Are auction and catalog descriptions passé?
Shamika
Posts: 18,785 ✭✭✭✭
With today's hi-resolution imaging, are descriptions both on-line and in auction catalogs passé? For the record, if I can't view a coin I want in person, I base my bidding decision entirely on the image. Besides, isn't it self serving for the auction house to trump up a coins better qualities? Why not provide top quality images and just forget about subjective descriptions?
Buyer and seller of vintage coin boards!
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<< <i>With today's hi-resolution imaging, are descriptions both on-line and in auction catalogs passé? >>
Uhmmm, no.
Even the best images don't always show what the coin will look like in hand. In addition I specialize, know several of the catalogers in my specialty, and have learned how to read their descriptions to get a better understanding of the coin. It's a combination of what, and what they don't, say.
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Eric
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
<< <i>Images frequently leave a lot to be desired. >>
In cases such as these, I usually just move along. There's really no excuse for an auction house or top-end dealer not to have quality images.
<< <i>
<< <i>Images frequently leave a lot to be desired. >>
In cases such as these, I usually just move along. There's really no excuse for an auction house or top-end dealer not to have quality images. >>
When looking for rare varieties, it is tough for me to just move along. I have the need to examine things quite closely. Missing something really stinks. Sometimes I will even pick up the phone when needed.
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
<< <i>...and have learned how to read their descriptions to get a better understanding of the coin. It's a combination of what, and what they don't, say. >>
Yes, I've done this before. For instance, when I see the description "dove gray", I know it means the coin is dull and lifeless. "Average strike" usually means louse strike. "Fly specs" usually means noticeable carbon spotting. Bottom line, I personally don't trust what most catalogers say, thus my preference for good images.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
As results may vary and once in hand you could be stuck with a nonrefundable pig.
I have learned from the school of hard knocks that images can be doctored. I've also learned that they can be honest from the way in which the photo is taken, but not tell the whole story about a coin. Word descriptions are still very desirable, especially if they provide an honest assessment of the piece in question.
Having said that you not going to see very many auction descriptions that say in plain English, "This coin sucks." Sometimes you need to ask a trusted friend or dealer, who represents clients at auctions, to take a look at the item for you. This is helped me avoid mistakes a number of times. Also some auction houses provide special services to selected clients in this regard.
Here is an example
Auction house photo
How the coin looked in person.
I still enjoy a good read and a well-written description can provide that, and so much more. Having said that, I still will not purchase a coin without seeing it in hand or without having someone whose eye and judgment I trust view it on my behalf.
Tom
But the catalogers don't want to describe flaws. After all, flaws are negatives and negatives are not saleable.
How does one view the coin ? There is more than one dimension and much more than 2 sides when it comes to numismatics. A catalog is essential for the history of it (each coin, as it were).
If not for a good description and vocabulary, how else could a person understand the depth of eye appeal, like iridescence or bloom … let alone the banding of color which emanates from the periphery of the coin, or , or , or Who had who's hands on it before it got to where it is this time ?
In short; NO
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
<< <i>Catalogs without historical perspective and descriptions, in conjunction, and along with, a good photo would not be a catalog, at all, if they were merely photographs.
How does one view the coin ? There is more than one dimension and much more than 2 sides when it comes to numismatics. A catalog is essential for the history of it (each coin, as it were).
If not for a good description and vocabulary, how else could a person understand the depth of eye appeal, like iridescence or bloom … let alone the banding of color which emanates from the periphery of the coin, or , or , or Who had who's hands on it before it got to where it is this time ?
In short; NO >>
I agree.
Well-written contemporary catalogs are useful as references--you will learn things from the lot descriptions (about pedigrees, rarity, history, etc.).
The actual description of a particular lot with respect to color/toning, marks, etc., needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
Good photographs are a must, but not an adequate substitute for seeing the coin in hand (or having a trusted individual do this for you).
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire