How much will collector to collector sales increase, now that we are in a true information age?

TahoeDale

I suggest that the number and frequency of sales between collectors, without the need for auctions and dealers, will increase dramatically.

Already, ebay provides a ready avenue for individuals to advertise their coins. This forum is an easy place to meet collectors of the series we are interested in.

If imaging becomes simpler, and trust can be established( both diffiicult transitions), then more and more sales will occur between collectors.

I'll pose a potential sale between the owner of a special coin and me, and see what happens:

I want to purchase an 1824 over various dates( PCGS n. 6138) O.103, in MS63 or better.

Let's see if this request can be honored by a fellow collector.

TwoSides2aCoin

not much....
Remember: People are paranoid.

Longacre

In the past, I never really considered selling directly to another collector. I just assumed that the easiest avenue was through a dealer. However, I am coming around to selling directly to a collector, especially if they have good references and are genuinely interested in the coin. I sold one of my coins this past year to a board member (someone who I did not know, but who gave me stellar references), and the transaction was smooth, smooth, smooth. I have less confidence in Ebay for some reason.

There might be another sale of a rarity from the Longacre Collection of Excessively Rare Southern Gold soon, and I might try a direct sale to a collector.

ziggy29

Maybe in terms of "collector networks" who mostly trust each other, such as most of the participants in this forum. The BST is an example of that.

But in terms of random transactions between two collectors who don't know each other and don't have a ready-made transaction history, feedback system or trusted references available, it's not going to be easy except for sight-seen trades where the parties involved (especially the buyer) really know how to evaluate coins.

AU58WALKERS

I tend to agree.

Why pay an auction house when you can place a nice coin in a collectors set directly?

dorkkarl

collector-to-collector sales have DECREASED dramatically as a result of automation & the "information age". that technology that you claim makes c-to-c sales easier also makes BUSINESS to colletor sales much easier, & that's where more of technology will collect

K S

doh

I think it's sometimes impossible to tell on eBay if you're doing a business to collector, collector to collector, or business to business transaction. Therefore, while it would appear that there are more c-to-c transactions through eBay, it's very difficult to prove.

AU58WALKERS

BTW...I will offer a 80% buy back on anything I sell to a collector also.

Lakesammman

I've been pretty public about my interests online for the last 5 years to include posts on US patterns.com, PCGS, NGC, etc, and I've been offered coins ONLY by people I already knew or met at shows.

The information age isn't helping me.

PS - WANTED - Small cent patterns 1856-1866, Cheerios sacs, high grade territorials, Large size silver certificates PCGS 67 or finer - - PM Me.

tjkillian

<< <i>collector-to-collector sales have DECREASED dramatically as a result of automation & the "information age". that technology that you claim makes c-to-c sales easier also makes BUSINESS to colletor sales much easier, & that's where more of technology will collect K S >>



I disagree completely! I have met several collectors on these boards that I would not have otherwise have met. I now spend more money with collector-to-collector than with dealers. This would not have been possible without the internet.

dimples

Over the past three years I've sold or bought to dozens of top registry members and never had a problem. I think Technology is increasing this path.



Dan

Elcontador

Dale, while I see the potential for this, I don't see much material that interests me in any event. I haven't bought anything in six months. I ignore e-bay, as for me, I don't think it's helpful. While I was very publically looking for a Barber Half in MS 65 for the better part of four years, only one non-dealer offered me such a coin on these forums.

dorkkarl

<< <i>

<< <i>collector-to-collector sales have DECREASED dramatically as a result of automation & the "information age". that technology that you claim makes c-to-c sales easier also makes BUSINESS to colletor sales much easier, & that's where more of technology will collect K S >>



I disagree completely! I have met several collectors on these boards that I would not have otherwise have met. I now spend more money with collector-to-collector than with dealers. This would not have been possible without the internet. >>

are you serious? never heard of a COIN CLUB?

before the "mis-information age", coin clubs were everywhere, & collectors would go there to conduct trades, etc. there's not many left though, but that is how much coin collecting was done way back when

K S

roadrunner

I don't lend much credence in collector to collector dealings....at least in the price range of several thousand dollars and up. Seems to me that most collectors like the "safety" net of their trusted retail dealer (with the inherent 10-30% markup). The only time in recent memory that a collector offered me an interesting and top notch coin via the internet it was priced at about 20% higher than what it ultimately sold for. So I see sort of see the higher end collector to collector arena as more shot taking than anything else. While I see my top notch coins go through dealers before landing with a collector, I also realize that there's almost no chance of that collector buying directly from me even if they knew I had the coin.

What Dale says should be true, or we'd hope it to be true, but it doesn't work that way from my view.

roadrunner

RWB

...now that we are in a true information age?

The question, howvere, is it "information" or "misinformation?"

fishteeth

I have had some luck placing my coins with other collectors. In the past I always went straight to dealers to sell, now I find it more enjoyable to
put my coins into the hands of collectors who I know won't try to doctor them up.

TwoSides2aCoin

... by the way, Dale, this is a great question. I think the thread should hit 100. I believe collectors need a network of dealers like people looking for parts for older cars need a network of junkers. It's quite a beautiful thing having a middle man in this hobby.

mrearlygold

It already has increased considerably. However, so has the saying "the blind leading the blind"increased as well. But that really started increasing the day the first pop report was released. So it's not just collectors to collectors

bidask

I put my first ad in world coin news to pare down my collection and featured myself as a longtime collector now selling to collectors.....

SmallEagle

There is no doubt that the OP is correct. I have met a dozen or so collectors on this board that I would be comfortable sending a check of $10K or more for a coin I need. But I have to admit it hasn't happened yet.

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>

<< <i>

<< <i>collector-to-collector sales have DECREASED dramatically as a result of automation & the "information age". that technology that you claim makes c-to-c sales easier also makes BUSINESS to colletor sales much easier, & that's where more of technology will collect K S >>



I disagree completely! I have met several collectors on these boards that I would not have otherwise have met. I now spend more money with collector-to-collector than with dealers. This would not have been possible without the internet. >>

are you serious? never heard of a COIN CLUB?

before the "mis-information age", coin clubs were everywhere, & collectors would go there to conduct trades, etc. there's not many left though, but that is how much coin collecting was done way back when

K S >>



My local coin club would be about the last place that I could sell a coin to a collector unless I want to give it away. Most of the members that are active have little to no $$$ and the ones with $$$ to spend keep a VERY low profile.

RYK

I have had numerous transactions with other collectors, here on the forum and elsewhere, and have had no problems whatsoever. In many cases, I would prefer to deal with another collector.

Often price is the stumbling block. Many collectors expect retail price for their coins but do not offer the bells and whistles that come along with a retail purchase. When nice coins are priced near the mid-point between wholesale and retail, it can be win-win for both parties.

dimples

"Often price is the stumbling block. Many collectors expect retail price for their coins but do not offer the bells and whistles that come along with a retail purchase. When nice coins are priced near the mid-point between wholesale and retail, it can be win-win for both parties. "


Bingo!!

When selling from my registry set I just email other registry members what I have. I keep descriptions and photos of all coins I purchase and can show potential customers where the coin was purchased from Legend, Pinnacle,Whitlow,etc.

It's as close to buying from the dealer but a lot cheaper as several board members here can attest to.

Dan

MidLifeCrisis

<< <i>not much....
Remember: People are paranoid. >>


I'm afraid I have to agree with this. I think there will always exist the perception that if you don't buy a coin from a dealer - preferably a nationally known and highly reputable dealer - then you're making a mistake and are more likely to get screwed in some way.

But I suppose it depends on the personality of the buyer and the amount of money involved in the transaction...after all, collector to collector trading and sales have gone on quietly for many, many years.

Personally, I've bought a couple coins successfully via eBay and have never really been burned. But I've only bought one coin from another forum member and even during that transaction I sought the advice of a trusted dealer before I pulled the trigger.