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Mr. Tomaska

My Dad always said that Mr. Tomaska was one tuff nut ...... well , I recently offered him $600+ for a nice 1965 Cam MS67 PCGS Quarter . He had bought the coin at Heritage auction for less then $300 . He turned down my offer , apparently doubling your money is not enough .........I must be greedy . Mr. Tomaska sure has some mighty fine coins.

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Comments

  • ChangeInHistoryChangeInHistory Posts: 3,090 ✭✭✭✭✭

    He knows his moderns, cameos, dcam's, and so forth. He loses a lot of credibility with his coin show however. The other night he was offering 1899, 1900 1907 and 1908 ms 65 RD indian cents for the 'bargain' price of $850, 900, when they sell for 525, 550 at auction.

  • keetskeets Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭

    RT has proven to be a good researcher, author and market-maker. I was happy to stop at his table several years ago to talk and thank him for starting me in an area of the Hobby that I really enjoy. I only wish he'd price lower.

  • keetskeets Posts: 25,351 ✭✭✭✭✭

    yes, that too.

  • TonerGuyTonerGuy Posts: 590 ✭✭✭

    His prices on toners border on ridiculous. I saw a group of toned Peace $ he put up on Ebay with BIN prices that were just astronomical.

  • 7Jaguars7Jaguars Posts: 7,741 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Knowledge is great, actions speak for themselves...

    Love that Milled British (1830-1960)
    Well, just Love coins, period.
  • ChrisH821ChrisH821 Posts: 6,726 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I'm not sure who this is, can someone educate me?

    Collector, occasional seller

  • epcjimi1epcjimi1 Posts: 3,489 ✭✭✭
    edited April 20, 2017 10:15AM

    Thread title is "Mr. To-mask-a"

    Last name is "Price".

    Geez.

  • TopographicOceansTopographicOceans Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭✭

    I'm not sure I'd want to be in a business where $300 is seen as ab obscene profit

  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,742 ✭✭✭✭✭

    He knows his stuff but his prices are tremendously inflated. Unless it was a one-of-a-kind item, why buy, when you can get it elsewhere for significantly less??

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • clarkbar04clarkbar04 Posts: 4,979 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Guess you should have bought it when it was at heritage then.

    MS66 taste on an MS63 budget.
  • CameonutCameonut Posts: 7,383 ✭✭✭✭✭

    RT is the reason why I decided to find all the pieces in my set from other dealers or raw. I've only bought/sold a handful of coins from him over the last 20 years.

    “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

    My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!

  • neildrobertsonneildrobertson Posts: 1,255 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What keeps dealers that everyone seems to think are this overpriced from going out of business? Are there wealthy people that don't care about their money keeping him afloat? Or does he not actually sell anything for the asking price?

    IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
    "Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me

  • Wabbit2313Wabbit2313 Posts: 7,268 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I have sold him a lot of coins. He pays immediately and a fair price. Love the guy!

  • joeykoinsjoeykoins Posts: 17,538 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 20, 2017 11:27AM

    I dunno, I like the guy. Esp. his book about Half Dollars! Remember, he has probably monstrous overhead with that show and all? So he has to be a little high with his prices. One thing about this business. If you don't like what's being presented to you, you have the choice to move on, right? :)

    "Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!

    --- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
  • MarkMark Posts: 3,578 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Years and years ago Mr. Tomaska started a thread here about auctions he was going to conduct. (I don't believe he actually conducted any, however.) It was remarkable how quickly the thread went south, with a lot of discussion of the spread between his buy prices and his sell prices. I don't believe he has posted here since.

    Mark


  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,742 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Mark said:
    Years and years ago Mr. Tomaska started a thread here about auctions he was going to conduct. (I don't believe he actually conducted any, however.) It was remarkable how quickly the thread went south, with a lot of discussion of the spread between his buy prices and his sell prices. I don't believe he has posted here since.

    When you try to sell a gold piece for almost $20K and a quick internet search shows that it is available at just over $13K....it's gonna ruffle some feathers. :(

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • Wabbit2313Wabbit2313 Posts: 7,268 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @TequilaDave said:
    Wow...and I thought Julian was the undisputed winner of the "most overpriced coins" award. Good to know there's always room to grow!

    There is no way this guys take the trophy from Julian. Not even close! It's been a while since we viewed the $2000 1880-O Morgan that Julian is asking 30 Grand for!! I see he did get it into an NGC 64+ from the PCGS 64 it used to be in. This ridiculous price is almost triple of what the last PCGS MS65 sold for. Click below:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1880-O-Morgan-Silver-Dollar-1-Coin-NGC-MS-64-Gorgeous-Gem-/191836401112?hash=item2caa572dd8:g:RgoAAOSweW5U27A9

  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,742 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Wabbit2313 said:

    @TequilaDave said:
    Wow...and I thought Julian was the undisputed winner of the "most overpriced coins" award. Good to know there's always room to grow!

    There is no way this guys take the trophy from Julian. Not even close! It's been a while since we viewed the $2000 1880-O Morgan that Julian is asking 30 Grand for!! I see he did get it into an NGC 64+ from the PCGS 64 it used to be in. This ridiculous price is almost triple of what the last PCGS MS65 sold for. Click below:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1880-O-Morgan-Silver-Dollar-1-Coin-NGC-MS-64-Gorgeous-Gem-/191836401112?hash=item2caa572dd8:g:RgoAAOSweW5U27A9

    This one has been posted for years and continues to amaze me. A $350-450 coin AT BEST.

    ebay.com/itm/1939-S-Walking-Liberty-Half-Dollar-NGC-MS-66-Reiver-/200534176259?hash=item2eb0c4b203:m:m95k0t20-h3bf0A_PHnkOtg

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • TequilaDaveTequilaDave Posts: 271 ✭✭✭

    @Wabbit2313 said:

    @TequilaDave said:
    Wow...and I thought Julian was the undisputed winner of the "most overpriced coins" award. Good to know there's always room to grow!

    There is no way this guys take the trophy from Julian. Not even close! It's been a while since we viewed the $2000 1880-O Morgan that Julian is asking 30 Grand for!! I see he did get it into an NGC 64+ from the PCGS 64 it used to be in. This ridiculous price is almost triple of what the last PCGS MS65 sold for. Click below:

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/1880-O-Morgan-Silver-Dollar-1-Coin-NGC-MS-64-Gorgeous-Gem-/191836401112?hash=item2caa572dd8:g:RgoAAOSweW5U27A9

    Wow!!! That is beyond the pale and clearly shows his grip on the trophy remains tight (and highly doubtful it will be pried loose anytime soon). However, there is a runner up - http://www.ebay.com/itm/1983-D-Copper-Penny-NGC-AU-58-BN-Ultra-Rare-Transitional-Error-Only-2-Exist-/171955350492

    I always love stopping by his table and relishing in his ability to convince anyone who will listen that his ANACS graded MS63's are really in fact 65's and higher. It's truly priceless....

  • logger7logger7 Posts: 9,025 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Though I'm sure that he, Mr. Leidman and Mr. Nachbar (has he retired yet like he promised 10 years ago?) have substantial knowledge each in their areas of expertise, they are not lacking in egos, probably goes with the territory.

  • WalkerfanWalkerfan Posts: 9,742 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 20, 2017 3:22PM

    Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍

    My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):

    https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/

  • hchcoinhchcoin Posts: 4,837 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Jimmy Gerstel was much more fun to watch. Rick puts me to sleep.

  • sellitstoresellitstore Posts: 3,053 ✭✭✭✭✭

    You guys are so tough.

    Maybe these sellers just love their particular coins a lot more than anyone else. And they proudly reflect this in their pricing.

    Collector and dealer in obsolete currency. Always buying all obsolete bank notes and scrip.
  • 1630Boston1630Boston Posts: 14,111 ✭✭✭✭✭

    My feathers do not ruffle, I just move on :smile:
    JMO

    Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko

    Bad transactions with : nobody to date

  • KollectorKingKollectorKing Posts: 4,820 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 20, 2017 3:50PM

    ahh....but but but they are great looking to gorgeous coins that I wouldn't mind having in my collection.

  • 1630Boston1630Boston Posts: 14,111 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Nice pic :smile:

    Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko

    Bad transactions with : nobody to date

  • ElcontadorElcontador Posts: 7,685 ✭✭✭✭✭

    It's not just Tomaska. There are plenty of people who operate on this model, and we should all know who they are. If you want to pay a fortune for a coin and be buried in it, that's your business. Personally, in this market, I won't stretch for anything unless I won't see another one like it for five years or longer.
    Unless you're playing in TDN's part of the pool, if you don't see it today, you'll see it soon enough.

    "Vou invadir o Nordeste,
    "Seu cabra da peste,
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  • WildIdeaWildIdea Posts: 1,877 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I first heard the name when I was trying to settle on a price for a solidly toned 1958 D franklin with a coin acquaintance. We were narrowing it down when he said have you been to this guys site? There was a coin with same date "similar" ish toning for several thousand dollars over any other reference we had found. Well that put the breaks on the deal. My buddy thought it might be worth more after that and I just walked. I think he still has it thinking it a 2-3 thousand dollar coin still. Maybe some day buy not that day.

    My point is that these moon shot guys....well, you get the point.

  • robecrobec Posts: 6,853 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I sold an NGC PF68UC Franklin through the January 2009 Heritage Auction for $2100 ($2400+ with buyer fees). A few weeks later it was on Tomaska's site where it sold within days for over $8000 as one of his Everest coins.

    I tried selling it here on the BST for $2500 earlier with no luck.

  • 7Jaguars7Jaguars Posts: 7,741 ✭✭✭✭✭

    LOL, suckers are born AND made every minute it seems. I guess nobody has to watch his sales pitches, but they are entertaining to listen to the hype and enthusiasm which he evidently can manage for hours at a time. Don't we all know how glamorous proof Franklins and Kennedys really are?

    Love that Milled British (1830-1960)
    Well, just Love coins, period.
  • BruceSBruceS Posts: 1,356 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @robec said:
    I sold an NGC PF68UC Franklin through the January 2009 Heritage Auction for $2100 ($2400+ with buyer fees). A few weeks later it was on Tomaska's site where it sold within days for over $8000 as one of his Everest coins.

    I tried selling it here on the BST for $2500 earlier with no luck.

    Wowza, for real? That's crazy. Obviously he has a following that trust his offerings and will pay Way over retail for his stuff. I don't get it, but seems he knows how to market his wares and people are buying into it. To each their own I guess.


    eBay ID-bruceshort978
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  • TonerGuyTonerGuy Posts: 590 ✭✭✭

    @robec said:
    I sold an NGC PF68UC Franklin through the January 2009 Heritage Auction for $2100 ($2400+ with buyer fees). A few weeks later it was on Tomaska's site where it sold within days for over $8000 as one of his Everest coins.

    I tried selling it here on the BST for $2500 earlier with no luck.

    Are you sure it sold for that price or was it just listed as sold ?

  • robecrobec Posts: 6,853 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I followed it for a few days on his site until it disappeared from the listing. Having bought from him before it's possible he may have given a 10-15% discount.

  • mannie graymannie gray Posts: 7,259 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I have never understood the appeal of this seller.

  • DancingFireDancingFire Posts: 311 ✭✭✭

    The fools/suckers are keeping him alive. Has anyone ever made a dime on a coin that was purchased from Mr. T?

  • BGBG Posts: 1,762 ✭✭✭✭✭

    He offered me a fair price on a 57 PCGS 68 DCAM Quarter.

    But like most, can't afford his buy prices.

  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭

    "Everest coins means the price is higher than Mt. Everest ?" :D:D Good one.... Cheers, RickO

  • Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 8,773 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 21, 2017 7:19AM

    He knows his stuff and I have some of his books. He has the best of the best in what he does - pay or walk.

    That's impressive he turned that $2400 purchase into an $8000 sale. He knows value and where to get it. There are a number of well heeled people who collect PF Cameo or Ultra Cameo Franklins and they will pay the money if it's something they want.

    Investor
  • ElmerFusterpuckElmerFusterpuck Posts: 4,793 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited April 21, 2017 7:28AM

    Haven't dealt with any of the dealers in this thread, though I have Tomaska's book and really like it. Pricing like this makes me shake my head and move on, which is easy to do. You can surely bet if you bought the 64+ '80-O and wanted to sell it back, you'd get the response "coin looks no better than a 63 and in an NGC holder, yikes". The only positive here is that most of their prices are out of most newbies' league, saving them from a very expensive education.

    I'm betting their two-way market is weak or non-existent too.

  • TonerGuyTonerGuy Posts: 590 ✭✭✭

    @robec said:
    I followed it for a few days on his site until it disappeared from the listing. Having bought from him before it's possible he may have given a 10-15% discount.

    I think that might be one of his "sales" techniques. The toned Peace $ on Ebay disappeared rather quickly as well.

  • cameonut2011cameonut2011 Posts: 10,181 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @DancingFire said:
    The fools/suckers are keeping him alive. Has anyone ever made a dime on a coin that was purchased from Mr. T?

    I bought a couple of coins from him on eBay. One was an inexpensive coin that I paid $25 for and sold for $50 (the market went up in that time - I didn't bury someone). I then purchased a nice 1951 cameo in a SEGS holder that was priced fairly that I cracked out. I could make money on that one. These are anomalies, however.

  • metalmeistermetalmeister Posts: 4,595 ✭✭✭✭✭

    He knows his stuff. I enjoy reading his book on Franklins. His prices are higher what I would normally pay but most are solid for the grade.

    email: ccacollectibles@yahoo.com

    100% Positive BST transactions

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