Experiences with Kuenker auctions... feedback please...now with Pics!

Bob13 · February 23, 2018 11:01PM

I was looking at some of the offerings in the upcoming Kunker auctions that are of interest, but I have never purchased a coin from them before. There is no way I could view coins in hand, and the pictures are only OK.

Wondering about experiences good and bad.

Thanks,
Bob

Abuelo · February 23, 2018 11:07PM

I bought from them in the past, great!

EVillageProwler · February 24, 2018 6:46AM

Their descriptions are generally honest and grading conservative. A ‘VZ’ can oftentimes translate to our AU, and ‘VZ/ST’ to our ChAU. ‘ST’ is usually 62 and higher.

Usually because you also have to look at the entire description where they may say, in German, scratch or mount or repair or dig or deep toning.

EVP

EVillageProwler · February 24, 2018 6:56AM

@Bob13,

I forgot to mention that I have bought from them, with no issues. One lot arrived a little bit nicer than expected, and another arrived with less toning on obverse than expected but the surface was fresher and cleaner.

Delivery from Germany to USA is very efficient, aside from the unavoidable customs delay.

One caveat: Kuenker has a very strong book. You’ll compete against many other strong bidders, so it’s difficult to win a lot at wholesale level. So, select choice lots for which bidding strong is not unwise and then jump in with gusto!

If you PM me with links to specific lots, I can take a look and offer my sincerest advice.

EVP

worldcoinguy · February 24, 2018 10:23AM

I have been very pleased with the results. Estimates are largely irrelevant; not unusual to see final hammer at 3-5x estimate, higher on choice lots.

koincollect · February 24, 2018 2:56PM

I was lucky in most of the lots I won from them. The pictures of all of these were diffused and could not make out the surfaces. I got a few great deals while the ones which were not made up for the others. My strategy after that was to bid conservatively so there are not many disappointments. That said I chickened out bidding strong on lots I really liked since I was unsure about the coin in question. Overall a very positive experience.

YQQ · February 25, 2018 10:07AM

Also note, They will accept justifyable returns.

Tibor · February 25, 2018 10:27AM

EVP is absolutely correct. A VERY strong book. Depending upon the
lot, you will be bidding against serious collectors who are very knowledgeable
and have DEEP pockets. I have won 50% of the lots that I've bid over the
last 10+ years. Best of luck.

Bob13 · February 25, 2018 5:01PM

I appreciate all of the responses. Did seem like the estimates were (in some cases very) low, so thank you for confirming that.

Anyone have a dealer that they would recommend for an in-hand examination and appraisal?

mkman123 · February 25, 2018 5:42PM

Has kunker ever sold a counterfeit?

Do they have a guarantee? Reason I ask is they have a pattern there that I asked a experienced collector about and it might be a fake.

EVillageProwler · February 25, 2018 5:49PM

@mkman123 said:
Has kunker ever sold a counterfeit?

Do they have a guarantee? Reason I ask is they have a pattern there that I asked a experienced collector about and it might be a fake.

Most dealers, if they've been business long enough, will have bought or sold a counterfeit. It happens, especially with raw material. The ethical ones will try to make good on a bad sale; their reputation is far more important to them than one sale no matter how large the amount.

I am unaware of any whispers (or worse!) of unethical behavior by Kuenker.

Hope this helps, but if not you can always contact Kuenker directly about your concern. I'd be shocked if they didn't respond to you forthrightly.

Bob13 · April 13, 2018 9:16PM

I wanted to close the loop on this thread. I registered with Kuenker and bid on a few lots, and won one. Although the time to ship was slow, the package arrived today and exceeded my expectations. All in all, a great experience and I look forward to their next auction.

Here is the coin I won - their picture and my iPhone shot. They say "pretty patina" and it sure is nice.

pruebas · April 13, 2018 10:11PM

I received my lot today as well. I thought they shipped exceedingly fast—about a week after the auction and before I paid.

Like the OP, my lot was nicer than I expected and nicer than the photo made it appear. And they packed it very well.

EVillageProwler · April 13, 2018 10:29PM

I got mine today too. Sadly, they’re actually for a friend of mine on the other side of the country (I won nothing for myself this time). But as expected, Kuenker was excellent in every way.

YQQ · April 14, 2018 6:46AM

Have never had or heard of any serious complaints or issues with Kuenker. shipping time can be 4 days or up to 3 weeks. they ship always very secure.
Once you are established with them they are very good.
However, there are a few other houses in Germany which come not even close.

Zohar · April 14, 2018 2:12PM

Lovely Joseph I Taler.

Boosibri · April 14, 2018 3:36PM

Those auctions are very well covered. I always use representatives when bidding with them.

pruebas · April 14, 2018 7:57PM

@Boosibri said:
Those auctions are very well covered. I always use representatives when bidding with them.

I normally do as well. One tends to get better prices that way.

For some reason, I thought my lot was part of an e-auction with no floor bidding, so I entered an online bid rather than have an agent view/bid. I think I was wrong in that it was a floor sale.

I was pleased anyway.

Bob13 · June 19, 2018 11:40AM

Updated photos. Comments welcome.

Zohar · June 19, 2018 11:41AM

Super Joseph I!

Kkathyl · June 19, 2018 1:04PM

Very Pretty indeed. Those coins have a lot going on. you can examine it over and over again and notice more and more not seen first look.

Swampboy · June 19, 2018 5:47PM

That is a gorgeous thaler!

Your updated image is killer

Flatwoods · June 25, 2018 6:50PM

Excellent!! Nice pics too.

Bob13 · June 25, 2018 10:37PM

To give credit where credit is due, photos are by @indeetlib. Agree they are superb!