Think I should have bought this? Lets have a show of hands.

Singapore

Heres the premise:

This coin, Voce Populi Nelson 15 variety appeared at auction last year (I know this means nothing to 99% of you, but just play along with me - as the idea could be relevant to you whatever you collect). This variety is rare. I collect these things and I don't have this variety. I saw it, determined that it was cleaned and I passed on it. Didn't bid. Sat on my hands. Are you with me? Good.



It ended up selling for a pretty reasonable price for what it is.

Now, while it is cleaned, its also probably one of the very sharpest example in existence of the variety. And now, a year later, I'm wondering if I should have bought it. Or is it better to wait for an uncleaned example, even though that will almost certainly be a lower grade piece if and when one appears.

So, should I have bought it?

StillLurking

fcloud

You should have gone for it! If they are that hard to come by, you not get the opportunity again. And, If you did get it, you could have upgraded at a later date.

paigowjohnny

If you had bought it.....every time you looked at it, you'd feel that slight gnawing of dissatisfaction..." Is it cleaned ??...Dammit, it is cleaned, why did I waste my money ??...But is it really cleaned ???"

Catch the drift....

As one who has played this game with his mistakes....wait until you find one that brings you no doubts, and you'll enjoy it much more...

MadMarty

I agree with paigowjohnny (the Frankie hater)!

ksteelheader

A show of hands. You've got it....Ken...LOL

goose3

I would have passed too.

I had the SAME thing happen on a FE variety I've been after a few months ago. I found a nice circulated one. It arrived and it was cleaned, not harshly, but enough for some hairlines to show. I sent it back for a refund. I began to wonder if I should have kept it. At the Balt. show in March I found another one in NGC XF40 and currently have that baby on hold!

I generally steer VERY clear of problem coins unless the price is ridiculously low.

Dog97

Personally I would rather have the problem free example even if it means a lower graded.
Like goose3 said you'll find another one day. Probably the very next day after you spend the money on the problem coin.
Still, if that model is your gig I guess I guess an extra won't hurt. Man what a tough choice. I probably would have wimped out and bought the problem coin.

millennium

"A bird in the hand........"...You can always upgrade later if another comes on the market...

sinin1

No - there was something that kept you from buying it then

Better having spent the money on something else than be stuck with a coin you wish you wouldn't have bought.



Kind of like old girlfriends (or boyfriends) you didn't marry.

coinkat

This is a tough call. If that example is one of the best in terms of detail, it was worthy of consideration. I understand that you have standards...we all do and we try our best to adhere to them. In this instance, I just don't know what I would have done. It really would depend on the the rarity of the coin and if the cleaning hairlined the coin.

MrEureka

Depends how cleaned it really is and how reasonable the price was. From the scan, it looks well worth owning, but I've never had much luck grading scans.

ARCO

Yes - the coin has nice eye appeal and a totally original piece for a very scarce date or variety is not always possible. Buying it ensures you own it until the perfect piece comes along that you can upgrade with.

Other factors include the demand for the coin or series (I am guessing, not nearly as much as US coinage), and liquidity. If it is very expensive and not very liquid, then waiting for just the right coin perhaps is more prudent.

Tyler

byergo

Never buy a coin if there is a strong possiblity of long-term buyers remorse. There will always be plenty of problem free coins out there.

MrEureka

Never buy a coin if there is a strong possiblity of long-term buyers remorse. There will always be plenty of problem free coins out there.

Never pass on a coin if there is a strong possiblity that you will long regret the decision. You can always sell your mistakes, usually without much of a loss.

sinin1

I guess I make bigger mistakes than you Mr Eureka because percentagewise, some of my losses have been substantial.

MrEureka

I guess I make bigger mistakes than you Mr Eureka because percentagewise, some of my losses have been substantial.

It's OK to take SOME big percentage losses. I've certainly taken my share of them!