Is the joy of collecting less...

Hedger · March 22, 2005 5:49AM

now that more people in this hobby (or not) with the advent of the internet have more available knowledge than ever? I suppose that is a given. It seems increasingly difficult to find super deals today especially on eBay. I mostly see availabe either sellers who have no clue on how to grade coins which are always over graded and sellers that know their stuff and have the latest top dollar values listed. Is the thrill of real treasure hunting only left to those who have big bucks to spend? Would I have been shot if I had gone anywhere near the sunken treasure of the S.S. Republic? Has greed completely overtaken the hobby?

ziggy29 · March 22, 2005 5:52AM

I don't the greed factor has really changed or that sellers now are any more or less greedy than before.

The differences are that there's a lot more uninformed money in the marketplace now, there's always someone willing to part them from their money and it's become easier for scammers to thrive.

carl · March 22, 2005 7:11AM

Time to switch from ebay and dealers to garage, yard sales and flea markets. I've actually found over 90% of everything at those places. Coin shows and dealers are all into the latest coin fury.

Artist · March 22, 2005 7:21AM

Every market has its own advantages and disadvantages - whether it be coins, realestate, or Hotwheels. The "hunt" you refer to is by definition a challenge. If it were easy, then everyone would be getting in the game.

Actually it seems to me there was a post or two about that recently...

anablep · March 22, 2005 8:31AM

No! I love it...

mozin · March 22, 2005 8:43AM

I think the internet has made collectors much more knowledgeable. Small time dealers may not be happy about this fact. Those wealthy collectors referred to above now also have more places to blow their wads. To me the overall collector coin business is better now than it ever was.

Bear · March 22, 2005 8:53AM

Our hobby is what each of us , indevidually, chooses to make of it.

If you collect pennies or quarters from circulation and it makes you happy, great.

If you collect nice looking but worn Barber, seated liberty or Bust coinage, super.

If you enjoy the challange of grade rare modern coinage for the joy of the chase ,wonderful.

If you think toned morgans are the way to go, its terrific.

If you can afford the finest and the very best in classical coins, more power to you. There is no best

or only way to collect. It is what ever you can afford and whatever gives you some personal pride

and enjoyment.

TheRaven · March 22, 2005 10:14AM

<< <i>Our hobby is what each of us , indevidually, chooses to make of it.

If you collect pennies or quarters from circulation and it makes you happy, great.

If you collect nice looking but worn Barber, seated liberty or Bust coinage, super.

If you enjoy the challange of grade rare modern coinage for the joy of the chase ,wonderful.

If you think toned morgans are the way to go, its terrific.

If you can afford the finest and the very best in classical coins, more power to you. There is no best

or only way to collect. It is what ever you can afford and whatever gives you some personal pride

and enjoyment. >>

CarlWohlforth · March 22, 2005 10:30AM

I think there are great bargains on eBay. The spoof emails, fake coin sellers, and other scam artists keep good people away. If you compare auction results from sellers with good photos and %100 feedback and full return policy with TeleTrade and Heritage you will find many certified coins on eBay with a lower price, lower buyer fee and with a return policy.

Sorry for the self promotion but an arbitrage opportunity definitely exists. If anybody cares I can point out specific opportunities...

The more knowledge the better. I don't need or want %50 margins between bid and ask. If you want to find something for nothing I suggest looking here. However you will have to work to find treasure so there really isn't anything for free...

Is the joy of collecting less...

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