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 Replies: 22 / Views: 4,202 |
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New Member
United States
11 Posts |
Hello ladies and gentlemen, I am very new to coin collecting - but I am very excited to start growing my collection. At this point, I'm very fascinated with certain coins - specifically the 1851 Three Cent "o", and the 1864 small motto Two Cent Piece. Naturally, I have been looking around on ebay and various examples of these coins. One thing that keeps replaying itself in my mind is the great advice I have read on here regarding "buying the coin, not the grade". I am new to coin collecting, but I have collected many other things such as handmade bear traps from the mid 1800's, and higher end baseball cards (rookies). It seems as though coin collecting is no different - in that, there are good examples of coins of a certain grade, and poor examples. I guess my question to everyone is— are there usually good examples of graded coins on ebay? Or is it a marketplace for mediocre specimens of a higher grade? Of note - I will not be buying either of these two coins anytime soon, especially without checking with everyone on here first! I hope that I can be of help to others on here as well, as I learn more about this fascinating hobby. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Both of the coins on your want list are highly desirable issues. First, I would recommend expanding your want list to 50-60 coins. Your want list should include a variety of prices so you can buy a few coins on a regular basis. If you have nothing but expensive issues you need to have exceptional patience. Instead, a structured range of prices gives you a coin or two each month. You are in the enviable position of just beginning your collection. If you never buy any coins, even those that seem cheap, EXCEPT when you absolutely love the coins you are buying, you can build a marvelous collection. Junk is always junk. I would recommend NGC or PCGS coins for any purchase over $200. You can get nine pocket pages to house these TPG in a binder so you can enjoy your collection. Last - especially when you are learning, ask our opinions about coins you are considering purchasing BEFORE you buy them. We have true experts in almost any numismatic, exonumics, or currency genres. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8715 Posts |
 with everything Mox said.  to the CCF! |
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New Member
 United States
11 Posts |
ebay 112747182516 This is one coin that caught my eye - would anyone be willing to give me their thoughts on it as far as How well it lives up to his grade? Any help is greatly appreciated! thank you
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2910 Posts |
There are usually good examples of coins on ebay. It is mostly honest people, but there are a few scammers here and there. Before you buy from anyone, make sure you check their feedback comments, and their terms and conditions in their description. Make sure you read the full description as those terms can vary a lot from seller to seller. A lot of newbies make the mistake of not checking these before buying a coin. CRH Nickeloholic. 1,600,000 nickels searched in eight years! Have found FOUR complete Jefferson sets!
Edited by John77
01/22/2018 3:23 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5029 Posts |
to ccf. You have received some good advice. I would recommend getting some reference books as well. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
For the 51 O it certainly looks like it merits the grade.
The best thing you can do is go to Heritage sold prices for any coin in every grade. They include every major price list with each coin so you can see all of that for comparison in one place.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5661 Posts |
You obviously have very eclectic tastes, going from 19th century bear traps to a gem Three Cent Silver. I agree the coin you linked to looks solid for the grade, but it certainly would be wise to peruse the Heritage sold listings to get an idea of price and what's available. You can get good graded coins on ebay, but the selection, price, and risk may be better at other auction sites for coins in that range. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4588 Posts |
JJ Teaparty is a well known dealer. Honest and nice people. Their chief buyer has a great eye. However, they are not cheap. Fair, but not cheap. This one is priced close to full PCGS ValueGuide which most of us believe is way above market ( https://www.PCGS.com/cert/25679563)... and if you look here, http://www.PCGScoinfacts.com/Coin/Detail/3665 you will see recent auction prices (but do remember that not all MS65s are equal). No idea what your budget is, but you can find a lovely '51O in XF for quite a bit less... -----Burton 50+ year / Life / Emeritus ANA member (joined 12/1/1973) Life member: Numismatics International, CONECA Member: TNA, FtWCC, NETCC, EveryCountry (online) coin club Owned by three cats and a wife of 40+ years (joined 1983) Author: 3rd Edition of the Sample Slabs book, https://www.sampleslabs.info/ |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2200 Posts |
When I found out you could buy almost any coin you wanted on ebay, I was thrilled. I've purchased many coins from it and have never been disappointed. Just look for what you want in your price range and check out the seller's reputation. Sometimes it takes some time to locate your heart's desire, but it's always worth it. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7375 Posts |
Take your time and do a bit of research, and keep looking. The right opportunity will present itself. As with most sought after issues, you will pay a bit more, but that doesn't mean you have to overpay. Get an idea of what it's really worth, then look for auctions, or Best Offers.
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New Member
United States
11 Posts |
Thank you for all of the information and advice! I was not aware of the heritage website. Are there other auction sites recommended?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
Quote:
Are there other auction sites recommended? The big three I use are Heritage, Great Collections, and Stacks-bowers. Heritage is probably the worst to buy toned coins from. They almost always end up in a bidding war because the auction is extended by 5 seconds after each bid. Great Collections is what I prefer. Though you have to be sneaky with your snipes. Stacks/bowers is hit or miss for the series I collect. You can also check out David Lawrence but I have been disappointed with their selection and reserves lately. |
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CCF Advertiser
United States
1533 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4468 Posts |
The ebay coin is not showing much luster for a MS65. The coin does not look orginal and has the appearance of a coin that had an old dip. It is difficult to find an orginal Trime with attractive toning. When you are looking for coins over 3K, a lot of the high end for the grade coins have been sent to CAC for a sticker. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
I suggest keeping away from ebay. Attempt to find coin shows in your area. ebay may have lots of coins but also, pay pal fees, ebay fees, sometimes lost in mail, wrong coin sent, etc. At a coin show usually none of those and you see what you are buying. Just look in a place like google for coin shows. |
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Replies: 22 / Views: 4,202 |
Posted 01/22/2018 1:11 pm
