How often do you trade?

jmcu12 · January 21, 2013 1:29PM

I was watching Barter Kings and got to thinking about trades using anything other than cash. I sometimes do this, depends on the situation and how much cash I have on hand. But in general I do like to upgrade without using any money out of pocket.

So the question is, how often do you trade coins and/or other collectibles for other coins/other collectibles?

No cash - just one for one?

AnkurJ · January 21, 2013 1:35PM

I find it difficult to get full value when trading. I would rather sell on my own after buying the coin I wanted.

Walkerfan · January 21, 2013 1:35PM

Never, b/c the only time I get rid of something is to upgrade.

Lakesammman · January 21, 2013 1:41PM

Trade with the balance in cash - often.

Straight swap - almost never. The one I can recall turned out badly.

lkeigwin · January 21, 2013 1:44PM

I've never done a trade for anything other than another coin, bullion or cash. I wouldn't rule it out. But generally I think it isn't something most are interested in.
Lance.

LanceNewmanOCC · January 21, 2013 1:58PM

.
a couple of times, usually for higher amounts though

i have a good friend that trades in 5 figures often
.

SmEagle1795 · January 21, 2013 2:17PM

Fairly often, usually using "coin + cash" for the same type.

sniocsu · January 21, 2013 2:22PM

<< Fairly often, usually using "coin + cash" for the same type. >>

+1. Its nearly impossible to find a coin that you would go 1 to 1 for and even then the dealer/collector rarely sees the trade the same way you do

TwoSides2aCoin · January 21, 2013 3:15PM

Not too often, but if you read my first post, you understand the "tax implications" of "like-kind exchanges", at least with businesses.

lordmarcovan · January 21, 2013 5:17PM

Quite often, on my "paperclip" threads.

Usually on less expensive stuff there, but I have also done quite a few three-figure trades outside of that. (And three figures is pretty much my personal budgetary ceiling most of the time.)

I've done quite well with trades over the years.

In one of my creaky old often-told tales, I once parlayed eight bucks worth of foreign coins into two genuine 1877 Indian cents.

Considering my small budget and chronic shortage of cash, trading with good swap partners has been a godsend for me.

magikbilly · January 21, 2013 6:13PM

<< 
In one of my creaky old often-told tales, I once parlayed eight bucks worth of foreign coins into two genuine 1877 Indian cents.

Considering my small budget and chronic shortage of cash, trading with good swap partners has been a godsend for me. >>

Hi LM,

That was a good read. Thanks.

"But Lady Luck seems to favor those who do their homework..."

That is where preparation meets opportunity.

Eric

s4ny · January 21, 2013 9:19PM

4 trades last year. Most trades require a bit of cash one way or the other.

BillJones · January 21, 2013 9:52PM

Trading coins is very difficult because, especially on a one for one basis, because two collectors or collector - dealer trades seldom involve coins with exactly the same value. More often I trade a piece in on a purchase, but I don't do that a lot. Most of the time I trade off duplicates that I have up-graded; I don't often let something go because I've lost interest in it although I did do that at the last FUN show.

The last one for on coin trade I did was more than 20 years ago, and it involved a three cornered deal between me and two coin dealers. It took all afternoon to complete the transaction.

291fifth · January 21, 2013 10:10PM

When I first started collecting in the early 1960's trading was very common among collectors at coin clubs and through the "Trading Post" in COIN WORLD. After the coin market crash of 1964 "Trading Post" declined and then disappeared.

In recent years, with the decline in the number of clubs and collectors, and the increased specialization among collectors, trading has dwindled to nothing.

Trading with dealers was always something of a fiction as the collector's material was always valued at wholesale while the dealer's material was valued at retail.

sonoranmonsoon · January 21, 2013 10:29PM

I do it only rarely, and somewhat reluctantly. It usually comes up when a seller has a coin I want, but wants bullion in exchange. For me, it is a bit of a hassle, but if it involves a coin I really want bad, then I go through the hoops of buying the gold/silver needed to make the exchange.

ambro51 · January 21, 2013 11:33PM

Well I've "sold" a coin to a dealer in part payment for a coin I bought from him..often. I don't know if that fits the trade situation though. Never even up swaps

Unknown · January 22, 2013 12:18AM

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kookoox10 · January 22, 2013 1:28AM

<< I traded this:

got that:

>>

Cool doubled profile and an attractive surface?!?!...I can see why

felinfoel · January 22, 2013 1:31AM

<< 
In one of my creaky old often-told tales, I once parlayed eight bucks worth of foreign coins into two genuine 1877 Indian cents.

Considering my small budget and chronic shortage of cash, trading with good swap partners has been a godsend for me. >>

Great story; thanks for (re)sharing, lordmarcovan!

123cents · January 22, 2013 1:34AM

I have traded 3 coins and was happy with each trade but I don't do it very often.

jedm · January 22, 2013 11:42AM

I am surprised to hear that trading is not more common. Over the last ten years I would guess I have traded on roughly 30-40 separate occasions. Not very often straight up - there is usually a little cash that trades hands to even out the values one way or another. I guess I just assumed it was much more common and so I never thought twice about asking and/or offering to barter.

WaterSport · January 22, 2013 11:45AM

One of the true disappointments of this forum. wWhen I first started, and after years of being here, it still a sad situation. Too many folks simply hung up on the "value" even though they have little to no money invested in the coin to begin with.

WS

BillJones · January 22, 2013 9:50PM

<< One of the true disappointments of this forum. wWhen I first started, and after years of being here, it still a sad situation. Too many folks simply hung up on the "value" even though they have little to no money invested in the coin to begin with.

WS >>

So you are willing to trade a coin that is more in exchange for one that is worth less on a regular basis? Your complaint is not reasonable. Most people are not willing to give their assets away unless it is for charity. The amount that someone paid for an item has nothing to do with its market value, especially if that person has held the item for a period of time.

WaterSport · January 25, 2013 1:36PM

Its exactly your attitude that prevents more trading from occurring. I am am about filling slots in a collection, and not the "investment", and how much its worth, and market value, etc. Yes, I have traded coins below market value (heavens forbid !) to help another collector, or get what I need, BECAUSE, I never had the amount of cash in the coin at its market value to start with. Lets say I pick up a 1922 D Cent for $75. I send it to PCGS and its a now a weak D worth $500. I got now $100 with grading fees in said coin, And thats the bottom line value as far as I am concerned, not milk every penny out of someone simply because a price guide says its worth more.

WS

How often do you trade?

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