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First Post - First BIG Purchase
FTWrath
Posts: 25
Hi gang, I've been waiting to be accepted to the forum for a few days now.
SOOO glad it finally happened. I've been lurking for quite some time until finally finding the registration link
I've been collecting for a few months now, on and off last year but mainly with junk coins.
This year I really got into collecting and studying the hobby and I love it. I love history and I see so much of it in every coin I handle.
Today I made my first big purchase, I've mainly dealt with cheaper coins (Low Hundreds at most).
Although it isn't that big it's more than I've been paying.
I bought a 1843-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar today.
My favorite coins have to be 1700's and early 1800's. I'd love a Draped Bust Dollar but that might have to wait, I figured this is a good start.
I would like to send it in to PCGS but I think it might come back Improperly Cleaned because of the hairlines.
What do you guys/gals think of the grade/value?
I uploaded a gallery of the images.
http://i.imgur.com/xqax9.jpg
SOOO glad it finally happened. I've been lurking for quite some time until finally finding the registration link
I've been collecting for a few months now, on and off last year but mainly with junk coins.
This year I really got into collecting and studying the hobby and I love it. I love history and I see so much of it in every coin I handle.
Today I made my first big purchase, I've mainly dealt with cheaper coins (Low Hundreds at most).
Although it isn't that big it's more than I've been paying.
I bought a 1843-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar today.
My favorite coins have to be 1700's and early 1800's. I'd love a Draped Bust Dollar but that might have to wait, I figured this is a good start.
I would like to send it in to PCGS but I think it might come back Improperly Cleaned because of the hairlines.
What do you guys/gals think of the grade/value?
I uploaded a gallery of the images.
http://i.imgur.com/xqax9.jpg
0
Comments
Dont think that coin will grade at pcgs tho
It is easier to just buy them already in the PCGS holder.
Welcome to the boards.
Click on this link to see my ebay listings.
Thanks for the welcome. I was surprised by the detail even with it being cleaned.
"It is easier to just buy them already in the PCGS holder."
-----
The Baron said it all. Especially when you're first starting
out, it's better to buy coins already in PCGS holders. Not
only will you have a collector accepted grading company
giving their expert opinion on the coin, but as you gather
more and more graded coins, you learn how to grade and
see problems in raw coins yourself.
Having said all that, if you like the coin, that's really all
that matters, at least until you go to resell it.
Oh, and welcome. Glad you're here!!
~
"America suffers today from too much pluribus and not enough unum.".....Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
That's the last thing I want to do with my coins right now.
I paid $500 for it and didn't really have a problem paying that much.
I could buy an AU one for that much on eBay graded but from what I've seen they wouldn't look near as nice.
It's a great addition to my new collection.
I do like buying slabbed, but not from eBay. I buy all my coins from my coin dealer and he gives me great deals, sometimes half of red book prices or better even.
I advertise for him and built him a website which has drawn lots of business.
http://houseofcoins.net
I would say AU details on your coin, but as others have said, it's cleaned with nasty hairlines.
You can attribute this to the cost of tuition to this hobby unfortunately. Look at lots of coins before you dive in headfirst.
Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
stop buying coins.
read a lot more and pay attention/understand what people here talk about.
ask opinions on coins before you buy them from people here.
that is all.
<< <i>return it as fast as you can. that dealer did not give you a "deal". you are buried.
stop buying coins.
read a lot more and pay attention/understand what people here talk about.
ask opinions on coins before you buy them from people here.
that is all. >>
I have to agree. You did not get a "deal" on this coin. You paid TOP dollar for a damaged coin.
Keep it simple. Read, learn & study photographs here on the boards.
Good luck.
Click on this link to see my ebay listings.
He's a good friend and offered 100% buy back without a doubt.
We actually looked over the coin and did not even notice the hairlines but his store is not well lit so that was why.
It wasn't until I got it home and took the pictures in direct sunlight that the hairlines blasted into view.
I'll definitely stick to buying slabbed like I was but he didn't have a draped/sitting in a slab so I bought that one.
I do appreciate the honesty but I'm not going to 'stop' buying coins.
I fell in love with the hobby and I do buy mainly slabbed coins because I feel more comfortable at the moment so I'll just stick to that for the time being.
I didn't 'fight' your or anyone's answer at all.
After I took the pictures I even openly admitted in the first post I think its cleaned, there was no fighting and no stubbornness so please don't resort to being rude and jumping to conclusions.
<< <i>I actually called him before I checked back and read your post.
He's a good friend and offered 100% buy back without a doubt.
We actually looked over the coin and did not even notice the hairlines but his store is not well lit so that was why.
It wasn't until I got it home and took the pictures in direct sunlight that the hairlines blasted into view.
I'll definitely stick to buying slabbed like I was but he didn't have a draped/sitting in a slab so I bought that one.. >>
If you or your friend could not see the hairlines in his shop, I think he needs new lights. Return this coin ASAP
Return this guy quick and go shopping for a nice one that already lives in an AU holder! Chalk this up to a near miss and an educational experience. I think you'll see a tremendous difference in luster and surface appearance if you look with a discerning eye.
If you post here you'll see very quickly that people will tell you what they think. Overall it's refreshing.
And, WELCOME!!!
I actually meant to post the 'gallery' but for some reason it was just the one picture i linked to.
I'll re-upload all the pictures and if you look at the non lit ones I took you can't even tell there are any scratches at all.
I'm not trying to defend myself, I knew I made a mistake as soon as I got the coin home and in light and as much as I wanted to keep it anyway I know there will come a day when I want to sell and will be disappointed. So I am glad that Louie doesn't mind accepting it.
There was a slabbed 1934-D MS66 FB Mercury that I was going to buy at first for $400 so I'll just get that instead.
I do appreciate peoples opinions and have learned a lot that way on coin talk.
That's a major reason i buy slabbed. I just don't like rude people. I teach people in my job all the time and never have had to resort to being rude or disrespectful or calling them names that liken them to inexperienced.
Buy what you like, but only buy with disposable income. Most importantly, have fun!!!
U.S. Type Set
Hello &
Whatever way your first big purchase works out........it's ok....your here now, that alone will put more knowledge and imformation at your finger tips then you could have imagined, these folks here are tops, and tops in there field.....and best of all they will share that knowledge with you...........
Again, welcome........
That's definitely how I've approached it.
A lot of times I've been able to flip them and make 25% on eBay and then use that to buy more expensive ones because I get great discounts.
This is a picture of the coins as you would see it without direct light slamming it. It's toned overall and does a great job of masking the hairlines unless you put it in direct light which I never really thought of doing.
I've already made a mistake of buying a dipped coin ($40 buy, $20 sell - silver content) so I learned a lot about them.
Now I've bought a whizzed coin so I'm learning on the go lol.
I have a great attitude about coin collecting and am not one the turn a blind eye when someone tells me something.
I honestly thought the coin was a great buy and did inspect it but would never have thought there were hairlines under the toning, like I said another lesson under my belt and back to buying slabbed for some time.
<< <i>He works out of his moms store which is in a very busy tourist district. His 'store' is in the back and there isn't a lot of light.
I actually meant to post the 'gallery' but for some reason it was just the one picture i linked to.
I'll re-upload all the pictures and if you look at the non lit ones I took you can't even tell there are any scratches at all.
I'm not trying to defend myself, I knew I made a mistake as soon as I got the coin home and in light and as much as I wanted to keep it anyway I know there will come a day when I want to sell and will be disappointed. So I am glad that Louie doesn't mind accepting it.
There was a slabbed 1934-D MS66 FB Mercury that I was going to buy at first for $400 so I'll just get that instead.
I do appreciate peoples opinions and have learned a lot that way on coin talk.
That's a major reason i buy slabbed. I just don't like rude people. I teach people in my job all the time and never have had to resort to being rude or disrespectful or calling them names that liken them to inexperienced. >>
Make sure the Mercury is PCGS or NGC graded. Don't buy any other third party slabs until you are comfortable grading.
Yes the Merc is NGC.
http://www.ngccoin.com/certlookup/CertResults.aspx?CertNumber=1668460-001
Buying dipped coins isn't necessarily a mistake. Many, many (most?) very nice coins have seen a dip at some point in their life. An OVER-dipped coin that has lost its original luster is another thing entirely.
Be careful. There are lots of ways to throw money away needlessly. Many of your comments show that you need to learn A LOT MORE before making big purchaes. Every new collector makes mistakes. Just try to keep the damage to a minimum. If you find a coin worth more than $200 or $300 that isn't in a holder, there's usually a reason. Ask yourself, why wouldn't the person selling it have submitted it themselves?
BTW, the bust half you showed wouldn't come within a mile of grading. Any grader would have bagged it after a 0.5 second review.
I also do know about 'over-graded' coins which is why I'm VERY particular with what I buy. I don't go for EVERY coin, there's only a few series which actually interest me.
I got a bit excited with this one and pulled the trigger pretty quick.
What Bust? I don't recall ever posting a bust half.
Good luck on your collection.
I might just revert back to Morgans as it is my favorite coin and the dealer has tons of them slabbed.
type2,CCHunter.
Taking pictures of the coins, and in the right lighting, then looking at them, you will see almost any problem JUMP right out at you...much better than if you just look at them with your eyes or a loupe.
I've done this before....had a friend show me an semi-key quarter (barber) and I could see a line or two for cleaning. Took a picture and looked at it, and it had almost been brillo scrubbed.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
<< <i>return it as fast as you can. that dealer did not give you a "deal". you are buried.
stop buying coins.
read a lot more and pay attention/understand what people here talk about.
ask opinions on coins before you buy them from people here.
that is all. >>
I would listen to this advice - it is very good.
1) Nothing is a bad deal if you like it and can afford it- things trend up or down but nothing stays fixed- when people go back to buying oly cleaned coins in 80 years, somebody might look at that coin and think "what idiot ever sold this million dollar baby!"
2) like any hobby- the main point is to have fun, so trust your instincts and don't stick to only graded coins (although on items over a couple hundred bucks... It doesn't hurt)
3)"good deal" and "bad deal" are relative- some people think if you can immediately sell it for more than you paid for it, that's the only "good deal"- again, the main questions are: does it make you happy and can you afford it?
I love coin collecting. It's fun also when the coins you collect go "up" in value. But like your bicycle that you ride on weekends, or my surfboard- unless you want to sell it for a new one or trade it in towards something else- it don't matter.
Bottom line is there are lots of price guides and auction results but it is always worth the same amount:Text
Whatever someone will pay for it (and that includes you!)
Enjoy!
I'm glad you are open to feedback. I am also glad you are able to return the half.
I remember the sinking feeling in my gut when I got home with my first big raw coin purchase. It just didn't seem right. A more experienced collector pointed out it was cleaned. I was able to return it and that saved me a bunch of money and heart ache.
I used to be famous now I just collect coins.
Link to My Registry Set.
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-specialty-sets/washington-quarters-complete-variety-set-circulation-strikes-1932-1964/publishedset/78469
Varieties Are The Spice Of LIFE and Thanks to Those who teach us what to search For.
I'm not going to tell you to return the coin as you've already stated that you're going to return it and that the dealer is refunding you fully.
Sometimes hairlines are tough to spot in dim lighting with the naked eye. It's really interesting how photos can be so stark in their ability to shed the 'rose colored glasses' and bring out every flaw in a coin. I was just floored by how diffrently some of my coins appeared when magnified on the big screen.... It can be very sobering.
You seem bright and open to learning and you enthusiasm is great...
And, you've got pretty thick skin and stick up for yourself too! Kudos for that!!
I didn't quite inderstand where Alfred E Neuman was coming from there.... Maybe he'd confused you with someone else?
In any case
Happy, humble, honored and proud recipient of the “You Suck” award 10/22/2014
<< <i>What Bust? I don't recall ever posting a bust half. >>
Doh! Fingers going faster than brain. Seated half, obviously. I've been looking at bust halves today. They must be on the brain.
pretty nice I`m sure.
And,I may be a skeptic but, the low-lighting conditions of any coin shop is by design.
" I buy all my coins from my coin dealer and he gives me great deals"
You might rethink this
I won't reiterate all the good info already provided, but I would add that if you plan to spend serious money on coins, I would also invest in a good quality magnifier, like one of the Eschenbach models. They will help you spot problems and avoid mistakes, even when buying slabbed coins.
This is the first time something happened and he is giving me a refund.
I've bought stuff for nearly blue book prices.
1936-S Oregon Half PCGS MS65 for only $200 flipped $275 today.
1939-D walking half PCGS ms65 for $125 flipped $175 today.
2001-D Buffalo Commemorate pci ms70 for $80 sold $115 today
Lexington ms63 commemorate bought $50 sold today $100.
Plus a few large cents, seated quarter and a few mercs for $80 bought at $40.
I could flip all day if I wanted to but I want to build my collection. Spent some of it on this coin which ill obviously get back.
I wanted to flip and get 1 very nice coin but clearly didn't pay close enough attention.
Ill look through his graded morgans tomorrow and see what I can get.
You said you spent some time on CoinTalk, which can be a fun distraction. But here you will find knowledge from the best and the brightest. It can be a little brutal sometimes. Hang in there. It's worth it.
You hear it a lot: "Buy what you like." "If you like it what else matters?" "As long as you are happy with the coin."
The problem with this is, if you are focused and care to learn, you will never love the sorry coins you bought as a newbie. Sure, there are exceptions. But once you learn the difference and develop a sense for nice coins, those mistakes will gnaw at you. Eventually you will dump your mistakes and pay the tuition we all have.
I would return the coin. But before burning the store credit on whatever feels worthy give some thought to what you'd like to collect. Just because some Mercury dime seems right, ask yourself if this is what excites you. Buy some books, read online. Your tastes will change and develop. It's all good.
Lance.
I think ill go back to that goal and not get carried away with diving into other series.
I actually somewhat understand morgans.
That's a lot of dough for a problem coin.
I'll go ahead and add my
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
Digging the avatar Swamp. Just sold my 1913 2 1/2 gold.