Merc guys - care to guess how badly I messed up when starting

DeepCoin · January 17, 2002 9:34AM

When I first started collecting and did not know about these boards, I bought 3 Merc dimes from Sims via Coin World. I bought a 20 PDS set in "BU" condition.

I am going to use 3 of my free submissions to PCGS (just joined and am still waiting on my submission package) to see how badly I did.

I dont have a scan of them, but given the reputation of the seller, would anyone care to guess the grade that comes back from PCGS?

Of course the will be No Bands, but what grade?

Probably all AU, I dont think they were cleaned from my exam.

I chalk this up to live and learn... Comments?

Fairlaneman · January 17, 2002 9:47AM

I am Wishing you the Very Best of Luck on this,but.............

I Know you wont do that Again.

More than likely Each of us has had thier Moments of Insanity,I know I have. Bought a Fake 16D back in the 80's,AU coin that for me cost alot of Money. Happily every thing turned out alright,but it sure taught me a lesson.

Still have weak moments but usually can hold back. Will Not tell you about any more because you guys will know for sure that I am a MORON.

DeepCoin · January 17, 2002 10:16AM

As an FYI, I only have $150 tied up in the 3 coins, so while it is a lesson in learning, I am not getting brutalized on the deal. I did not risk big bucks when I first started, but I know this is going to come out ugly... live and learn and that is one reason I posted this thread, so other newbies can avoid these mistakes.

Flash · January 17, 2002 12:13PM

I predict three bodybags.. all for cleaning. If you bought them as BU coins, then you may get lucky and get an AU and only two bodybags. I could be wrong, but I've sene the kind of stuff they sell.

tggr · January 17, 2002 7:24PM

Hi Deep,
I also wish you luck.
Just like most I have had my day with coins that I have lost on.
I just keep them for a reminder not to do it again.

Ray

CarlWohlforth · January 18, 2002 12:42AM

I only bought 3 raw coins that turned out OK and these I bought in person where I could get a good look at the coin. I never bought anything from a coin mag advertiser that was any good, except some stuff from R&I. Good luck!

robbnsc · January 18, 2002 1:06AM

I think all of us have had similar experiences with coin purchases. I guess it is part of the learning process or "paying dues". Fortunately, your cost on this transaction is not large enough to be a major disaster.

grip · January 18, 2002 4:35AM

I did the same

Out of CW 6 Merc's and all of them have toned purple

and none are close to the grade i thought i bought them at.If it wasen't for this board (you guys) i would probaly be doing the same thing pi----g my money away.Al

Mark · January 18, 2002 8:38AM

When I first started collecting, I was a kid and my Dad enforced a "no-buy-through-the-mail policy" on me. After a few years, however, I was older and earning my own money and so I was allowed to buy coins through the mail. Fortunately, I bought from one of the reputable firms and wasn't harmed.

When I returned to collecting 25 years later, I had an advantage over people just starting because I could remember who was in business in the 1960s. I figured that a company in business since the 1960s (and run by David Bowers) had to be a good company and I was, indeed, correct. So, for the first few years I purchased from only Bowers and Merena. But, I watched different companies' ads and after making a few sight-seen purchases at the FUN show, I have branched out to deal with other companies. PLUS, and perhaps most important, the accumulated experience of other members on this board is fantastic. The comments here have directed me as to who is good and who is...well, let's say, less good. So, all in all, I think I was extremely lucky to avoid being burned. For this, I thank my Dad and David Bowers, in that order!!

Mark

Fairlaneman · January 18, 2002 11:07AM

Well lets Add to My personal goofs. Instead of "Fairlaneman" just start calling me "Moronman" for sending my coins to PCGS for Cross Overs.

DeepCoin · January 18, 2002 11:12AM

Well I have learned much and developed some contacts who I trust. Jon in NH is one and TomB's recommendations have always been good to me.

As has been said, it is not a major loss and after looking at the coins some more (I do need a scanner, but the money always ends up in coins) I am thinking 2 AUs and one 63 (If I am REAL lucky).

Once I send them in and get them back, I will post again. Hopefully this will help someone not make the same mistake. We are always getting newbies here and this is for them.