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Blue Moon Coins... anybody dealt with them? Advice? Will anybody even see this thread beneath all th
lordmarcovan
Posts: 43,215 ✭✭✭✭✭
Recently I acquired a PCGS MS64 1907 Barber half from a reputable member of this forum, and was pleased enough with the $675 price, though the coin had some less-than-attractive blackish toning on about 15% of the obverse. The rest of the coin was a nice lustrous white to off-white, including all of the reverse. I decided that rather than entering it into my set right away, I would try to use it as a stepping stone to a coin with better eye appeal. I mean, having gotten an $1100 trend-price coin for $675, how could I go wrong, right?
I saw this 1912 MS64 for sale by bluemooncoins on eBay and emailed them, offering my coin plus some money. (Their coin looks nice to me despite the grainy picture). They replied, saying we could work something out. I called the toll-free number and spoke with Jim Patullo there, who seemed nice enough over the phone. Without seeing my coin, he said my coin plus $150, $200 at most, would be a ballpark figure, and I am under the impression that I could have closed the deal then and there if I had had the money in my account. I needed about a week to get the additional money, though, so I told him I would go ahead and send my coin, let them examine it, and they could let me know when they received it.
Today I called him and found that my coin had arrived. He said, quoting his boss, that he could not do the deal as "the coin had been cleaned previously" (maybe true, maybe not, never mind that it is in a PCGS holder). He said they wanted $275 in addition to my coin. I said in so many words that that was absurd, and privately wondered what happened to the "$200 at most" price that was mentioned last week. I said an additional $200 was the highest I would go. He consulted somebody and then declined. I mentioned that I might trade on a different Barber half or perhaps some gold, but after thinking about it, I can't help but wonder if these guys are pulling my chain. I am beginning to wonder if I haven't wasted $10 shipping my coin to the other side of the country to have these guys waste my time.
On the other hand, if I took them up on the $275, which I probably shouldn't do, I would be getting an $1100 coin for $950 (the $675 I have in the toned coin plus the $275 they are possibly trying to hijack me for)- not quite as good a deal as I originally got from Larry, but still well below trend price.
What do you think of these guys? Everyone I have spoken to on the 'phone has been very pleasant, but I am starting to get suspicious. Maybe it's just me. I see quite a few negs in their feedback, but the ratio is still fairly small in proportion to the positives- 35 out of about 9300. Anybody have any suggestions? My inclination is to tell 'em to quit jerkin' me around and either accept the $200 or send my coin back, but I am still weighing the options. We are talking about two identically-graded coins, here: mine and theirs. Both MS64. I am willing to pay some extra money for added eye appeal, but $275 is a bit steep, especially in light of their assurances that the price wouldn't be more than $200...
I dunno... would you go for the $275? Or would you tell 'em to stuff it?
I saw this 1912 MS64 for sale by bluemooncoins on eBay and emailed them, offering my coin plus some money. (Their coin looks nice to me despite the grainy picture). They replied, saying we could work something out. I called the toll-free number and spoke with Jim Patullo there, who seemed nice enough over the phone. Without seeing my coin, he said my coin plus $150, $200 at most, would be a ballpark figure, and I am under the impression that I could have closed the deal then and there if I had had the money in my account. I needed about a week to get the additional money, though, so I told him I would go ahead and send my coin, let them examine it, and they could let me know when they received it.
Today I called him and found that my coin had arrived. He said, quoting his boss, that he could not do the deal as "the coin had been cleaned previously" (maybe true, maybe not, never mind that it is in a PCGS holder). He said they wanted $275 in addition to my coin. I said in so many words that that was absurd, and privately wondered what happened to the "$200 at most" price that was mentioned last week. I said an additional $200 was the highest I would go. He consulted somebody and then declined. I mentioned that I might trade on a different Barber half or perhaps some gold, but after thinking about it, I can't help but wonder if these guys are pulling my chain. I am beginning to wonder if I haven't wasted $10 shipping my coin to the other side of the country to have these guys waste my time.
On the other hand, if I took them up on the $275, which I probably shouldn't do, I would be getting an $1100 coin for $950 (the $675 I have in the toned coin plus the $275 they are possibly trying to hijack me for)- not quite as good a deal as I originally got from Larry, but still well below trend price.
What do you think of these guys? Everyone I have spoken to on the 'phone has been very pleasant, but I am starting to get suspicious. Maybe it's just me. I see quite a few negs in their feedback, but the ratio is still fairly small in proportion to the positives- 35 out of about 9300. Anybody have any suggestions? My inclination is to tell 'em to quit jerkin' me around and either accept the $200 or send my coin back, but I am still weighing the options. We are talking about two identically-graded coins, here: mine and theirs. Both MS64. I am willing to pay some extra money for added eye appeal, but $275 is a bit steep, especially in light of their assurances that the price wouldn't be more than $200...
I dunno... would you go for the $275? Or would you tell 'em to stuff it?
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Comments
At this point, you might be money ahead by asking them to ship your coin back, rather
than trying to salvage the deal.
My Dimes
<< If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time! >>
To make a long story short, I felt like I was at a used car lot.
This is from a Guy that Lives in the NorthWest. Enough Said.
Hey Lord: Forgot to Answer the 2nd part of your question. It was Damn Hard to find your Post.
I'll second Higashiyama's recommendation re: David Lawrence. He has a 1907 for $1000 and a 1909 for $985.
Another option is to find a nice one in an auction. Common dates can be had for about $875-950+juice.
I haven't done business with Blue Moon, but I received an unsolicited e-mail from them a few weeks ago, offering a coin that was a grade higher than one I have in one of my registry sets. Their scans always leave a lot to be desired, and I told them "no thanks". It struck me as an odd way of drumming up business.
Jim
They are trying to rip you off. For one, when they say the coin has been cleaned, that is impossible if it is encapsulated in a PCGS. The experts there can easily tell if it was cleaned. They are just using that excuse to get more money. Personally, that is not a person I would do business with.
Sincerely,
Chris
Good luck!
I have only one tidbit to add, if the deal already makes you queasy your feelings about it won't improve after purchasing the other coin. Cut bait.
and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
Obscurum per obscurius
$900.00 or so for a nice MS64 Barber is still in the ballpark of being a fair deal. I do know Blue Moon's scans are strong and this Barber probably looks better in person (probably more natural white than the grainy look).
Good luck with this deal!
peacockcoins
It seems to me that they are using one of the oldest sales tricks in the book.
I would pass on the deal. Even if you got the coin, you probably wouldn't enjoy it as much given the hassle you have already been through.
Walk away and enjoy the search for a "better" deal.
MJ
Mark's Mattes
Mark's Cameo SMS Set
Mark's Non-Cameo SMS Set
<< <i>For one, when they say the coin has been cleaned, that is impossible if it is encapsulated in a PCGS. The experts there can easily tell if it was cleaned. >>
Boey, this statement couldn't be further from the truth. There are more coins graded by PCGS and NGC which have been cleaned than there are original. By a large margin. It is dangerous for you to assume that because PCGS slabbed a coin that everything is smooth sailing.
David Lawrence is assuredly an excellent dealer. I have bought many $1000's of coins from them and have never had a problem and their service is excellent. I will recommend them unconditionaly.
Look man, You have a coin that makes the grade. You got a 'deal' on it. I understand wanting to have a better example(eye appeal). If the deal feels funny to you at this point, drop it. You will find another. Maybe you will need to pay a little more(or not) but just be comfortable with what your doing. You posted a thread about this deal. Shows you have doubts and concerns...enough said. Pay the return postage on your coin, and look elsewhere. With requesting your coin to be returned, they might even come down to your level. I would still explain why I didn't want to follow through, and see if you hit the 100 buck range(then consider it)
I think you should get your coin back tho.
dan
Guess I will start the swapping game anew when my my coin returns. Larry even PM'ed me and offered to buy it back, but I don't know if that will be necessary. It has some unsightly obverse toning, but it isn't that hideous. I feel it was fair at the price.
Kenny
My Washington Type B/C Set
Welcome back CC2K. Must be Troll Week, huh?