ebay for circulated commems. In fact for me they are harder to find than ever. As far as finding them at my local B&M or Coin show almost non existent If it wasn't for ebay I would be pretty much up a creek. I do miss Teletrade as a venue for finding them also. |
|
Moderator
United States
15403 Posts |
I purchase many coins from on-line auctions ... including ebay. While pursuing both an MS and circulated type set of classic silver commemorative I need to use all the potential buying venues available to me. That said ... concur with commems that the few MS upgrades I am seeking must be seen in-hand at shows. I'll take an honest attempt at a circulated commemorative on ebay.  Hopeful someone can find me an honest XF or lower York County ... then the price guide goes out the window. David |
| |
Replies: 9 / Views: 2,148 |
|
Posted 01/28/2016 5:12 pm
