A PUBLIC FEEDBACK TO ANGEL DEE'S
Steve
Posts: 3,312 ✭✭✭
I know most of the Lincoln cent collectors and dealers here know Andy Skrabalak and many have had wonderful dealings with him. I would like to add my name to the list of recommended dealers. I purchased my upgraded 1975 proof cent from Andy a couple of years ago at Coinfest. I just acquired my 1999 close AM proof cent variety from Andy via a number of emails back and forth. He worked with me to enable me to get this coin at a fair price. I am certainly not an active buyer these days since I already have just about all the date, mintmark, and major varieties in the series. I find it especially nice that Andy takes the time to communicate with me about the series and especially about the 1909VDB MPL. He has alot of knowledge about the Lincoln cent, the people who collect them and the people who deal in them. Thank you , Andy!
Steve
If anyone else has an interesting story about collecting Lincoln cents and your interaction with Andy, I'm sure many would enjoy hearing it (as long as it isn't privelaged).
Steve
If anyone else has an interesting story about collecting Lincoln cents and your interaction with Andy, I'm sure many would enjoy hearing it (as long as it isn't privelaged).
3
Comments
"Because I can"
myurl The Franklin All Old Green Holder Set
Two thumbs up from me too.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
My single favorite coin in my collection is a rainbow toned NGC 66RB 1881 Indian Cent that Andy sold to me in the aisle of a coins show in Maryland in the mid or late 90
s. It was raining buckets and there were leaks everywhere in the show because it was being held in a wet basement, imagine it, dealers and collectors running and scrambling everywhere. I run by Andy and he says "you want this for ###?" as he had some cool coin in his hand that he knew I'd like. Cash to him, coin to me, I go home, 10 years later it's still my favorite coin.
But that man not only has a completely encyclopedic knowledge of lincolns and indians but he never forgets a transaction and never forgets a coin - the bast_rd!!
Also had a situation where I reached for a RB rare date in a holder that turned the first year I owned it and not only did he aggressively buy it back, he remembered that he had bought it back 10 years after he bought it back and brought it up one day randomly in a conversation at a show. Rare stuff that guy.
Jeff
The first time I met Andy, I was looking at some MPLs that he had. He had laid out a few for me to look at. One of them was a proof VDB. I mentioned that I would like to meet Laura Sperber so he starts to get up and go get her. I asked him if he wanted to put the MPLs back in his case and he said no, keep looking. He also told me he left the case unlocked for me to dig around in while he was gone.
A few minutes later, he returns with Laura and the three of us had a nice conversation.
I find them to be pleasant and professional to work with.
edit spl
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
I know you have some awesome high grade Lincolns that at current prices i would be worried what the next 10 years might do to the prices. Sometimes the top pop coins or high grade ones can be tough sales.
NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!
RIP "BEAR"
Ambro,
Not sticking up for Andy (& I agree with you in general) but the prices you were (still are?) asking for many of your Lincolns were simply too high. Period.
Contrary to a few comments, I have benefited from the value I have received from him over the last seven years during which we have conducted business. During many occasions prior to my faithful meeting with Andy, I incurred a great many of dealers who represented the worse of our hobby. Thus, it was and continues to be a refreshing difference in discussing and purchasing coins from Angel Dees. For many other dealers, I generally feel that it is a chess match or that I must truly adhere during every second of the transaction to the old saying of "buyer beware".
While I will end my comments here, I only wish I could do as much for him as he has done for me in restoring my faith, as a collector, in a great hobby. I thank my fellow forum members for adding this topic.
Casabrown
When PCGS price guide lists a coin at 9000, and a private collector offers it for sale at 9000, is that any different from a dealer offering it for sale at 9000?
What is the "value added" feature as it relates to the small disc of round copper inside of a piece of plastic, in the long run......if it comes from a private collector or a dealer?
Even though I've sold the Lincolns and moved on, both remain my friends, and greet me with enthusiasm and warmth at the shows. This is a class act all the way, and know their Lincolns profoundly.
Here's a warning parable for coin collectors...
<< <i>Most have been sold (at my price) and many others consigned to Heritage Long Beach. A few I am keeping.
When PCGS price guide lists a coin at 9000, and a private collector offers it for sale at 9000, is that any different from a dealer offering it for sale at 9000?
What is the "value added" feature as it relates to the small disc of round copper inside of a piece of plastic, in the long run......if it comes from a private collector or a dealer? >>
Ambro,
When PCGS price guide lists a coin at $9,000, that is the RETAIL price that they have assigned. I would NOT expect to see a major dealer in Lincoln cents pay a retail price for a coin whether it was offered by another dealer or a collector. JMHO.
Steve
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
Is it then proper to always offer a coin to another collector at a 20 percent discount? Or is that a "retail" transaction?
I have retracted my initial statement regarding Angeldees. He emailed me and explained his situation, and the intricate changes that are occuring in the Lincoln Cent collector market. Andy, please accept my heartfelt apologies.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
They know where to find the coins that will really make up a top notch set, and will work with you to build the best you can build at your pricing level. You don't have to be competing for the top 5 in order to benefit from dealing with them. Contrary to what some have said, Andy has always treated me right when I am interested in selling a coin, or trading it in on something else if I bought it from him.
I owe Andy and Alynne a great deal for their contributions to my set. They have found some really stunning coins for me, and have always given me great advice even when it was on a coin that I was buying from someone else.
Thanks Alynne and Andy for all the invaluable help with my Lincolns in the past and future. Can't wait for those crabs! (inside joke!) See ya soon.
Dan Close
The Penny Lady®
- Bob -
MPL's - Lincolns of Color
Central Valley Roosevelts
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
Andy is always willing to offer a detailed verbal description when talking over the phone. He has been very helpful and a strong advocate for the industry.
Garrow King
Au_hobby
<< <i>I've had a few dealings with Andy. He makes you feel like you are his only client and will bend over backward to make you happy. It is also a plus that his material is top notch. This beautiful Buffalo Proof was one of my favorite purchases. >>
What??
I thought I was his only client?? You mean there are others??
Jeff
<< <i>After reading all the comments in this thread, I feel good about buying an 1884 PCGS AU58 Liberty nickel from Andy sight unseen. I am pretty sure it will be a top notch piece! I will post photos here when it arrives! >>
I am glad you bought that coin. I have been thinking about that coin daily for 2 weeks. I can move on now.
NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!
RIP "BEAR"
<< <i>Boy, I think Andy would be embarrassed if he knew about this "Andy love fest"! >>
Charmy, there IS a reason it is a "Andy love fest". Thanks Dsessom for bringing this August, 2009 thread back up. Andy deserves all the praise he gets.
Steve
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
GO PENS!
BTW I got your email and talked to Mario and delivered your message to him.
WS
Having dealt with Andy on a number of occasions, I'd have to say he is one the most honest and honorable dealers that I have
ever dealt with. Service with integrity and a smile, a rare commodity in today's market.
<< <i>After reading all the comments in this thread, I feel good about buying an 1884 PCGS AU58 Liberty nickel from Andy sight unseen. I am pretty sure it will be a top notch piece! I will post photos here when it arrives! >>
Here it is, and I am not disappointed in the least!
Congrats!
That is quite a coin for an AU58!
this great example of the 09SVDB. My dealings with them have always top notch. Thanks!! Shag
that SVDB isn't too bad either, Shag
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
COMPLETE KENNEDY VARIETY SET, CIRCULATION STRIKES AND PROOFS
1964 MINT SET
Andy has an absolutely screamin' set of Roberto Clemente cards! The #1 Set!
Check it out and you will see the finest stuff of #21 known to mankind!
Some of the stuff in his set is absolutely MIND BLOWING!
Tony
KalineFan
One personal story (although I could write ten).
The very first time I was introduced to Andy a few years back he GAVE me a wild PCGS 1961 toner Lincoln because I mentioned that the coin in his case was dated the same as my birth year. The asking price was $300. I don't know many people who practice that sort of generous behavior as a habit, but Andy is one of them. Alynne just sat there and smiled. It was pretty cool.
I owe Andy for some truly monster coins he has found for my collection, and the unbiased advice he has been giving me for years. Thumbs up, guys.
Duane
robec - that is one awesome nickel! Andy does have nice nickels too.
casabrown - thanks for the brief story. I am glad Andy contributed to your continued pursuit of the hobby.
Anyway, anyone mentioning Andy and Alynne is going to get some response from me. I'll just come out and say it; I love them!!!
Andy is a good friend already and I've only been dealing with him for a few months. Long enough though to be able to tell who wrote an email to me, Andy or Alynne!
All the best coins I have came from Andy. He is extremely fair. He tells you the truth. (man, that is the most important thing of all!)
Angel Dee's is MY coin dealer. Andy has great patience with me and tries very hard to help me find coins that I'll like. He seems to know, even better than me, what I will eventually be happiest with. That is a very rare talent! He has actually stopped me from making a mistake on a purchase. One time he helped me choose between two coins he had, even though he would have done better selling me the other one, he made sure I got the right one, the better one. That is the 1C 1916 PR66RB that is clearly my best coin.
Lets face it. There are good, bad and ugly people that you encounter in every pursuit in life. Andy and Alynne are without question, clearly leading the group of good ones.
Doggiedad
Yes they are two of the best, for sure. One more thing I thought of is that they inspire enthusiasm for coin collecting - at least for me anyway. Andy has a way of talking about coins that is infectious. When Andy recalls a coin story, it ignites my imagination about it. Very few people can do that and I think it is just natural for him. Just Andy being Andy if that makes any sense.
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
Boy, I think Andy would be embarrassed if he knew about this "Andy love fest"! Though as a dealer it is sometimes hard to buy from Andy, he has come through a couple of times when I was looking for specific coins for my customers. And after two years of looking and lusting after this particular coin for my personal collection, Andy and I finally came to terms, and now I am happy to say it sits firmly in my toned Indian cent collection and is one of my favorites
I'd be an interested buyer of that if you ever decided to part with it
And yes there is proof that Andy had a head full of hair. Those were the days LOL.
bob
GREAT THREAD!!!!!
Rob
Successful Trades with: Coincast, MICHAELDIXON
Successful Purchases from: Manorcourtman, Meltdown