Feeling a bit Sheepish - Set an Auction Record for this Seated Half
Catbert
Posts: 7,346 ✭✭✭✭✭
While I'm glad to have an example of this tough date, I do feel a little sheepish for setting a new auction record - PCGS CoinFacts data:
CAC price guide is $1320. Yet, sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do to meet one's collecting goals. As Yogi said "A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore." 
VF30 CAC (seller's pics):
I've a couple of other coins where I've gone what I'd consider way outside the lines, but this is a first at this grade level!
Thoughts from the peanut gallery?
Seated Half Society member #38
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
"Got a flaming heart, can't get my fill"
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Congratulations - that looks like a very wholesome coin! I don’t know or care what you paid, but I have a feeling that you’re not too concerned. You obtained a great coin that met your personal collecting goals. Enjoy.
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
Ehhh, very thinly traded coin and 700 bucks in 2013 is basically $2000 in todays dollars anyway
I've heard collectors say numerous times that guide undervalues original problem free seated coinage, and I really like the patina and look of that coin so I think you did just fine.
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You will have your answer when you go to sell it in the future.
I will say it does look to be a very nice coin, congrats on being the leader!
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
OK, it's a little crazy, but it's not that crazy! Plus, it's a tough date. Congrats!
Tom
I like the coin and have myself colored outside the lines on occasion. I still have those coins and could not be happier. One day the guide price may rise to what I paid. LOL.
If it makes you happy, it can't be that bad
Think Sheryl Crow with a sheep-like Baaaaaaaad at the end!
Seriously, that is a wonderful VF30! Color, surfaces, everything ... just fantastic. I doubt any example exists for that issue in that grade range that compare favorably (or even close).
And what @DeplorableDan said first is not that far off, really. His second point was spot on IMO.
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
I did the exact same thing on my last two purchases, so don’t feel bad!
I paid 15% and then 25% over retail (PCGS price guide)!
Also, you can’t compare today’s value to 2013 prices! Coins have appreciated and inflation has risen!!
You did just fine!!
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Technically, the underbidder set the new auction record, so you're in the clear.
Nice pickup... and I predict that you will come out fine on it if/when you ever sell it.
RIP Mom- 1932-2012
Congratulations. That is a tough date. Your example looks wonderful. Enjoy.
Perhaps more like Stevie Nicks.
Nice looking coin...I love the look of the circ cameo. I'd be willing to bet the colors are better in person.
If you are happy about it nothing to be sheepish about. You got what you wanted as long as you didn't forgo rent or break the bank... It was worth it to get what you wanted!
BTW, very nice coin! Congrats!
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I don't think you are sheepish. I think you are an ardent collector that is going after material that aligns with your collecting goals. If you can afford a coin, and you will enjoy it... go for it. You will have other undervalued pickups that will balance it all out.
Congrats!
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
The other comps are too old to be meaningful. It's a nice looking coin.
Don't feel bad- I've overpaid for ephemera on multiple occasions. Sometimes, the need to have something in your collection outweighs caring if you'll be able to someday recover what you paid for it.
When I've sold coins in the past, I've been pleasantly and unpleasantly surprised at times. The vast majority of my pleasant surprises have been with coins I paid a strong premium for.
Just last year I paid 75% above the former highest auction price paid for a coin in a particular grade. Sheepish ? No. A little crazy ? Probably. But a coin and grade that had not come up for sale in almost 3 years. One I just had to have.
I go along with other comments as it does not seem that far off to me. Coinfacts - VF35 sold at HA 2/21 at $1260 when the pcgs price guide was $875 and HA identified the CDN at $820 and it was not CAC. Looking at collector corner I only see one and they are asking $650 for a G4 no cac with a price guide of $450.
Like the coin as I has an original look to it.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wwmUMvhy-lY - Pink Me And Bobby McGee
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https://youtube.com/watch?v=D0FPxuQv2ns - Ruby Starr (from 'Go Jim Dandy') Maybe I'm Amazed
RLJ 1958 - 2023
Congrats. I've set a few auction records in my time. Twice I was not pleased with myself and only one of those times was a complete train wreck. The other times just fine. It balances out in the end. The coin looks like a nice example and it is CAC approved. A couple hundred dollars for the joy of meeting a collecting goal is nothing. Be happy, congrats!
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
Congrats on the acquisition and a great addition to your collection. Tough coin and more so with a sticker, looks awesome!
I remember buying a coin online from a dealer. Checked his website a week later and he was crowing about setting a new record price for the coin I bought. Fast forward 6 months and I consigned the coin to B&M. Coin brought double what I paid. Sent the dealer an email informing him of the new record price and thanking him for making me 4K in the process. Trust your instincts..nice purchase!
You are going to be fine with that in the long run.
The CAC pops are miniscule because they are hard to find as a date and especially that nice.
The spread between mediocre (‘market acceptable’) and PQ (CAC with original surfaces) is wider than ever. It doesn’t strike me as out of line given the quality of the example and rarity. Looking at auction records and the CAC pops, mid-grade examples are not available very often - seize the opportunity!
If that coin in that grade hasn't traded in ten years, there is no reason to believe you overpaid. Do you have it in hand, and do you like what you see? I doubt you're as buried as you fear you are.
Welcome to the club of paying high prices for coins that are superior to most within a grade! You and I are a small fraction of collectors doing the same, especially in today’s market. It’s perfectly fine to pay for quality!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
It was said in a member's signature line who I can't remember:
"Great coins aren't cheap and cheap coins aren't great"
I have also over paid on a number of coins. Not losing any sleep over my decision and hope I get an opportunity to do it again. My budget is pretty limited for what I am trying to collect. But certain coins just don’t come up that often and I only have so much time. I wish I would have stretched on 4-6 coins in the last couple of years. That was my bigger mistake.
@Catbert... That is a really nice coin and I think it is an investment that will pay off in the future. You obviously are pleased with the coin... Enjoy it.... Cheers, RickO