How do you search for your coin?
dipset512
Posts: 58 ✭✭✭
I'm curious about the strategies other collectors use when they're on a quest for a specific, "must-have" coin. We've all been there—that one elusive piece that would complete a set or fill a major hole in our collection.
What's your go-to method for tracking down that special coin? Do you:
Become a regular on auction sites? Do you check major platforms like Heritage, Stack's Bowers, and GreatCollections daily, or do you set up saved searches and alerts for your target coin?
Work with a dealer? Do you have a trusted dealer you rely on to look out for you? How do you communicate your want list to them, and what's that process like?
Rely on forums and social media? Are you a member of any online communities or forums (like this one!) where you can post a "Want to Buy" or connect with other collectors who might have what you're looking for?
Hit the coin shows? Is the thrill of the hunt at a major coin show or local meeting your preferred method?
Utilize other resources? Perhaps a mix of all of the above, or something else entirely?
I'm particularly interested in hearing about your successes and any tips or tricks you've picked up along the way. What's the most unusual or effective way you've ever found a coin you were searching for?
Comments
First two plus eBay and dealer websites.
I used eBay or great collections for 99% of my purchases. I mostly collect blue collar coins (low budget coins)
https://www.autismforums.com/media/albums/acrylic-colors-by-rocco.291/
Coin shows/dealers with trusted websites work best here
Start setting new records for Sale prices, and then some will start finding you 🙂. Other than PCGS registry updates, GC updates, Collectors Corner, several dealer websites, direct communication, or shows, lot viewing & auctions.
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I've gotten some great deals on the BST. Just make sure that you are dealing with someone who is trustworthy.
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
Coin shows and eBay
I google the coin, use PCGS CoinFacts, review the lots at Heritage and StacksBowers and hit the bourse really hard at the coin shows. I often end up spending the most at the shows because I’m old and old fashioned. I work with dealer wants occasionally.
I start by looking in the last place I saw it!
Sometimes they fall on the floor or down the seat cushions, but just keep searching!
I have several want lists that I update regularly. I start just about every morning with an inventory search at several auction houses and saved dealer sites. I have printer paper scattered all over my office desk with research information and large notes for when or where a specific coin is for sale/auction. Drives my wife nuts. James
My mother almost got a 55 ddo on the carpet that I foolishly dropped with a vacuum. Thank God my aunts who were nurses were there 😉
It sounds like you need a spreadsheet! When I was building my collection 10 years ago, I used an Excel spreadsheet. I listed each coin and the acceptable grades I would like to have. (Columns A and B.)
Then I captured references to each online seller. Most importantly, the third column (C) here contains my opinion of the coin on a 0-99 scale. My opinion was nothing more than a composite feel for the coin, the cost, and appearance, plus my gut feel about how much I could judge the coin from the photos.
I could also put in the ending date for an auction, so I could arrange the list by what was closing soon, in case I needed to pull the trigger or track my bids. (Column L.)
I have a wantlist and check David Lawrence Rare Coins, GreatCollections, Heritage, & Stack's Bowers auction houses weekly. Sporadically I will check dealer websites; but, rarely find anything there. Ideally I find ten coins a year. Because I cannot inspect coins in hand, I limit myself to CAC & CACG coins.
I searched the major auction and dealers websites. Also searched eBay, because sometimes there are things on eBay that aren’t listed on main websites. One time I got extremely lucky with using the PCSS ‘shop’ feature, which I don’t think exists anymore. I used to spend hours and leave no stone unturned. It’s worth the extra work. It was a labor of love for me, so I enjoyed it…
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
To answer your question and address your bulleted points... yes to all, but I mostly stick to
Hope this helps... happy hunting!
Successful BST transactions with: SilverEagles92; Ahrensdad; Smitty; GregHansen; Lablade; Mercury10c; copperflopper; whatsup; KISHU1; scrapman1077, crispy, canadanz, smallchange, robkool, Mission16, ranshdow, ibzman350, Fallguy, Collectorcoins, SurfinxHI, jwitten, Walkerguy21D, dsessom.
I have a few sites as well as a trusted dealer that I keep in touch with. Yearly shows are always fun to attend. It’s a great way to build a new relationship with a dealer. These shows usually will have one coin that I can use. The monthly shows near me are a complete waste of time. eBay gets to be a bit monotonous as there are dealers that relist the same problematic items over and over again with ridiculous prices attached to them. Local coin shops have a knack of having something neat in stock.
Good luck!
All of the above are great and I would suggest making friends with collectors who specialize in your series. Often times if you have friends who collect the same type of coins as you they may give you first shot. Social media, FB and instagram, have coin groups where you can meet fellow collectors and also dealers.
This!!!
chopmarkedtradedollars.com
I list my wantlist on the BST here for years now Never had someone contact me about ANY of the coins I was looking for
They are not very rare so I don't quite understand
I use Ebay, GC and all the auction sites and some dealer websites.................
Mike
My Indians
Dansco Set