Barbers flying off the shelves, I thought the market was dead

willy · September 27, 2019 2:21PM

Gerry Fortin just listed over 100 barber quarters at very strong money and they sold over 75 coins in like 2 days. Everyone keeps saying the market is dead but It seem like I need to pay pretty strong money for most of the Type coins and other items I have been bidding on lately. I am okay with that as I think the better quality high end stuff will hold its own over the long term.

That said I would really like to put together more Dansco date and mint mark sets of multiple series in VF-AU condition for the fun of it. The problem is most people are not able to do this like years ago as the prices even though they have gone down are still way out of reach for the average collector. I really think the demand is gone for this type of material as the Baby boomers are leaving the collecting field and in order to bring in new blood these items need to drop significantly . I think that this cheaper material needs to drop 50-80 % in order to bring in new collectors, plus with the real demand that is out there that is probably what it is worth.

Too many old time dealers with stock from 15 years ago that just will not get realistic with there prices. Just think about the common date material that will be coming to market as these dealers leave in mass over the next 10 years.

Sorry I rambled on and I know that most collectors on this site collect higher end certified coins like i do. just really would like to play with some cheaper items but it is not realistic for even someone like me that can afford the current prices to a point. The market is 2 tier for sure, but the second tier needs to drop significantly yet.

Any ways congratulations Labelman87 on your Barber sale Some really nice coins and I picked up a few for my collection.

Willy

ChrisH821 · September 27, 2019 2:35PM

I only have one nice Barber and it's just a 62: https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-E8ZCI/1892-barber-quarter-type-ii-reverse-ms-62-pcgs (I didn't buy it from there but that's the one) I would have some halves if they weren't so expensive.
Thinking about cracking this one out for the type set album.

MasonG · September 27, 2019 2:43PM

@willy said:
Gerry Fortin just listed over 100 barber quarters at very strong money and they sold over 75 coins in like 2 days. Everyone keeps saying the market is dead but It seem like I need to pay pretty strong money for most of the Type coins and other items I have been bidding on lately.

@willy said:
I really think the demand is gone for this type of material as the Baby boomers are leaving the collecting field and in order to bring in new blood these items need to drop significantly . I think that this cheaper material needs to drop 50-80 % in order to bring in new collectors, plus with the real demand that is out there that is probably what it is worth.

One of these things is not like the other.

kaz · September 27, 2019 2:46PM

Lots of really nice coins in that collection; quite a few CAC approved. People are attracted to quality!

amwldcoin · September 27, 2019 3:23PM

Maybe people are waking up to just how tough nice original Mid-Grade Barbers are!

jmlanzaf · September 27, 2019 4:26PM

@MasonG said:

@willy said:
Gerry Fortin just listed over 100 barber quarters at very strong money and they sold over 75 coins in like 2 days. Everyone keeps saying the market is dead but It seem like I need to pay pretty strong money for most of the Type coins and other items I have been bidding on lately.

@willy said:
I really think the demand is gone for this type of material as the Baby boomers are leaving the collecting field and in order to bring in new blood these items need to drop significantly . I think that this cheaper material needs to drop 50-80 % in order to bring in new collectors, plus with the real demand that is out there that is probably what it is worth.

One of these things is not like the other.

Lol.

Sadly, both are probably true. It's a bifurcated market. Another thing coins have in common with stamps. ZEPPELINS were $4000 20 years ago or so, now they are under $1000. Meanwhile, the center line block inverted Jenny just sold for a record 1.7 million

CircCam · September 27, 2019 4:44PM

The fact that they were great coins from an esteemed collection, the majority were CAC verified, were accurately photographed and intelligently marketed had a substantial impact on the success there no doubt.

Not a case I would use to take the pulse of the overall market, but a great example of what a successful collection and divestment looks like for sure.

Dave99B · September 27, 2019 6:21PM

Choice circulated Barbers bring strong money, at least in the grades I’m chasing. Lets just say that there are lots of less-than-choice PCGS/NGC CAC Barbers floating around out there. If you want to put together a complete mid-grade set of the quarters or halves, it’s pretty easy, and can be accomplished in 12-24 months. Now, if you’re picky, plan on more like 10+ years, as CHOICE ORIGINAL material is tough to locate, and when you do find it, prepare to pay up.

Dave

rhedden · September 27, 2019 6:39PM

Those quarters Gerry had were the cream of the crop. Most were PCGS AU58 CAC, and many had nice eye appeal for the grade. High demand items, not easy to find. Try selling a bunch of blast white MS65s without CAC stickers, and then tell me if the market for Barbers is hot or not. Not all Barbers are created equal.

jmlanzaf · September 27, 2019 7:18PM

@rhedden said:
Those quarters Gerry had were the cream of the crop. Most were PCGS AU58 CAC, and many had nice eye appeal for the grade. High demand items, not easy to find. Try selling a bunch of blast white MS65s without CAC stickers, and then tell me if the market for Barbers is hot or not. Not all Barbers are created equal.

Shhh.... nobody wants to hear about the broader picture.

chesterb · September 27, 2019 7:52PM

@jmlanzaf said:

@MasonG said:

@willy said:
Gerry Fortin just listed over 100 barber quarters at very strong money and they sold over 75 coins in like 2 days. Everyone keeps saying the market is dead but It seem like I need to pay pretty strong money for most of the Type coins and other items I have been bidding on lately.

@willy said:
I really think the demand is gone for this type of material as the Baby boomers are leaving the collecting field and in order to bring in new blood these items need to drop significantly . I think that this cheaper material needs to drop 50-80 % in order to bring in new collectors, plus with the real demand that is out there that is probably what it is worth.

One of these things is not like the other.

Lol.

Sadly, both are probably true. It's a bifurcated market. Another thing coins have in common with stamps. ZEPPELINS were $4000 20 years ago or so, now they are under $1000. Meanwhile, the center line block inverted Jenny just sold for a record 1.7 million

People collect stamps??

jmlanzaf · September 27, 2019 11:38PM

@chesterb said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@MasonG said:

, now they are under $1000. Meanwhile, the center line block inverted Jenny just sold for a record 1.7 million

People collect stamps??

LOL. Less and less...

Cougar1978 · September 28, 2019 4:52PM

Barbers higher than VF out of reach of most except possibly for type. I can make 50 pct on some slabbed MS69 World silver bullion coin all day long but not some barber I had to pay thru the nose to acquire.

ThreeCentSilverFL · September 28, 2019 5:01PM

I'm really liking them these days

ike126 · September 28, 2019 6:21PM

Ive know a couple collectors who would make a sets in the fine too very fine. If i recall correctly one guy said hes been doing in 6 years in!!

amwldcoin · September 28, 2019 6:51PM

I have to disagree here! I've help quite a few complete sets! I've sold over 2000 PCGS graded Barber Half's and have sold multiple coins to a few hundred collectors!

@Cougar1978 said:
Barbers higher than VF out of reach of most except possibly for type. I can make 50 pct on some slabbed MS69 World silver bullion coin all day long but not some barber I had to pay thru the nose to acquire.

Labelman87 · September 29, 2019 9:01AM

My set that is being sold by Gerry has been over 10 years in the making. A few coins were even acquired before plastic (1983-86). The best advise I can give is: know the series, the dates and strikes, and, especially, know the surface and your wow factor.

My sales strategy was to use a very knowledgeable, specialized dealer. One who would work closely with me and target collectors, as my goal (desire) was to see the specimens of which I was the caretaker get into solid collector hands.

Sadly, I move on to my other collecting series and say goodby to specimens such as these:

:

JonBrand83 · September 29, 2019 7:45PM

I got very enthusiastic the last few years about Barbers, after ignoring them for quite some time. Some of my most high end coins are now barber quarters. I only have three shown below. Love that 1909-O up there!

I have shown these before so bare with me but I suppose I never get sick of posting and viewing eye candy! I am no expert on these and really am not sure what the future holds for coins like this in terms of value. I know they hold a special place in my heart though. This first by far the biggest coin in my tiny and humble collection of about 15 coins.

r-ms67/1.jpg[/img]

This one isn't as rare but sure is pretty!

kaz · September 29, 2019 7:50PM

Amazing coins, JonBrand, would love to see the other 12 when you have a chance!

lonn47 · September 29, 2019 10:26PM

the time is here to sell what you dont need and add to your sets... thanks

JonBrand83 · September 29, 2019 11:46PM

@kaz said:
Amazing coins, JonBrand, would love to see the other 12 when you have a chance!

They arent barbers though 😊 but thank you!

jdimmick · September 30, 2019 1:24AM

Exactly,

Fresh off the market collection with outstanding quality and eye-appeal, and in one of the most desireable grades. Put together over many years by someone who knows the series. Marketed by someone in the business who has a great collector base and well respected. Didn't surprise me in the slightest.

Yacorie1 · September 30, 2019 4:23AM

@amwldcoin said:
Maybe people are waking up to just how tough nice original Mid-Grade Barbers are!

That’s what I like to hear since I’ve been contemplating selling off a bunch of original VF halves.

Treashunt · September 30, 2019 4:28AM

@chesterb said:

@jmlanzaf said:

@MasonG said:

@willy said:
Gerry Fortin just listed over 100 barber quarters at very strong money and they sold over 75 coins in like 2 days. Everyone keeps saying the market is dead but It seem like I need to pay pretty strong money for most of the Type coins and other items I have been bidding on lately.

@willy said:
I really think the demand is gone for this type of material as the Baby boomers are leaving the collecting field and in order to bring in new blood these items need to drop significantly . I think that this cheaper material needs to drop 50-80 % in order to bring in new collectors, plus with the real demand that is out there that is probably what it is worth.

One of these things is not like the other.

Lol.

Sadly, both are probably true. It's a bifurcated market. Another thing coins have in common with stamps. ZEPPELINS were $4000 20 years ago or so, now they are under $1000. Meanwhile, the center line block inverted Jenny just sold for a record 1.7 million

People collect stamps??

of course they collect stamps, how else are you going to mail birthday cards?

willy · September 30, 2019 7:21PM

I received the 7 barbers today which will be the start of my Au collection. Everyone was nice. The pictures were accurate and I am happy with the start of this collection. I am sure it will take at least 10 years to complete. Would have went after more of the key dates but am trying to finish up my type set first.

DisneyFan · October 1, 2019 7:23AM

@jmlanzaf said:

Sadly, both are probably true. It's a bifurcated market. Another thing coins have in common with stamps. ZEPPELINS were $4000 20 years ago or so, now they are under $1000. Meanwhile, the center line block inverted Jenny just sold for a record 1.7 million

Also being a stamp collector I'd like to correct the record here. Collecting the finest stamps can be a lot less expensive.

In the late 1970s, stamp investors, and perhaps more significantly, promoters of stamp investments, ran the prices up in excess of $10,000 for a mint never-hinged of the three Graf Zepplin stamps (C13-15) in the grade of VF. In 2011, the same set had a Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue value of $2,125 and today, $1640. For $1640 one can buy a recognizable key U.S. set of stamps. For collectors on a "budget," one's money goes further collecting stamps.

The real profit any collector has is the enjoyment from owning and working on the collection. Finding relief from stress, making friends, learning about history and even traveling to shows.

neildrobertson · October 1, 2019 8:29AM

It feels like people have been saying this sort of thing a lot more lately. Is it because something has changed and it's happening?

jmlanzaf · October 1, 2019 8:31AM

@DisneyFan said:

@jmlanzaf said:

Sadly, both are probably true. It's a bifurcated market. Another thing coins have in common with stamps. ZEPPELINS were $4000 20 years ago or so, now they are under $1000. Meanwhile, the center line block inverted Jenny just sold for a record 1.7 million

Also being a stamp collector I'd like to correct the record here. Collecting the finest stamps can be a lot less expensive.

In the late 1970s, stamp investors, and perhaps more significantly, promoters of stamp investments, ran the prices up in excess of $10,000 for a mint never-hinged of the three Graf Zepplin stamps (C13-15) in the grade of VF. In 2011, the same set had a Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue value of $2,125 and today, $1640. For $1640 one can buy a recognizable key U.S. set of stamps. For collectors on a "budget," one's money goes further collecting stamps.

The real profit any collector has is the enjoyment from owning and working on the collection. Finding relief from stress, making friends, learning about history and even traveling to shows.

actually, if you read further, I made the exact same point on the other "coin market" thread. It's a great time to COLLECT stamps even if it is probably a horrible time to "invest" in stamps...or possibily coins.

topstuf · October 1, 2019 8:58AM

I've always considered the Barber head to be the most similar to classic ancient coins.
I like em.

Barbers flying off the shelves, I thought the market was dead

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