VAMs And Pricing?

"Higher silver prices will not offset the huge premiums associated with these vams."

In my own opinion... this is why it's good to cherry pick a majority of your coins, to keep the cost down to insure good 'turn around' sales years in the future, and also get more enjoyment and satisfaction out of your recent buys.

If you buy every coin at 'retail' value, the retail price fluctuates and changes, and the premiums out-weight the bullion value, so if the premium value drops than it's almost like instantly losing your wallet with hundreds of dollars in it. but if a majority of the coins are valued at $1,000+ but you originally bout the coin for $35, than no matter what it will have a happy ending. win/win situation. Not all coins could be cherry picked and this is when the bullet needs to be bit, and retail has to be paid for that enjoyment/satisfaction.

This topic is interesting in many ways, I also have pondered the "why's and how comes" of this very topic, price guides, I also see this statement, " Quote:
I would suggest that the "prices" of particular VAMs are driven more by the Registry Sets than anything. Competition for the Top Set drives pices by those who can afford it. It usually has nothing to do with true rarity"

This statement could IMO, be looked at and answered in a few ways, actually I believe who you ask, and what position or part in the hobby they hold will certainly reflect their answers.

I would agree the "competitors" of these sets and their effects on the topic as a whole, could be a direct resultant factor in this , However I see a more cynical reason behind the Vamming price guide Game altogether, I see the "DEALERS" and their effects on the topic also bearing some of this heavy load, I am NOT looking for an argument, I am giving an opinion and can NOT help feel the input from that sector of collecting has A LARGER impact than some would believe, In fact I believe there is no greater force on the input of the "pricing should be guides", than ANY other singular entity involved in the Numismatic World".I know the ended auctions are an indication of the playing field, like on MANY auction houses, I also know certain people who have an "interest" in the monetary out come of these guides are obviously going to do whats best for them, and have the collector in mind, for another reason all together. I know many here and there are dealers and are sure the comments will be Welcome, this is the way I see things Today, and this did not happen, Over-Night.... PS, What is the real driving force, which sets up these price-guides.
I personally, question everything and everyone involved for their actual input and honesty......Cynical, yes, needed, certainly!Just my opinions.....

That's part of the equation. How good are your vamming skills and can I trust your attribution when you sell it? If I want the coin graded and attributed, who do I use? All third party companies will grade, but not all will attribute. Of the four upper tier third party grading companies who attribute, only ANACS attributes all. PCGS and NGC only attribute a few and only PCGS and NGC have registry sets.
I didn't even ask would your coin grade at any of these third party grading companies.
Unless your coins are third party graded, do you think a dealer will accept your grade and attribution on your coins when you or you heirs sell them?

Unless things change dramatically, a normal B&M dealer will not give you the time or day for your VAMS. They will hit the grey sheet. If you are implying the VAM Dealers, then of course not. They will low-ball you just like any other dealer you try and sell your coins to.

Buying from the junk bucket for bullion, and re-selling for bullion is the only true ticket to keep from getting fleeced.

Like any hobby one must first consider how much of your value is entertainment, Coins or antique furniture, it depends on the level your buying on, whether its wholesale retail or the junk bucket. as stated any AU coin will be bought as melt value in general unless its key dates. Defensive buying is the best overall approach in any hobby.
Or one is simply over paying and unconcerned about the end game...

This is true, but one must not forget the vams that were attributed long ago are not necessarily correct today, even if they presently hold the TOP POP position today, and that is the case for some coins out there..one must have the knowledge to know exactly what your buying
not only for GRADE but also for attribution....

Tougher, yes. Impossible? No. Even 1921's are far tougher to cherrypick since 2005, when I started doing it. But, in the last few months I've picked a 1921-D Tru_t in AU55+ for $20; the Condition Census 1921-S VAM-1Y for $25; three Mint State slabbed 1921-P Pitted Reverses, including a PCGS MS64 VAM-41B, for normal retail; and let us not forget Bryan's cherrypick of the first new B1 Reverse in 40 years....

Honestly, it was so easy as to be almost boring when I started doing it. Now, it's far more fun, and far more rewarding, when I nail one.

this is also very true...and why the old adage is "BUY THE COIN" not the holder for grade and attribution...