Preference for dealer attribution of varieties?

astrorat

Those of us who collect major varieties (e.g. VAM, Overton, Sheldon, etc) know some dealers provide attributions as part of the coin's description and many do not. The reasons likely vary (lack of time, lack of expertise, apathy, wanting to entice 'Cherry-Pickers,' etc.) and it seems that willfully ignoring varieties may leave significant 'money on the table.'

For example, those who collect Capped Bust halves by Overton die marriage know there is a strong network of dealers and collectors who specialize in these varieties who know the value and are willing to trade the coins at the price of the variety. As such, it's somewhat baffling when a national dealer and/or auction house does not attribute coins with such a strong collector base. Of course, the same can be said for Sheldon varieties of Large cents and VAM varieties of Morgan and Peace dollars.

So, as a collector, what is your preference? I prefer to trade with dealers who ...

NSP

It doesn’t really bother me one way or another, but if a variety or die marriage is part of the listing, I make sure to confirm the attribution myself. I don’t trust dealers or TPGs enough to blindly accept variety or die marriage attributions since I’ve seen plenty of incorrect attributions (by dealers and by all four major TPGs).

astrorat

@NSP said:
It doesn’t really bother me one way or another, but if a variety or die marriage is part of the listing, I make sure to confirm the attribution myself. I don’t trust dealers or TPGs enough to blindly accept variety or die marriage attributions since I’ve seen plenty of incorrect attributions (by dealers and by all four major TPGs).

The assumption with the poll is the attributions are correct. It's always wise to 'trust, but verify' with respect to varieties ... even if on the TPG label.

ricko

I do not collect, nor check for, varieties....So it makes no difference to me. Cheers, RickO

pursuitofliberty

@NSP said:
The assumption with the poll is the attributions are correct. It's always wise to 'trust, but verify' with respect to varieties ... even if on the TPG label.

This ^

ShaunBC5

I picked May/May not. I don’t collect this way on purpose, but if it’s listed, it might pique my interest more, and if it’s not, I’m still going to check for special attributes when I get home. Since I don’t collect this way, I’m not going to be able to cherry pick, but I’ve lucked into one or two special varieties before (type 1 56 Proof Frank, for example, which I know by heart now).

TurtleCat

@ricko said:
I do not collect, nor check for, varieties....So it makes no difference to me. Cheers, RickO

Generally true for me as well.

keyman64

I prefer dealers/auction houses that FAIL TO ATTRIBUTE but do provide excellent large photos so that I can cherrypick.

chesterb

I prefer the attribution but always verify it. It also helps when I go to research a coin I'd like to purchase if major dealers and auction houses have their sales archives already attributed because I get a better idea of a coins value that way.

astrorat

More votes?

yosclimber

I believe there can be value in dealer attributions if they are accurate.
Especially if the photos are not good enough (or the reference not easily available) to positively identify the variety.

I didn't vote in the poll because it is a general and complex issue to me.
I try to view it not just from my perspective as a collector,
but from the perspectives of a range of different collectors.

"Trust but verify" seems like a contradiction to me.
"Appreciate and verify" seems closer to how people should use offered attributions. (Appreciate if they are usually accurate).
Essentially, if thought to be generally accurate, it is worth using as an "initial estimate". Then you check it.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trust,_but_verify