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 Replies: 9 / Views: 922 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2724 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
Speaks his mind, doesn't he?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
980 Posts |
Firstly Dave, he is a she-"Legend" is well known in the numismatic community. I agree that she has useful information to impart, but her personality sometimes interferes with her message. She can be unecessarily strident and dismissive of those with differing viewpoints, and can lump all without her financial resources as "wannbe" (her words) dealers. She is also, IMO unecessarily scornful of sellors and collectors of "widgets" (also her term) by which she means readily available coins-which are percisely what most of us collect. Even those who move on to the raified worlds of 5, 6 and 7 figure coin prices often start out at the 2, 3 or 4 figure price range. Bottom line-I agree with many of her opinions. But I wish she understood that there are many "wannabe" dealers who are honest to the deriment of their own bottom line (like our sponsors ;) and who provide great service to their customers. At the SF ANA I was dressed appropriately (kahkis and a collared shirt) and waited politely and in vain at her table to view a coin- there were no cusomers present. After a moment I got tired of waiting for both her and her staff to attend to me, and left. That is unfortunately an experience many have shared. Don |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2724 Posts |
While I will agree that 90% of the dealers do not meet the status of "Legend" coins, they could be a little more tolerant of the masses.
Like most in their catagory, customer service isn't always the greatest. Now I have never had a problem with them personally, but have heard a few complaints similar to SFDukie's.
I think that many of the "real dealers" as they like to call them, have a limited view of what it takes to be a customer. It is almost as if you have to earn the right to spend your money with them.
However, all that aside, Laura (if she indeed writes these comments) does take on the Grading Companies directly. She makes many valid points, and that was what I wanted to share with everyone here.
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Ah. So I, the former moderator and member of 20 online communities, have fallen afoul of the stupidest rookie mistake anyone at a keyboard can make - assuming the gender of a given poster. Mea culpa. I'm well aware of Legend - they're only about 50 miles from me - and I visit the website occasionally to drool and dream. She undoubtedly swings a big stick, if a shrill one, in the Coin World, and such comments coming from here are therefore more likely to get attention. As National Dealer said, she makes valid points. Edited by SsuperDdave
12/05/2005 3:54 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
980 Posts |
ND, One of the reasons you are so valued here is that you take the time for Us "little" People  And I agree that Ms Sperber makes many good points-and I think the TPGs need to listen to constructive criticism. Just wish she had a few less ALL CAPITAL COMMENTS, a few less exclaimation points, a better spellcheck program and a soupcon of humility. Thanks again for all your outreach! Don |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2724 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperDave
She undoubtedly swings a big stick,
So true. Personally I love the approach that Legend uses. They keep their name in the public eye, and everyone automatically thinks of them when considering the "Monster" coins. It is GREAT marketing. One that many other dealers should employ. Just don't allow yourself to believe that only those in the limelight swing the big sticks. There are quite a few "quiet" dealers out there that also handle multi-million dollar deals. Now here are just a few "behind the scene" thoughts to consider. Anyone hear of the "dealer" who brought the Brasher Doubloon to market? Those couple of coins along with some others were brought to market and only the "limelight" dealers got the attention when they shelled out millions for them. For every "Monster" that comes to market, there is somebody out there keeping tabs. Many do so in the "quiet". |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
All so true, national dealer. Part of the size of Legend's stick is in that it is swung publicly. There are enormous sums of money changing hands in our hobby, and perhaps the fact that many dealers choose to deal quietly contributes to the problems we acknowledge exist.
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Valued Member
United States
421 Posts |
I occasionally read them but the tone always turns me off so I usually pass. I have read enough, though, that the terms 'widget' and 'wannabe' make me want to throw up at this point.
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Forum Mom
United States
5877 Posts |
While I'll acknowledge that Legend obviously knows how to make good money in coins, I have to say that I'm less than impressed with the presentations and statements such as the articles in the above link. Since Legend has chosen to sell their coins in a very biased manner, they should also expect to have the collectors of the common material snub them. Keep in mind that there are collectors who collect both low- and high-end material. Why is it so hard to find a dealer who loves the hobby enough to give equal time to the collector of coins under $100 and the collector of unique and obscure coins? When all is said and done, it is very possible that someone who starts out collecting low-dollar material could very easily end up looking for the rarities eventually. Dealers like Legend have chosen not to look at the big picture.
Hooray for them that they make money, but I would rather benefit the hobby as a whole by catering to the average collector. That's where the real satisfaction lies for me. Not everything is about $$.
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Replies: 9 / Views: 922 |
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Posted 12/05/2005 3:37 pm
