Jeez this one looked nice... but I passed

Obiwancanoli

I've been looking for a nice 3-Cent Silver for my fledgeling Type Set, and ran across this early on. I decided to watch it a while, see where it went, maybe argue with myself whether or not I should bid.

After all, it REALLY looks nice and clean. But I thought, maybe too clean.

Now, understand I'm still pretty much a rookie, and I've learned to look at such coins with a suspicious eye, particularly when I see a coin that LOOKS like it should be in a slab, but isn't.

Considering the source - one I've read about many times on this forum, and both sides of the argument - my limited experience with GSC suggests their pix are more generous than the actual coin in hand in many cases, and those I wanted a closer look at, well, I've sent all but one back.

Opinions please (the coin, I mean)...

Thanks!

tightbudget

Looks like altered surfaces from my computer

OffMetal

If you do a forum search on the seller, you would find quite a bit of info on his business practice.

Ben

erickso1

I would be what is considered a rookie too, and rightfully so, but that coin just doesn't look right. Surfaces maybe, but photo wise it seems like they lit up the entire surface so that no actual luster that exists is visible, if there is any at all. What the lighting did do is accent the elevation differences on the coin giving it the appearance of "luster", especially around the " III ". It may end up being a legit coin and I may eat crow but you have instincts for a reason.

pursuitofliberty

probably could be a net 50 ... cleaned and or altered surfaces ... not great any other way ... maybe a $60. coin

painful lesson for the buyer someday


BTW, good pass ... "too clean", as you said. is a good indication of a problem here

49thStateofMind

Once bought a raw coin from GSC,a 1921 Peace sent it to PCGS it came back.................MS62, and didn't pay 62 money for it, but that one does look to clean, i'd keep your powder dry for when you really need to pull the trigger.

Bear

The surfaces seem as though they could be whizzed. In any event,
they do not look normal. nor is the expected luster there.

Rampage

I agree with Bear, the coin appears to be whizzed. Could be the bad images though.

Raybo

I'd sell you this one for way, way less than $405 in all it's glory!
I would be the first one to tell you that it has a problem (Duh), but IMHO the surfaces are original!




Ray

Broadstruck

<< <i>painful lesson for the buyer someday >>





GSC should include as bottle of Southern Comfort for the buyer to soothe his loss!

DUIGUY

Pass on any GSC auction!

Obiwancanoli

Thank you, all, for your insight... I found it compelling that every posted reply , so far, agrees with my so-called instinct. I'm happy I passed.

Funny thing, I've read much about GSC in this forum, as my OP noted, but I've also noticed they out out some really good pix, which, I've discovered, are designed to highlight the best features of a coin, and camouflage the worst. It tells me not so much about GSC, but rather, that a well-crafted photo can hide the obvious right in front of you.

Thank you again, everyone, for your valued insight!

lkeigwin

I don't trust any of their images. They all look juiced...contrast, saturation and color tweaked. Clearly it gets them lots of bidders.

This 3CS looks cleaned and may have rim damage (reverse 11 o'clock). You were smart to stay away.
Lance.

ambro51

My third gold dollar buy was an 1861 from GSC which was offered as uncirculated. Spent normal money for it, and finally got around to submitting it to PCGS where it graded in todays tight standards as AU55.

Read into that what you will...but the money aspect evened out, it DID grade, and I am happy with it. However, I do agree that the images are somehow a bit too spectacular for comfort.

They get bids galore. I dont know how many are 'repeat' buyers though. I wont be. Dont get into a bidding war on their coins, you could overpay heavily.

Connecticoin

I would not waste time looking at that seller's auctions -- there are many, many better sellers out there.

BillJones

I won't pay over $400 for an "uncirculated" raw 1851 three cent piece when you can buy a certified one for very little more. A couple of years ago I found an absolutely beautiful example in a PCGS MS-64 holder for $450 and that was a retail price.

astrorat

Since you are a self-professed "rookie" and you are putting together a higher end type set (based on your interest in the 3-cent silver) I would recommend sticking with PCGS or NGC certified coins. You can make some big dollar mistakes buying raw coins unless you have some experience.

Oh...and the coin...you did just fine by not buying it.

Lane

yellowkid

Their photos don't give a good representation of their coins.

coinkat

Keep hope alive and keep the search active.

You made the right decision to pass- My suggestion is this- Go to a coin show in your area and look for one graded by PCGS or NGC