Being on the inside is important-- how can you beneficially leverage a dealer’s past experience?

Longacre

In the tax world, sometimes there is a definite advantage to using a lawyer that has previously worked for the IRS or a state tax agency. That lawyer usually has a unique insight into the workings of the agency, knows the right people to immediately call, and also can foresee things that the agency might do, much earlier than a lawyer who might not have worked for that agency. It is just experience from being on the “inside”.

In the coin context, I think having that inside experience is important, too. I am sure there are other examples of this out there in the marketplace. Does anyone think that there is some benefit to collectors to use a dealer who has prior experience with a particular firm?

ricko

Absolutely... I would use this resource wherever it may apply - and I do so in both business and personal dealings continuously. I also make my expertise available to those I call on - and respond quickly when contacted. A network is a very valuable resource. Cheers, RickO

hubird

what? There aren't non-disclosure agreements in this bidness?!

PerryHall

<< <i>Does anyone think that there is some benefit to collectors to use a dealer who has “insider” experience at a particular firm? >>



Not really. Any competent dealer can do a good job of reviewing the coins that you are interested in and provide you with the advice you need to make an informed decision. Buy the coin---not the auction firm.

TahoeDale

Longacre, there are certain dealers who have extended knowledge of individual coins and series that can be valuable, whether they worked for auction companies, or within large coin dealerships.

And if you have limited knowledge and understanding of how auction firms work(terms for consignments to sales), then a past CEO or other high ranking officer could assist in agreements with the auction firm.

Examples of the above come to mind:

David Akers for Barbers and Gold

Sil DiGenova for Stellas, early gold, and Early dollars

Joe O'Coonor for ealy proofs

Sheridan Downey for CGH's

Doug Winter for dated gold

Developing an assn with any of these great Numismatists would increase your chances of finding the right coins.

MrObvious

Longacre -

So long as the person in question also knows their coins I think there is absolutely an advantage.

I deal with large non-profits and government agencies regularly and find that there is no substitute for "inside" contacts. They know details of the operation that you frequently don't even know you need to know.

The devil is in the details and the more experience and information you have the better off you are.