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Do auction firms have an obligation to inform consigners if there will be rarity redundancies in an

I was looking at another thread in which a very prestigious board member made the following observation:

"There are no less than FIVE 1792 Half Dismes coming to auction with Heritage during the January FUN show. Ranging in grade from VF20 to MS63. Ranging in appearance from original soft silvery to multi color toned. Coins in both PCGS and NGC plastic for collectors of either persuasion."


Does anyone know if the auction firms have an obligation to tell a consignor that there is going to be a rarity redundancy in the auction they are consigning to? If I had a 1792 half disme, I would want it to be the showpiece of the auction, and not sharing the moment in the sun with four others.

Do the auction firms let you know if your rarity will be surround by four or more of the same rarities in the sale you consign to? Assuming this fact affects prices, shouldn't the consignor know?
Always took candy from strangers
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Never want to be like papa
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--"Happy", by the Rolling Stones (1972)

Comments

  • IGWTIGWT Posts: 4,975
    They should tell you if you ask.
  • SanctionIISanctionII Posts: 12,234 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Moral/Ethical or Legal?
  • Doesn't matter - no one can find anything on their new website layout anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! image
  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 24,421 ✭✭✭✭✭
    To the auction firms it is just product to be sold. Even if a consignor asks, something could be added later. Consignors should read the full terms of the consignment contract and then decide if they want to consign.
    All glory is fleeting.
  • garsmithgarsmith Posts: 5,894 ✭✭
    They shouldn't be responcible for volunteering the information, but they should provide if asked!
  • CladiatorCladiator Posts: 18,061 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Does anyone know if the auction firms have an obligation to tell a consignor that there is going to be a rarity redundancy in the auction they are consigning to? >>

    Are they technically obligated? I don't think so but I sure as heck would hope that they would have the knowledge, awareness and honesty to do exactly that. Not doing that hurts not only the consignor but the auction house as well. If they have multiple rarities for sale at the same time and the coins bring lower prices then the auction house profit will be smaller. To me, it makes financial sense for everyone (except the bidder) to space these coins out over time.

    This is the problem I think about when I hear of people collecting the same key date or rarity in multiples. Say you had a roll of 1815 Half Dollars and you passed away. If your family put them all on the market at the same time and same venue you'd likely not realize as high a per coin price than you would if the sales had been spaced out over time and spread out to different retailers. A collection of 20 1815 Half Dollars would take much longer to sell for maximum profit than a collection of 20 outstanding (and possibly even rare) but not duplicate Bust Half Dollars.
  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,441 ✭✭✭✭✭
    No sir. They are obligated to represent your coin and to promote it in their upcoming auction. Their business is to move your goods, not inform you about other goods also being auctioned. They key is "rare". How rare is a coin that has so many specimens all in the same auction ? That is the question. (just me humble opinion)... but I like your way of thinking. Are you a lawyer ?
  • FredWeinbergFredWeinberg Posts: 5,859 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I'd bet that not only did they tell the consigner's of the other
    Half Disme's in the FUN Auction, but used that to convince them
    that the coins will bring MORE, because of the interested level
    created by having such a run of classic American numismatic coins
    in the auction.

    Two years ago, they auctioned Two Brasher Doubloons (and a
    third related piece, I believe), also at their FUN Platinum Auction.


    They brought Record Prices........

    Just like the Redfield Hoard of Dollars, and other examples, sometimes
    having more than one specific rare coin in an auction brings more bidders
    to the forefront, and in many cases, stronger prices. Heritage does this
    on a fairly regular basis, and from what I see, are very successful in this
    method.

    Just my view......
    Retired Collector & Dealer in Major Mint Error Coins & Currency since the 1960's.Co-Author of Whitman's "100 Greatest U.S. Mint Error Coins", and the Error Coin Encyclopedia, Vols., III & IV. Retired Authenticator for Major Mint Errors for PCGS. A 50+ Year PNG Member.A full-time numismatist since 1972, retired in 2022.
  • RYKRYK Posts: 35,797 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I agree with FW. The price realized of the 1792 half dismes will not suffer as a result of multiple examples being offered. If anything, more individuals will expect to bring one home and will be of the mindset to make it happen.
  • CladiatorCladiator Posts: 18,061 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You guys have a valid point and it may very well turn out that way. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. image

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