Nice coins aren't cheap and cheap coins aren't nice...

dizzyfoxx

...I know this can be construed as a "vague" statement that does not apply to all coins but I feel it makes sense when it comes to color-toned silver coins. It just seems that the mind-blowing color-toned monsters command such an outrageous premium where coins that are not very appealing or somewhat appealing, but still toned, don't generally sell for high premiums. Ofcourse the term "nice" is defined in the eye of the beholder because what might be nice to me, might be downright fugly to another.
Any thoughts on this?

pharmer

First thought: that's obvious. Second thought, the marketplace dictates price. Supply and demand sorta thingie

matteproof

Hey Dizzyfox. Yes, my experience has been the same as yours. The real monsters tend to sell for crazy, sometimes REALLY crazy premiums. Mottled toning and other less desirable color does not usually command such premiums from a knowledgable buyer. I think the reason for this is that truly monster toned coins are relatively scarce. Real mega monsters are just not seen everyday and so, the premiums tend to go nuts. For example, try finding really and truly monster toned end-rolls Morgans with sharp and vivid geometry. They are rarely seen - and I do mean rarely. True Monster rainbow Morgans are also tough, but I see far more of them than I do the true Monster end-rollers. matteproof

LincolnCentMan

You can argue about price. You can argue about quality. But you cant argue about the price of quality.

David

TorinoCobra71

Yeah, those "Outrageous Premiums" are for coins that are toned "one of a kind" AKA UNIQUE !!!! = $$$$$$$

TorinoCobra71

RYK

Any thoughts on this?

RYK's old man taught him long ago: "You get what you pay for."

matteproof

<< <i>Any thoughts on this?

RYK's old man taught him long ago: "You get what you pay for." >>




Sadly, often people pay for what they don't get. matteproof

mozin

Since Dizzyfoxx has shown us so many beautifully toned Classic Commems lately I will speak to that series.

In my experience coins that have outstanding toning that most all people see as very special do command outrageous prices. These coins are basically out of sight for ordinary collectors and are reserved for those collectors with very deep pockets.

Clean white Commems with superb luster always command a premium but not nearly like those that are specially toned.

Commems with ordinary toning dictate current sheet pricing.

The Commems with unattractive, too dark, or blotchey toning will change hands at sight unseen prices.

ColonialCoinUnion

<< <i>Any thoughts on this? >>



Right now, some people are paying massive premiums for very common coins with what they consider exceptional toning.

What is exceptional toning? I don't know, but I guess some people know it when they see it - and thats great, as long as some future buyer sees it too when it comes time for you to sell.

My concern would be that artifical toning technology is likely to improve in the coming years, rendering exceptional toning merely commonplace.

Myqqy

RYK's old man taught him long ago: "You get what you pay for."

This advice is interesting when you apply it to some toned coin offerings/transactions- such as past threads involving some vividly toned anaconda offerings that some (many?) thought could be AT. Some people want you to pay a lot, as that would justify a coin as being as valuable as some people want it to be........

Gemini

Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

MacCrimmon

<< <i>Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten. >>



So true! Slightly over 3 years ago I paid a ridiculous $1000 for a rare British penny. The dealers comment was "once gone, gone"!

Well, I'm glad I bought it because I haven't seen anything near the quality since and this one would easily fetch $4000+ if sold today....I think I'll keep it for another 20 years or so.

anablep

Gemini: I agree. And because of that, some are willing to pay whatever it takes for quality (& uniqueness).

Just look at the 1886 & 1887 Morgan dollars in MS65-66 from the Battle Creek Collection that fetched $6000-$12000 because of the quality of the toning. Amazing considering they are common dates. Imagine what a CC or key date would fetch!

coinbuf

<<Right now, some people are paying massive premiums for very common coins with what they consider exceptional toning.

What is exceptional toning? I don't know, but I guess some people know it when they see it - and thats great, as long as some future buyer sees it too when it comes time for you to sell.

My concern would be that artifical toning technology is likely to improve in the coming years, rendering exceptional toning merely commonplace. >>

My thought exactly!! It's for this very reason that I cannot get all worked up over toined coins.

Chris

fc

i agree with the concept that AT artwork will become harder to detect.

i also worry that people who are buying toned coins are not
seeing what is hidden by the tarnish.

with gold, it is so easy to see the luster and every little mark.

toned silver? that might take more training.