Coins I have stretched to purchase

Gazes

i realized that coins i have "stretched" for are some of my favorite coins and coins i dont regret purchasing. I thought about this and i think there is a rationale basis. Coins i strectched for by definition i really thought long and hard about and only purchased because i really wanted the coin. These were coins that were so special that i had to work a bit harder to justify purchasing. My worst purchases over the years was when i had excess coin money burning a hole in my pocket and made purchases without much thought (this hasnt happened in awhile since i have developed more patience in my purchasing). Just a little different perspective about stretching for special coins.

Boosibri

Spot on and whole heartedly agree

ilmcoins

Great way to look at it and agree 100%

Walkerfan

Most of my coins; I paid around retail for or just a little more, which I, myself, wouldn't call a big stretch but it is a lot more than a dealer, flipper or frugal collector/investor would pay.

I do have two coins that I know that I'm buried in....one may upgrade (more than offsetting the overpayment), while the other will not likely upgrade. I still enjoy them, regardless, and they're mucho better than most of what I have seen out there in the last 10 years or so.

My fantastic purchases have made up for (and exceeded) my overpayments, which is how I like to view it. I have a couple of my best keys that I paid about 50% of high auction prices for. Those high priced coins were not nearly as nice, either, so that also makes me feel pretty good.

This leads me to another point: I have truly been getting away from auctions, as it is soooo easy to get in a bidding war and get 'run up'. I like working with trusted dealers....and, yes, there are some out there.

Time has also helped, as most of my coins are worth more than what I paid or, AT LEAST, as much, today.

ctf_error_coins

I stretched today for a coin, that to my knowledge is the only (error) example in all of US coinage

oih82w8

The furthest stretch I have done on a coin was placed on the "never-never" for a couple of months. I have not done that in a while.

edwardjulio

I stretched/overpaid for a coin 3 years ago. Nice examples are difficult to locate in MS condition. The coin was graded MS65/NGC at purchase. Crossed to MS64/PCGS. Normally this would probably be a huge mistake. For this coin, now CAC endorsed, it is most likely valued at or near purchase price. At this time, it is the only MS example endorsed by CAC. So, I am enjoying the "stretch".

skier07

@edwardjulio said:
I stretched/overpaid for a coin 3 years ago. Nice examples are difficult to locate in MS condition. The coin was graded MS65/NGC at purchase. Crossed to MS64/PCGS. Normally this would probably be a huge mistake. For this coin, now CAC endorsed, it is most likely valued at or near purchase price. At this time, it is the only MS example endorsed by CAC. So, I am enjoying the "stretch".

I’d rather have my coin in a PCGS/CAC 64 holder then a NGC 65 holder.

Zoins

I think it comes down to how much demand there is or how mature the market is.

In mature markets, I tend to enjoy what I stretch for more. In less developed markets, I can have just as much enjoyment and pride of ownership with much less costly, but sometimes even more absolutely rare, acquisitions..

Elcontador

I'll stretch for a coin I have been looking to buy for years and finally find it, knowing that I won't see another one for a number of years. An example was an AU 53 Bust $ with original skin. I bought it after looking for one like it for eight years. During this time, I only saw three other examples, all grossly overpriced. In all of the years I have been collecting, I've only seen one coin where I asked "how much," and was willing to pay the amount without flinching or thinking twice about it.

ARCO

That feeling goes out the window when you sell. The trick is stretching for a coin that is so choice it could never be sold.

Tetromibi

This thread needs some pics!

ricko

I buy what I like....Within reason. The 'stretch' will vary with each collector according to their interests and resources. Coins, for me, are a hobby - not a business, not an investment....I have no doubt that some coins purchased years ago have increased in value.... and my gold stacks certainly have....And so I go merrily along... having fun... Cheers, RickO

bidask

While I like to find special coins to stretch for I still do this alot :

"My worst purchases over the years was when i had excess coin money burning a hole in my pocket and made purchases without much thought "

Cause I am a coin junkie...

jabba

I’ve crawled and stretch way out on that limb never regretted i

SiriusBlack

Ok someone said this thread needs pictures so I’ll start. This coin was a stretch for me, but I love it. It’s the most I’ve ever spent on a coin and I was super nervous that I’d made a good decision. 8-9 months later and I’m glad she’s sitting in my 7070 album!

FranklinHalfAddict

Here’s the only coin I’ve really stretched for. More than 3x what I have paid for a coin before and since its purchase. I saw in Gerry Fortin’s case at a show and loved everything about it. Unfortunately it was way above my budget. I kept thinking about it and looking at it on his website. Eventually I caved and emailed him asking about a payment plan. Thankfully he was very understanding and flexible and I was able to eventually purchase this beautiful half dime! Very glad I decided to stretch for this one.
NGC PF64 CAC

messydesk

A few come to mind that after a lot of consideration said, "buy it now or regret it later." Some I had to pay up for, some were just good deals, but pushing the high end of what I typically spend. They are some of my favorites.

Got this for a decent price, it's not rare until you start looking at how many of them in this grade are less attractive.

Saw this one and told myself to pay up for it. You will not find a 21-S with sharper details.

16th century, problem free, light wear, colorful toning. What's not to love?

Tough date, high grade, beautiful design, good price.

jabba

Dave99B

I finally found the perfect VF 01-S Barber Quarter right when I was about ready to retire. Not the best timing. I must admit, it caused me to hesitate for a second, until I realized I'd been looking for this specific coin for 25+ years. I pulled the trigger on the coin (paid dearly for it), and retired early anyway, and everything worked out great.

Dave

asheland

I've stretched a few times and love the coins that I got!

Wahoo554

@Elcontador said:
I'll stretch for a coin I have been looking to buy for years and finally find it, knowing that I won't see another one for a number of years. An example was an AU 53 Bust $ with original skin. I bought it after looking for one like it for eight years. During this time, I only saw three other examples, all grossly overpriced. In all of the years I have been collecting, I've only seen one coin where I asked "how much," and was willing to pay the amount without flinching or thinking twice about it.

Would love to see a pic of that bust dollar.

koynekwest

I really had to "stretch" for this one even tho it was obtained via a trade-

Boosibri

There are few coins which could not be replaced in 5 years...I try and focus and stretch for those type of coins which I presumably could not replace in the foreseeable future. They generally have something special about them, condition, rarity, eye appeal, whatever.

Stretching about normal levels for replaceable coins is generally a poor strategy.

SeattleSlammer

@FranklinHalfAddict said:
Here’s the only coin I’ve really stretched for. More than 3x what I have paid for a coin before and since its purchase. I saw in Gerry Fortin’s case at a show and loved everything about it. Unfortunately it was way above my budget. I kept thinking about it and looking at it on his website. Eventually I caved and emailed him asking about a payment plan. Thankfully he was very understanding and flexible and I was able to eventually purchase this beautiful half dime! Very glad I decided to stretch for this one.
NGC PF64 CAC

That looks fantastic ! Nice stretch!

winesteven

I am fortunate that I am in a position to spend mid four figures on many of the coins in my Type Set. I was looking to upgrade my one Flying Eagle Cent MS64+ PCGS w/CAC and Photo Seal, and a real nice one came up in auction - 1858 Large Letters (a common type, but graded MS66 by PCGS w/CAC), but was probably going to go for about double my comfort level on a single coin (probably sell for in the very low five figures). I asked my trusted advisor and mentor to look at it, and he said it was the nicest F.E. Cent he had seen in many years. That was all I needed to hear. I bid aggressively, and indeed had to pay five figures to get it, including the B.P. Once received, I then sent it to Rick Snow, and sure enough, it merited Eagle Eye’s coveted Photo Seal. I then sent it back to PCGS for “Reconsideration” with those two “Medals of Honor” now on the slab, and it came back upgraded with a plus, to 66+. Since neither Rick Snow nor CAC are concerned about pluses as long as the Cert Number remained unchanged, they each automatically reapplied their respective stickers. The PCGS Price Guide value triples with that “+” (and mine has both the CAC and Photo Seal)!

Not only do I have that gorgeous coin, I got real lucky!

WCC

I suppose it depends upon someone's definition of "stretching" before I can say if I have done it. I have on occasion paid more than I planned for a coin I really wanted. Part of the reason is that I almost exclusively buy my coins at auction (outside of eBay), as that's where it comes up for sale practically all of the time.

Otherwise, I don't go buy coins outside my self imposed price limit with one exception so far. I have the money to buy somewhat more expensive coins but don't do it anyway.

keets

when I'm walking the dog every morning I'll stretch whenever I see change lying on the pavement.

AUandAG

Boy do I understand. With only 13 coins in my Morgan CC set, I've been saving for an 1889-cc DMPL for years. I am afraid that I will not have enough time to get my monster as the days grow shorter and inflation gnaws at the pursestrings (retired).

bob

keets

Bob, that's a lofty goal worth attaining!!! good luck.