Anything goes with exonumia...
DCW
Posts: 7,464 ✭✭✭✭✭
In most thinly traded markets, at auction...anything goes. Exonumia is no exception. All it takes sometimes is for two bidders with money to find something they've been waiting for, and that item can take off. Sometimes you get only once chance. Sometimes you're simply tired of waiting. And other times, you just gotta make it yours.
Here's an example of a pretty cool piece that took off at Stacks a few days back. A corps badge from the American Civil War. I felt like it could bring $2,000, and when live bidding started it was only a thousand dollars. But rare and unusual things are hard to price:
When the smoke cleared, it ended just shy of $10,000! I did not participate..
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
9
Comments
Yep... Some Civil War buffs wanted that one.... Cheers, RickO
That’s a cool piece. What do these typically sell for?
There are a lot of factors to consider. The regiment, the soldier, the artistic quality of the badge, rarity, and of course, condition. Price varies. However, Ive never seen a Civil War identification disc or corps badge approach this level. Perhaps it had a lot more going for it than I assessed. It certainly was beautiful.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
This one is expertly engraved and very early in the war (May 1861) Strange, because I dont think Joseph Hooker received a commission until August of that year and quite possibly did not lead the III Corps until 1862.
This badge, therefore, probably is from 1862 or 1863, and the date marks the enlistment of the officer named.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
I guess I will have to make do with this. The day I bought this one, the late Steve Tannenbaum told me it was among the worst known. At least there is some distinctive about it.
@DCW and @BillJones - really appreciate the background and commentary. Thank you!
There's a cool piece on ebay right now.
No different from any auction for any item, truly wanted by two bidders. Especially occurs when there is either no others available or even exist.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain
Jim, with exonumia it is a little different. While an auction for a coin is in theory just like an auction for a token, with two bidders deciding the price realized, but alot of the esoteric stuff is once in a lifetime. And it makes people crazy to wait for that one opportunity and blow it. This badge is an example of auction fever.
Miss a 1955 doubled die Cent, and you have 100 more on eBay every night.
Miss a rare Civil War token, and you may never see one again for sale. Again, I've just never seen a badge go for ten grand before. Kudos to the buyer for stepping up for something like this.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
True.
I’ve paid over 1000 for a couple of rare CWTs but I could see more for unique items related to my collection. If it was the right name or city on the item all bets are off.