Would it make sense for the major players in the coin market to merge?

Michigan

Say B&M, Stacks, Heritage, ANR etc. one "super sized" coin dealer with massive combined buying power?

Could such an operation take control of much of the coin market? Probably wouldn't work, too many egos, different goals etc.

BuffQuarter

Yeah, I agree. Monopolies have done great in this country.

ziggy29

It's certainly happened in the past. Not sure how reduced competition would be good for collectors, though. Look what lack of competition has allowed eBay to get away with.

ColonialCoinUnion

I think we'll see consolidation occur naturally, otherwise some of the smaller players won't survive.

MrEureka

Most mergers in most industries turn out badly. I don't see why the coin business should be any different.

Longacre

The smaller players will need to merge in order to survive.

bidask

It might be good to cut overhead on their back offices if combined but I do not think it would have an impact on coin prices.

ziggy29

If there were fewer "big players" in the coin market, perhaps their "buyer's fee" (indirectly paid by the seller, of course) might rise from the usual 15% to 20%?

cointagious

If you look at the coin industry objectively, with few exceptions, the ones making the $$$ are the service providers (grading co.'s) & consolidators(CU & Heritage, etc.).

BillJones

Bigger is not always better. Controlled markets where there are few sellers often result in poorer service, higher prices and market manipulation. Competition is better for consumers PERIOD.