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Someone kindly explain, just how is it that .....

Searching PCGS First Strike 2009 American Silver Eagles AND
NGC Early Release 2009 American Silver Eagles -

Would/ COULD someone ... ANYONE convince me or otherwise explain
to me - given the prices these are realizing on ebay - HOW IN THE WORLD
it is even LOGICAL to pursue incurring the EXPENSE to have these coins "made"
(graded & labeled as FS or ER) <plus registered, insured Mail TO & FRO> ....

THEN take them to eBay where the prices I see being realized DO NOT EVEN COVER
said expenses? Besides that, then there are the ebay fees to list, final value fees,
PayPal fees and actual S/H expense!

How in the WORLD can one even entertain the thought of pursuing this,
with any realistic Hope of making ANY Profit, at all!?

What am I missing here? It makes NO SENSE to me but for the outside chance
that PERHAPS every now & then a 70 gets thrown in and "made"!

Insight?

Opinions?

I mean - REALLY!!

Feel free - by ALL MEANS! image

Comments

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    BarndogBarndog Posts: 20,525 ✭✭✭✭✭
    irrational exuberance
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    Well at the expense of making some people angry, I make money because I buy 100s of silver eagles, then prescreen them for the good ones and submit them to NGC/PCGS. The remaining ones I send back to the mint. My grading ratio of PF70 : PF69 is 7:3 (70%). So, 70% of the coins I sell are PF70s and the remaining PF69s I sell for just about any price.

    After expenses each PF70 realizes between 60% and 110% profit. The PF69s end up costing me about $12.00 per coin in losses. So if I sell 1 PF70 and 1 PF69, I clear about $40-50 after expenses.

    JC
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    After expenses each PF70 realizes between 60% and 110% profit. The PF69s end up costing me about $12.00 per coin in losses. So if I sell 1 PF70 and 1 PF69, I clear about $40-50 after expenses

    Thanks. Pretty much as I deduced BUT what happens if NO 70s are made?

    Would it then be a fair statement to say that if all you send in come back
    as 69s, you've definitely lost money and are in RED Numbers?image
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    Also noted * You're referring to Proofs.

    What about "Regular Issue" American Silver Eagles?
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    braddickbraddick Posts: 25,150 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>irrational exuberance >>



    Ahhhh, the best and most logical answers are generally the shortest.
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    HEY! How about some input/ insight from PCGS authorized Dealers that do this in BULK?

    I'm serious. I want to know how anyone can profit in lieu of ALL EXPENSES.

    Thank you!
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    BarndogBarndog Posts: 20,525 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>After expenses each PF70 realizes between 60% and 110% profit. The PF69s end up costing me about $12.00 per coin in losses. So if I sell 1 PF70 and 1 PF69, I clear about $40-50 after expenses

    Thanks. Pretty much as I deduced BUT what happens if NO 70s are made?

    Would it then be a fair statement to say that if all you send in come back
    as 69s, you've definitely lost money and are in RED Numbers?image >>




    I think he is saying that he has pretty good skills at picking out the 70s...70% of the time. So he only loses money if he doesn't do his job well (like many of us)
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    I am & have been closely monitoring ALL ebay activity regarding this -

    from the BEST going rate for tubes to MS 69 (fancy labeled) by BOTH Services,

    to Fancy Labeled MS 70. I see NO WAY ANY Profit can be made except for when

    and IF 2 things come into play!

    1- All the fancy labeled pieces cannot be making any profit UNLESS the coins
    are being submitted IN BULK at a HEAVILY DISCOUNTED RATE - and THEN, it's
    still TIGHT, given the price to purchase the Eagles from the Mint (a limited,
    exclusive Group of merchant/ distributors.)

    2- The ONLY OFFSET is that the submitter is GIVEN a 70 per every "x" amount.

    How far OFF am I?image

    I feel it starting to warm up in here!

    Let's talk.
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    lasvegasteddylasvegasteddy Posts: 10,492 ✭✭✭
    <<<What am I missing here? It makes NO SENSE to me but for the outside chance
    that PERHAPS every now & then a 70 gets thrown in and "made"!>>>

    many float around exactly out of this point noted

    bulk sub's...the 70's make bank and the lesser's recoup even more on the back side

    most i think are not the case and yeah...you bet...many may have come but more leave "the making 70's game"

    threads like this inspire many
    look at all the 70's
    everything in life is but merely on loan to us by our appreciation....lose your appreciation and see


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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    Thank you to the 4 individuals Out of the THOUSANDS OF MEMBERS WE HAVE HERE, including PCGS Licensed Dealers that have GUTS enough to answer a couple simple questions. I appreciate it.

    I am watching & participating in some live auctions and doing simple Mathematics am able to quickly see that there MUST BE an "x" factor here as otherwise this is a total waste of time and money to the submitter.

    Watching RAW pieces, Fancy Labeled pieces, TUBES etc - THE ONLY WAY a submitter is able to make ANY money is by getting a substantial break in fees (grading/ labeling) AND is thrown a 70 every certain amount to offset the aforementioned expenses! D'uh!image

    Gee - ya think!
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    **Prime example**

    Had I just NOT bid on an ER 69 the piece would have been won for LESS than $25.
    I made one bid and stopped. The front-runner (perhaps a shill) won the piece @ $25.06
    ONLY because I made that One bid! PCGS is just a bit more but STILL NOT enough to even
    cover expenses if the submitter is NOT getting getting a 70 every now & then & OR a HUGE
    break in cost per Bulk submission.

    This truly troubles me & I'd like to know - with all DUE Respect.

    Some are being sold (Fixed Price listings w/ FREE S/H) <BTW, fixed price listings fvf are MORE
    than AUCTIONED items> for less than $30. DO THE MATH! No WAY this guy is even breaking even,
    ON THESE! Where he IS making it is if someone is caught up in an OCD for #s on inserts and is
    CRAZY enough to spend MULTIPLES for so-called PERFECT 70s.

    Hey, after all ... we ARE talking about 1 Troy Ounce of Silver Bullion, are we not!?

    Is the substantial JUMP from "Near Perfect 69" with Fancy Labels to alleged "Perfect 70"
    REALLY worth it? And what happens if the notorious SPOTTING PROBLEM manifests itself at
    a later date on one of these 70s? HOW MUCH is PCGS going to PAY the owner for a Perfect
    spotted, fancy labeled 70?image

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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    I just had one in the bag at $25.07 (already made with the Fancy Label)
    for just a few seconds as right at the end someone outbid me - Oh, Boo-Hoo.

    As I watch these I can see that the ONLY real profit (thus far) is by selling them RAW
    OR by being fortunate enough to have someone buy a Perfect 70.
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    HEY! ANYBODY IN HERE? WHY AM I HAVING DIALOGUE WITH MYSELF?? HELLOOOOO!image
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    FatManFatMan Posts: 8,977


    << <i>HEY! ANYBODY IN HERE? WHY AM I HAVING DIALOGUE WITH MYSELF?? HELLOOOOO!image >>

    Hello right back at ya. I'm watching the thread because I have the same questions. It seems like the only ones laughing there way to the bank are the TPGs. Dealers are making slim profits and collectors will be asking why will you only give me 10% back of melt when it is time to sell.
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    IrishMikeIrishMike Posts: 7,737 ✭✭✭
    Well for one thing Boom you showed up late on this. Its been that way for a few years, btw just a quick reminder not to miss your meds tonignt. image Over the years I become close friends with a few dealers and they told me 2-3 years ago it was a losing proposition unless you made PCGS 70's and big time loser with 69's. Maybe now with seemingly more 70's cranking out you can make some money at it, but its a delicate balance as the supply has to be kept low to insure profits.

    Anyone that tells you that its profitable in the long run to sell first strike or whatever labels on less than 70 coins is not being honest. Of course those who sell moderns for their living or those who only collect moderns will chime in with their stories. image

    This one is mine and am sticking to it.
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    Thanks Fats & "Mike".

    Simple question - simple answer, best summed up by what IM said & lasvegasteddy.

    Fats, I respect you for saying this:



    << <i>It seems like the only ones laughing there way to the bank are the TPGs. >>



    Which basically was seconded by Irish Mike, VegasTeddy pretty well nailed it as well
    but what gets me is there is absolutely NO venom or disrespect aimed at PCGS or NGC here -
    yet despite this, NONE of the PCGS Authorized/ Licensed "Dealers" have chimed in.

    What is this some hush-hush super confidential inside info or something whereby said
    Dealers are SCARED to talk or are they FORBIDDEN TO SPEAK!?

    I have a sincere question and have asked it with NO disrespect intended toward anyone -
    definitely NONE towards PCGS, what-so-ever!

    Meds, Mike? I'm headed for the meds in just a few minutes. I'm going to my Studio and
    am going to BEAT the living daylights out of my drumset ( as seen in my avatar). It's a 20
    piece, Double Bass Ludwig "Octa-Plus" set, set up exactly like Neil Peart's set from back in
    the 80s. That's my Meds, my exercise/ cardiovascular and afterward I am going to hit the
    HEAVY BAG till I can't lift my arms anymore. That's when I go for my "cool-down" walk on
    the Golf Course right out my backyard gate. Wonderful Therapy, it is!image

    Lovin' every minute of it.

    Follow the aforementioned with a long HOT bath soaking in Epsom Salt, with scented candles
    and it's ALL GOOD!

    Carry on Gents.image
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    tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    << <i>HEY! ANYBODY IN HERE? WHY AM I HAVING DIALOGUE WITH MYSELF?? HELLOOOOO!image >>





    ...............we're being careful............................you may have a GUN!!!image
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
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    EdscoinEdscoin Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭


    << <i>HEY! ANYBODY IN HERE? WHY AM I HAVING DIALOGUE WITH MYSELF?? HELLOOOOO!image >>


    Hey Boom, I'm here. I just don't know what to say.image
    ED
    .....................................................
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    That's me too, Ed. If Boom wants me to join the discussion he needs to pick a really simple subject and use small words.image
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165


    << <i>...............we're being careful............................you may have a GUN!!! >>

    image

    Well, of course I DO. I have several, as a matter of fact, along with Rifles & shotguns
    but they are all locked in the Gun cabinet < loaded of course > except for the one here
    at my desk. If would- be "Bad Boys" somehow get past my B_itch (female Pit), which I
    seriously doubt, shame on them cause I'm not going to be victimized by ANYONE!image

    Guns are not Toys, boys. I'm going to buy a few more hand guns, most likley tomorrow.
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    All are registered to me and I have a permit to carry handguns at all times.
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    I'll be back ASAP. Meanwhile if anyone else wants to chime in - feel free.

    The more perspectives shared - the better.

    It's BOOM-Time. image
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    this is what I've been trying to make people realize for quite some time, shills appear in the strangest of places, and forms.
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    PCcoinsPCcoins Posts: 3,354 ✭✭✭
    Hey Pitt, I have been wondering the same thing for some time now. There's no point in paying the expenses to slab modern coins in hope of actually getting back all 70s. Especially with ebay fees and now mandatory paypal fees. To much headache just to lose money. But just my 2c
    "It is what it is."
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    phehpheh Posts: 1,588
    Consider the following...

    Many dealers try this submission often. Many of the 69s that dealers make out of their 70s go wholesale to other dealers. Some of those other dealers collect those 69s at rates which can, in bulk, make a profit as 69s. They sell them individually. They crack them out and sell them at market price. They sell them in sets of 69s.

    Yes, we are talking about 100s, for many years. But if you have the customer base you certainly make out in the end. $1 here, $2 there, etc... it all adds up. eBay is just another venue.
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    Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Can I play. image


    Hoard the keys.
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    Hey Boom,

    Another non-dealer, not even a wannabe giving you his .02 on this subject.

    All I can say is that by selling me an MS-69 at or below cost you build up a happy customer base. image And E R, or F S, is BS anyway right?

    Not much help I know.

    Paul

    PS
    I'm also not really into certified coins anyway. I like my albums.
    (Old man) Look I had a lovely supper, and all I said to my wife was, “That piece of halibut was good enough for Jehovah”.

    (Priest) BLASPHEMY he said it again, did you hear him?
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    BlindedByEgoBlindedByEgo Posts: 10,754 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Two words: tulip bulbs image
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    Folks seem to be focusing too much on the small picture, the coins being sold at a loss, and not the big picture, that the submitter is likely making an overall profit. Those that are losing money time after time, will be gone soon enough. The big picture might include other venues where the coins are being sold at higher markups and Ebay serves as a vent for excess inventory. The big picture may include other mint issues where the profit is/was much greater and that covers any losses. Several have already mentioned that the PCGS 70s make money. On the later issues, the percentage of 70s has been relatively high (as compared to older issues), so the overall bulk submission is likely a money maker.
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    direwolf1972direwolf1972 Posts: 2,076 ✭✭✭
    I know nothing of the First Strike game but I think it pretty much could be summed up by my thoughts on all numismatics in general.

    Its a numbers game.

    Some fools will throw their money away (its their money let em do as they like) at pure chance.

    Some will break even based on some work and knowledge.

    Some will get ahead due to lots of knowledge and work.

    Sprinkle in a little luck to off-set any of the above and you have your answer.
    I'll see your bunny with a pancake on his head and raise you a Siamese cat with a miniature pumpkin on his head.

    You wouldn't believe how long it took to get him to sit still for this.


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    Gee Boom I would venture to offer my thoughts on the subject of First Strike coins and 70 grade but it seems that these are very touchy feely subject matters.I think we all know the outcome after all is said .....image
    ......Larry........image
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    AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 25,038 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hey Boom,
    have you considered that 99% of the members on this board (might be a tad high there) have no interest
    in bulk silver/gold? We're coin collectors and collect coins that are generally used in commerce. A lot of the
    modern bulk stuff just does not interest us at all. So, there are actually a lot of subjects that don't get much
    attention on the forum, and that's probably the reason.
    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
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    Wrong forum. Sounds like you are a merchant, not a collector.

    BigSteve
    Collecting XF+ toned Barber dimes
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    YaHaYaHa Posts: 4,220
    I love pickles.image


    Get in there Boom and give them hell my boy!image


    Dill pickles are my favorite with chocolate milk.

    The mixture of the two is call a quicker picker upper.

    TUM d tum, tum, tums!!!!!!!!!!!!
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165
    Who? Me!?

    I'm a collector enjoying my hobby that enjoys sharing coins, knowledge
    and insight with other collectors, including many Dealers.

    The thirst for Knowledge is insatiable & unquenchable.

    I have always been the type that wants to know what, why & how,
    not at all afraid to ask questions or to say "I don't know" while
    intending to TRY to find out.

    For several years I have wondered, given the going rates -
    and expenses ... seeing the results, HOW it is that one can do
    this and make out, justifying the expense & effort, without
    getting burned.

    Consistently it always returns to the same ends. There MUST BE
    a marked discount in having such "made" AND there must be a 70
    every "x" amount of coins submitted that INSURES against "LOSS"!

    There have been many very good, honest answers & opinions given here.

    Thanks to all who offered their insight and opinions. image
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    Make no mistake, PCGS and NGC have their loyalties to DEALERS within the US, once they know they deciet them into consiracy of junk and semi junk coins due to their perception of so-called semi-precious junk, then lets move on to the consumner at home... They knew if they could /can get enough stupid people to pay their stupid fee's. (especially at the beginning)...to grade their coins, it would be a conglomerate.....
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    There ONLY gain of money would only come from dealers..........which it did.....in masses, but at a SERIOUS discount that NO poor, sdoul would know.
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    Once they realized that once in their slabs, prices brought more, it was a frenzy to a scammed filed market.....
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    Of course the submitter will lose money on the 69s. But the number of 70s they get is enough to offset those losses plus go into the green area.
    A lie told often enough becomes the truth. ~Vladimir Lenin
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    BoomBoom Posts: 10,165

    Two quick points addressed to "Intheraw"

    1- Seeing you've been a member here since 2006, yet have a post count only in the 20s,
    I'm SURE you had some point to make HOWEVER, I am having a difficult time discerning exactly
    what that might be! THREE RARE CONSECUTIVE POSTS!?

    Try using spell check - PLEASE use correct vocabulary and punctuation or at LEAST some
    sort of recognizable slang or jargon.image

    2- Though I am somewhat "honored" that this thread evoked RARE posts from you, I would
    ask that you NOT insult anyone - MOST OF ALL - OUR HOST - as this was posted sincerely -
    with no negativity intended and has been carrying on quite well without such comments.

    The question has been asked - and to a large degree ... answered, without malice or insult.
    Please refrain from insulting accusations and or inuendoes. This thread was NOT started with
    intent to commence name calling or to make accusations.

    If you're going to post here, please keep it polite - with meaningful comments and or sincere
    questions, without personal "Agenda"!

    Thank you. image

    I appreciate it.

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