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 Replies: 33 / Views: 4,433 |
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Valued Member
United States
160 Posts |
I have never spent more than about $750 on any coin in my collection, and most well less than that. But lately I have been getting the urge to make a dream come true, and buy a Charlotte or Dahlonega (or both  ) gold coin. If I would have purchased one 20 years ago when I first got the bug, I could have picked one up for less than $1000, maybe even quite a bit less than that, but I didn't. From what I'm seeing, getting a nicer grade slabbed non-details example can run over $3000 for the least expensive ones. My question is, should I purchase one off ebay, or is there another site that someone can recommend for coins of this type. When spending that sum of money, I would prefer to see the coin in hand, like at a very large coin show which attracts dealers from all over the country, but those are few and far between around me. I would also not want to get involved in any auctions. Any advice would be appreciated. Edited by jmgi
12/10/2017 1:33 pm
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Moderator
 United States
34397 Posts |
@jmgi, I'm sure that you will get tons of good advice here with this post. My one nugget is to buy something slabbed, even if it is your intent to break it out. Yes slabs can be counterfeited too, but for $3K I would want to start out with pretty good surety that I'm buying the real deal.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
I also have been wanting the same thing for a while now, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. I can't suggest where to buy, but I watch ebay to see what's available and keep an eye on prices. Not sure there are many "deals" out there, because they are desireable. Maybe a large coin show would be a good place to look, if you can get to one. |
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Valued Member
 United States
160 Posts |
edweather, I don't expect there will be any deals on those coins either, I watch ebay from time to time also, and even coins with harsh cleaning and/or heavily banged up go for big money. As you say, they are always in demand. I guess I need to study up more on those two particular mints, and acquaint myself with the particular characteristics of certain dates, what to look for, especially the nature of the strikes, because I believe many dates were struck with worn out or faulty dies, and the strikes were generally poor compared to the other branch mints. Edited by jmgi
12/10/2017 2:10 pm
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Moderator
United States
14463 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
160 Posts |
Fuzzy317, thanks for the reply and photo's! Even with the cleaning, its a nice piece, good detail.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Even if you don't want to, Heritage and Stacks sell plenty of them. I don't know why you don't like auctions, but you can buy a nicer one, probably for less money, than you'd pay on ebay. |
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Valued Member
United States
160 Posts |
Not that I don't like auctions for any reason, just never have participated in one outside of an ebay auction. Edited by jmgi
12/10/2017 2:57 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1261 Posts |
I agree with finding a good, reliable dealer. I also recommend buying a coin that has been CAC'd and avoid cleaning and problems. If you haven't worked with Rare Coins of New Hampshire before then you should give them a call. They will work with you and are honest and have a great eye for nice coins. Sometimes a good dealer is the best option, especially, on a purchase like this. Good luck!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11880 Posts |
Remember that Stack's and Heritage do not have a return privilege if you are unhappy with the coin for any reason other than not getting what was described in the offer. You can always call them and chat about the coin you are interested in beforehand. You can also arrange a private showing prior to the auction if you can get to NY or CA or other major show venue. The resident numismatist is very helpful, especially for a big ticket item like this. Their numismatic staff is top notch. I once got a call at work from David Bowers while dealing with Stack's. I always felt they (Stack's and Heritage) were as helpful as chatting with a knowledgeable dealer. Just make sure that the coin you are bidding on is what you want because once you win it, you own it.
IN NECESSARIIS UNITAS - IN DUBIIS LIBERTAS - IN OMNIBUS CARITAS THE MAN IN THE ARENA, Theodore Roosevelt at the Sorbonne Paris on April 23, 1910: " It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." My coin website: https://fairfaxcoins.comEdited by numismatic student
12/10/2017 3:11 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1303 Posts |
I actually stumbled upon a Charlotte on Craig's list several years back.
Edited by thecoinguy1964
12/10/2017 3:14 pm
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Valued Member
United States
160 Posts |
Thanks chesterb for the reply! I'm sure putting in a want list with a good dealer might land you a good coin also, that way you can specify exactly what you are looking for.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1303 Posts |
Trying to post a picture, but getting this message?
Note: Only the poster of this message and the the Staff can edit the message.
Edited by thecoinguy1964
12/10/2017 3:18 pm
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Moderator
United States
14463 Posts |
Currently, You should be able to edit any of your posts in this thread to add or remove a picture.
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Valued Member
United States
160 Posts |
I'm particular when it comes to buying a $15 Standing Liberty quarter, lol, I can't imagine spending thousands$ through a Heritage auction, or even ebay. It would be gut wrenching waiting to see the coin in hand.  Edited by jmgi
12/10/2017 3:29 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
Today's photo technology is remarkable. On ebay you can always ask for more pics, and if you're safe if you stick with sellers with a good history and full return privileges. |
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Replies: 33 / Views: 4,433 |
Posted 12/10/2017 1:38 pm
