Selling to dealers or ebay

kevv · October 11, 2005 2:25AM

Hello everyone,
I'm new to this - relatively new to collecting and quite new to selling - so expect some ribbing - - but I've also read back on this board and know that there's some seriously good information here. I have very little free time, but am enjoying slowly learning about coins, both as art and as historical "documentation".

So, first I have a question:
I have bought a number of coins recently and must resell some of them. Where do people find, on average, the best prices as a seller - on ebay, teletrade, Heritage, Bowers and Merena, a particular dealer, here...?

Second:
I want to thank you, Gil, for telling me about this forum. I look forward to a long association with y'all!
kevv

wjd283 · October 11, 2005 2:28AM

If I need money quick,I go to my local dealer.Instant payment and no fees.
Otherwise I use ebay.

Longacre · October 11, 2005 2:30AM

Welcome. I would sell to a reputable local dealer. It is the easiest. Otherwise, if they are certified, you can try the buy, sell, trade section of these boards.

DorkGirl · October 11, 2005 2:32AM

Also our BS&T forum is quick and easy if your prices are fair.

Steve27 · October 11, 2005 2:36AM

It depends on the coins. If they are low grade and relatively common then eBay is probably your best bet; however, if you have very rare material then an auction house may be the best way to go. Compare recent sales of similar items on eBay, Teletrade, and Heritage. You might also want to try our Buy/Sell/Trade Fourm.

Russ · October 11, 2005 2:36AM

Fresh meat!

The best sales venue is going to depend on the nature of the coins. Some stuff does well on eBay and will bring more than a dealer will pay. Other stuff does not do as well and might be better suited for sale to a dealer. For example, an expensive coin with a specialized market wouldn't be a suitable candidate for eBay and you should try and place it with a specialist dealer. Very expensive material would be better suited to one of the big houses.

Russ, NCNE

291fifth · October 11, 2005 2:38AM

eBay, but only if you have substantial positive feedback and can do high quality coin photos.

CarlWohlforth · October 11, 2005 2:38AM

Local dealers have some advantages, they are fast. They have overhead so may not offer the highest price possible. eBay has hassles and sometimes not very great prices for sellers. I sell on eBay frequently so have built up a large amount of positive feedback so that helps. If you have any special coins you can get the best prices by selling to a dealer who specialized in them. Otherwise you might find a collector or dealer who will pay your price on the B/S/T.

I encourage all collectors to sell something at least once so you learn a bit about that process. It will help you become a better buyer.

Steve27 · October 11, 2005 2:39AM

I forgot to ask, exactly what do you want to sell?

SDCollector · October 11, 2005 2:43AM

For me, selling to my local dealer is so darn easy that it's worth the signficant discount that I realize. He has to run a business, so I understand and accept his buy prices. I will probably eventually sell some coins on eBay just for the fun of it, but for me it's hardly worth the time and effort considering the price range of most of my collection.

kevv · October 11, 2005 3:04AM

Thank you, everyone! I appreciate the "welcomes" and the advice.
Much!

(As to inquiry about what I'm selling - I'll have to get back to ya on that.)

coinguy1 · October 11, 2005 3:16AM

Welcome Kevv.

In addition to what others have already stated....many reputable dealers make fair two-way markets in the coins they handle. If you bought your coins from dealers, you might consider offering them back to those you acquired the coins from.

Russ · October 11, 2005 3:25AM

<< you might consider offering them back to those you acquired the coins from. >>

Shouldn't that be "from whom you acquired the coins"?

Russ, NCNE

coinguy1 · October 11, 2005 3:31AM

<< Shouldn't that be "from whom you acquired the coins"? >>

Yes, butthead.

Russ · October 11, 2005 3:38AM

Man, I try to be helpful and I get called names.

Russ, NCNE

mayor1 · October 11, 2005 3:45AM

Russ, Be thankful--- He could have called you MARTY!

Russ · October 11, 2005 3:49AM

<< Russ, Be thankful--- He could have called you MARTY! >>

I think that's pretty much synonymous with what he did call me.

Russ, NCNE

BlindedByEgo · October 11, 2005 4:01AM

As a fellow almost newbie, I welcome you. Have fun, and a sense of humour.

Ferengi's can't spell, so no, I didn't ask.

I like to see people go to a couple of dealers. You learn more that way.

Ebay is fun, but it takes some time. In my experience, some coins do REALLY well, others don't. And there's no logic to it.

Accurately represent the coin and create good, big scans and you shuold do OK.

skerke · October 11, 2005 5:29AM

Ebay if they are certified. Go to a show to hit multiple dealers for best price. Ebay for the most money - again if certified it's easier to sell.

welcome and best of luck 2 ya.

RKKay · October 11, 2005 5:47AM

<< 

<< Shouldn't that be "from whom you acquired the coins"? >>

Yes, butthead.

>>

Coinguy1 calling names?

Selling to dealers or ebay

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