Why is there such a large price variance for bust coinage on ebay?

DCAM

Are there a lot of counterfits? The prices realized for Fair, AG and Good coins vary from $20.00 to $2,000.00 what gives?

BTW I have had a sudden urge to purchase cheap bust coinage!!

ziggy29

Possibly just the look of the coin (originality, toning, et cetera) in some cases.

And die varieties. What looks like a $50 coin to someone who isn't a Bust Half specialist can be a $1000+ coin to a specialist if they recognize a rare die variety.

Cladiator

Eye appeal and rarity.

In the grade ranges you mentioned many bust coins just plain look horrible from gross misstreatment over the years. These are the ones selling cheaply. The ones getting high hammer prices are most likely coins with good eye appeal for the grade. Finding problem free AND low grade bust coins is not exactly an easy task.

Also, you may see a very low grade (possibly even damaged) coin sell for what seems like moon money. On occasion this is because one or more bidders has attributed the coin to be a rare variety.

michael

oh my

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Coxe

I saw a couple that looked like 19th/early 20th century counterfeits on there recently enough. Original ones have been around a long time and have been subjected to various cleanings and treatments. Prices will vary depending on the variety, grade, credibility of the seller, image quality, and originality. Furthermore, it will depend greatly on who is looking at the lot and how it is presented. Personally, I would have a rough time buying uncertified (by the top 3) busts on eBay except from a rare highly credible seller with an acceptable return policy.

RichieURich

<< <i>Also, you may see a very low grade (possibly even damaged) coin sell for what seems like moon money. On occasion this is because one or more bidders has attributed the coin to be a rare variety. >>



I would think it is because more than 1 bidder has identified it as a rare variety. If only 2 bidder identifies it, the coin would probably go cheaply.

Also, anyone buying from eBay sellers should be aware that many coins advertised as "rare varieties" in fact are not. I notified a seller the other day who was advertising an 1830 half as a Large Letters that it was not that variety. There is also someone who periodically advertises an 1812/1 Large 8 half that is not that variety.

dorkkarl

<< <i>Why is there such a large price variance for bust coinage on ebay? >>

die varieties range from very common to quite rare.



<< <i>I have had a sudden urge to purchase cheap bust coinage!! >>

good luck

K S

DCAM

Thanks to everyone for the helpful replies.