Anyone ever buy from Anaconda Coins?

slipgate · July 25, 2006 12:53AM

Due to the recent posting on Anaconda coins (Anaconda post), I went and took a look at their web site, specifically at Morgan Dollars (Anaconda Morgans) to see what was what.

I have to admit, I am not up on all the Morgan trends, especially the toners, which seem to be most of what is on their site, but the prices do seem a "tad" bit high. Some of the coins are being offered at almost 20 times the PCGS listed values. (20 times PCGS) This is for an MS63 1880-S (just about the most common Morgan that there is), $47 in the PCGS price guide, and $800 at Anaconda coins. I am not sure how that is justified.

While I realize that PCGS is not the best source for pricing, most Morgan's sold on Ebay seem to mirror the PCGS listed price.

Perhaps it is just the toning? So does this mean that Anaconda is a "market maker" for toned coins? If this is the case, I do have some toned Morgans that I would be more than happy to sell for even just 10 times the PCGS value if Anaconda is willing to buy them.

So without interjecting my own feelings on the subject - has anyone here purchased from them? Do you think you got a good deal? Are their prices high?

KentuckyJ · July 25, 2006 1:02AM

Yes, you can trust Anaconda. I haven't purchased from them since we said good-bye to Kentucky but I can say my experience with Adrian was much more positive than many of our other numismatic buys.

Yes, Anaconda prices are often extremely high. However, as Brandon points out in that other thread, Anaconda has many coins for sale at very competitive market prices. It's the rare/monster items that have the huge $ on them.

I highly recommend them

KJ

RotatedRainbows · July 25, 2006 1:02AM

I have sold to them but never bought from them, I am too poor. Maybe I should change my name to PoorBoy.

Connecticoin · July 25, 2006 1:03AM

The toned coin market is somewhat complex in terms of premiums for the different types of toning. It is also "thinner" than the market overall, so values can vary widely.

You might want to browse the TCCS website to get more information: Link

Also, there is a good article about the toned coin market in the July supplement to the Coin Dealer Newsletter (you can download it for $4 from "greysheet.com").

LincolnCentMan · July 25, 2006 1:05AM

I've never personally bought from Adrian, but I have $toped by his table a few time$. He'$ a really nice guy and pay$ top dollar for top coin$. It $tands to rea$on that hi$ price$ have to be even higher... which i$ the primary rea$on that I havent bought anything from him. Take the toner that you po$ted to. At a $how, I would expect to get $omething like that in the $250-$325 range. That'$ $till way over the PCG$ price guide, but toner$ command a large premium. The problem i$ that my idea of premium and the $eller'$ price dont line up.

A$ it $tand$, I view anaconda as the numismatic equivilant of a black hole. Any nice coin$ that come clo$e to him get$ $ucked into the aby$$ of hi$ inventory. There they $hall remain until $omeone has the $tone$ to pry a coin or two from hi$ inventory with hundred dollar bill$.

David

relayer · July 25, 2006 1:07AM

Sure, the prices are high - but you pay extra for the good customer service

Cladiator · July 25, 2006 1:12AM

I believe many of the super high prices on coins in Anaconda's inventory are due to the toning factor. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Anaconda's main focus on incredibly toned coins? We all know those coins can and do garner horrific premiums at times.

You wouldn't catch me paying 20x list for a coin because of color but I'm sure someone will. The crazy color toning market is pretty large and very popular.

a039 · July 25, 2006 1:16AM

Anaconda price $2500 PCGS trends $4500 both coins PCGS MS66

Anaconda price $4500 appears he is putting a $2000 premium on the toning, I used these because he has a white and toned one to compare.

HighRelief · July 25, 2006 1:19AM

High end coins with high end prices.

poorguy · July 25, 2006 1:21AM

<< I believe many of the super high prices on coins in Anaconda's inventory are due to the toning factor. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Anaconda's main focus on incredibly toned coins? We all know those coins can and do garner horrific premiums at times.

You wouldn't catch me paying 20x list for a coin because of color but I'm sure someone will. The crazy color toning market is pretty large and very popular. >>

Actually, our main focus isn't "incredibly toned coins". We handle a wide variety of coins that we feel are exceptional for the grade or priced right for what they are. We choose to not handle white morgans because they trade too much like a commodity and frankly, can be boring. If you've ever seen our entire inventory spread out at a show, you've noticed that we do not handle very many toned morgans compared to the rest of our inventory. I think many people have tunnel vision when they see an exceptional coin priced high on our website and assume that the rest of the inventory is priced very high as well. Go take a look around our website, I'm certain you will find some deals on great coins. Additionally, if you see a coin you have interest in but think it's priced too high, give me a call or shoot me an email and see what I can do. Yes, we sometimes sell coins at below our cost if they've sat around for a while.

poorguy · July 25, 2006 1:22AM

<<

Anaconda price $2500 PCGS trends $4500 both coins PCGS MS66

Anaconda price $4500 appears he is putting a $2000 premium on the toning, I used these because he has a white and toned one to compare. >>

Actually, the top coin is an NGC MS65! Look at the picture of the coin in the slab. It's got MS66 in the description by mistake. Geez! Too quick on the draw there pedro.

So, in fact, we have our coin in MS66 priced at the PCGS price guide price and the MS65 priced at $500 LESS THAN THE PCGS PRICE GUIDE!

Would you like me to go and compile a list of EVERY coin listed on our website that is at or below the PCGS price guide? I am willing to bet that the list will be comprised of the bulk of our inventory.

MORGANHUNTER2 · July 25, 2006 1:23AM

I have bought from them- and the insinuation that was made in another thread about Brandon has been rectified.

We all have a tendency to get 'old timers' disease, and we can be forgetful - that IS human in nature.

Brandon is a good man- and he WILL take time out of his day to talk with you- just call him- he is a knowlegdable young man.

Leiana · July 25, 2006 1:26AM

I just looked at the inventory, Pretty Gettysburgs!

-Amanda

Russ · July 25, 2006 1:53AM

<< $47 in the PCGS price guide, and $800 at Anaconda coins. I am not sure how that is justified. >>

It's "justified" because we operate in a free market. They are free to set their asking prices and you are free to not buy the coin if you think that asking price is too high. Pretty simple concept.

<< So without interjecting my own feelings on the subject >>

Too late for that.

Russ, NCNE

goose3 · July 25, 2006 1:56AM

My grandfather always said

"Something's only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it".

Such is the case with coins, toners, moderns, blue indians, and Golden buffalos.

It's simple. They have fantastic pictures and they post their prices.........not this POR crap I see from time to time on other sites. If you don't like the prices you can always make an offer or go elsewhere.

Cladiator · July 25, 2006 1:58AM

100?

Russ · July 25, 2006 2:00AM

<< 100? >>

Doubt it. I think Laura is busy today.

Russ, NCNE

agentjim007 · July 25, 2006 2:04AM

You should not hesitate to purchase from Anaconda. Their momentary lapse in customer consideration is probably an isolated incident and I'm sure the fact has been made clear. I'm hoping the least of his customers will receive proper consideration from now on. Just ask for the best price and you will get something less than listed price. Stll high prices but nice coins are not cheap.

TAClough · July 25, 2006 2:07AM

I've bought a few, fair price I felt. But you can't expect to receive the coin when you buy it "yesterday" when you are dealing with a mail order.

DeusExMachina · July 25, 2006 2:09AM

curly · July 25, 2006 2:27AM

As I am retired, I constantly scour the internet looking for the high end coins that I am interested in. I've found that if I want top end stuff, I'll have to belly up and cough up the cash. Nobody gives away high quality coins (except e-bay of course

).

The market always set the price and the dealers will always adjusts their coins to what the market will bear.

a039 · July 25, 2006 2:34AM

<< Actually, the top coin is an NGC MS65! Look at the picture of the coin in the slab. It's got MS66 in the description by mistake. Geez! Too quick on the draw there pedro. >>

Actually I was trying to point out how great a deal that was but since the caption in your description was in error so was my comparison

TwoSides2aCoin · July 25, 2006 2:46AM

This guy's had my vote of confidence for a long time, as do many DEALERS.
Coins are a tough business and the mark-up on coins is justified in this CAPITALISTIC country of OURS

.

Just because I sell 'em cheap doesn't mean a guy that has a brick and mortar store can compete with me.
I come nowhere near these REAL dealers (this is where I can understand that term: "wannabe")
They (real dealers) maintain a large inventory for the buying public, they often work gruelling hours, add in the taxes on services such as Rugs, Window Cleaning, Phones, Internet Services, Motels, Gas, Travel and even... Acetone, etc (just a little jab

).... really though, think about what you are collecting and what your long term goals are when buying anything. Who will you trust ? There are a million out there selling !

My products installed cost at least 3 times what an asphalt roof costs. But when it comes to quality, I'll kick their asphalt, wood, plastic, slate, concrete, and everything else to the curb. My products are superior. My prices are not high when one considers the warranty, insurability, functionality and beauty of a stone coated steel roof. ( I just had to plug it )

A man's word is as good as his ability to be there after the transaction is complete, should the need arise. His character is judged by his service to the individual, not his superiority in the marketplace.

RYK · July 25, 2006 2:47AM

I am 2 for 2 with easy, no problem transactions. They usually do no carry what I seek, but if they did, I would have no hesitation buying from them.

DickyBetz · July 25, 2006 2:54AM

I agree with Russ.

StrikeOutXXX · July 25, 2006 3:00AM

<< You should not hesitate to purchase from Anaconda. Their momentary lapse in customer consideration is probably an isolated incident and I'm sure the fact has been made clear. I'm hoping the least of his customers will receive proper consideration from now on. Just ask for the best price and you will get something less than listed price. Stll high prices but nice coins are not cheap. >>

I don't really know you, and I can't say I really liked the way that other thread went, but I have to tell you, you showed me a lot with that statement right there as well as changing the title of the other thread.

Now if we can get that negative feedback removed from that other situation from a month or so ago... aah never mind.

EDIT: Ooh yea, as for Anaconda - I bought about 5 Million dollars worth of inventory From July 7-9 during the Beta test of his software, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him for real in the future.

slipgate · July 25, 2006 3:41AM

Hey - I'll be the first to ask many times more for what I paid for something if I sell it, I am all about capitolism. And I am assuming that since the prices are there, that someone is paying them.

I wrote this post because the prices aren't just a little higher than the going rate, they are light-years ahead of what I would pay for any of those coins (or anyone I know would pay). I was simply curious as to what board members thought about them as well. It appears that the majority have nothing but good things to say about Anaconda - and that is great! If I ever get a lot more money and have an inkling to pay list plus 1700%, then perhaps I'll look more seriously at their coins. Meanwhile, I'll stick to my regular venues at list plus or minus 10%.

Customer service is certainly important, but I can't see paying someone $753 to give me "really good" customer service on a $47 coin.

Dave99B · July 25, 2006 4:01AM

Anaconda does have very high prices, but most are no where near the 1700% hike you are talking about. Also keep in mind that their prices are negotiable. They will work with you.

Many coins in their inventory do command 2 or 3 times greysheet though, and are well worth it, in my opinion. Go searching for similar quality material and see how difficult this stuff is to locate.

Also remember, coins are not commodities. One share of IBM is the same as every other share. Drastic differences exist between MS66 Morgans.

BTW, you will rarely see Anaconda-type material on Teletrade and eBay. That’s not a good indicator of pricing for “high end material”. It’s a better guide to low end stuff!

Dave

DUIGUY · July 25, 2006 4:12AM

Here is an example, from Anaconda ; HK-359 can be found for around $50.00 to $80.00 . This example due to the toning 20 X the usual price ; and WELL worth it IMHO !!

Bear · July 25, 2006 4:24AM

Over the past 5 years , I have bought a number of coins,

both expensive and inexpensive from Anaconda. They are always happy

to discuss the coin , efficient in shipping and very pleasent to deal with. Like

most dealers on the Forum, Anaconda takes its reputation very serious and work

hard to maintain their good name and reputation. Adrian and Brandon are tops.

RBinTex · July 25, 2006 4:37AM

Just a general rule of thumb that of course seems self evident:

If you can find a nicer coin for less money elsewhere, buy it. If not, maybe, JUST MAYBE, the one in question (at the time) really is the best deal.

Personally, I don't understand the toning premiums nearly well enough but enough to know they DEFINITELY exist. Heck, I sold an incredibly toned 1960-D PCGS MS65 jefferson on a no reserve auction for over $250.

Needless to say, I was shocked myself.

poorguy · July 25, 2006 4:39AM

If I ever get a lot more money and have an inkling to pay list plus 1700%, then perhaps I'll look more seriously at their coins. Meanwhile, I'll stick to my regular venues at list plus or minus 10%.

Tunnel vision again.

Like I said, I believe you are singling out a couple of coins that you see and are applying a blanket statement about all of our coins. I do not appreciate that. We have many many coins that are reasonable, heck some are even right at wholesale levels. Why not talk about those coins and apply that blanket statement?

Now I do not post coins that I have for sale on the U.S. Coin forum but in order to prove a point, I will post a list of coins as they compare to both the wholesale sheets and PCGS price guide. I find it unnerving for people to think that just because a few coins are not what the "guides" consider cheap that the same premise applies to all the coins that seller offers. Sure we have some monsters and they are expensive but if you look at at least 80% of our inventory, you will find that it is at or below PCGS's guide and between 10%-20% over wholesale. And what do you know? if you pick up the phone, call me, send a messenger pigeon, ect. and request a better price, 99.9% of the time, I can work something out and get you a better price.

If anyone has an objection to me providing this information from our website in an attempt to provide fact with what I'm saying, please let me know. If it upsets you to the point where you want me to take it down, I will do so. I honestly do not want this post to cause any trouble. Just trying to prove a point.

Let's see:

1855 1c NGC MS65RB Coronet Large Cent $975 (greysheet $840, PCGS $1475) 14% over greysheet and 35% BELOW PCGS.

1863 1c NGC MS65 Gem Copper-Nickel Indian Cent $915 (greysheet $800-870, PCGS $1050) 5% over greysheet and 13% BELOW PCGS.

1857 1c PCGS PF65 Proof Flying Eagle Cent - Here's a mighty pricy coin! But..... $27,500 (greysheet $24000, PCGS $27,500) 13% above greysheet and priced at PCGS level. And it's nearly a cameo!

1871 5c NGC PF66CAMEO Proof Shield Nickel $2100 (no sheet, PCGS $2500) 16% BELOW PCGS.

1888 5c NGC PF65 Proof Liberty Nickel $700 (greysheet $460-$500, PCGS $1000) 29% over greysheet and 30% under PCGS

1917-D 5c PCGS MS65 Toned Buffalo Nickel $3850 ooh, nicely toned. (greysheet $3350, PCGS $4100) 13% over greysheet and 7% under PCGS.

1859 25c PCGS PF64 Liberty Seated Quarter $2150 (greysheet $1750, PCGS $2650) 19% over greysheet and 19% under PCGS.

1930 25c PCGS MS66FH Amazing Standing Liberty Quarter $1475 (no greysheet, PCGS $1800) 18% UNDER PCGS.

1806 50c NGC AU55 Toned Draped Bust Half Dollar - An incredibly eye-appealing coin. $4750 (greysheet AU50 $2800 MS60 $5550 big spread, PCGS AU50 $4500 MS60 $7250)

1878 50c NGC PF65 Toned Proof Seated Half - Beautiful color $3850 (greysheet $2850, PCGS $3800) 25% over greysheet and $50 over PCGS.

1795 $1 PCGS VF35 Flowing Hair Dollar '3 Leaves' PCGS incorrectly marked it as a 2 leaves. - $8750 (greysheet VF20 $4400 XF40 $9400, PCGS VF20 $7200 XF $13500)

I could go through my entire inventory and do this but I stopped about 1/2 way through the new purchases. Overpriced? You decide.

airplanenut · July 25, 2006 4:46AM

I've bought from Anaconda, and I've sold to them. My sig-line coin was my first purchase from them, and was the first coin that I ever bought that even broke the $100 level. That said, a few comments I have to make:

-I was 15 when I first met Adrian. As a YN, it was beyond refreshing to have a dealer so willing to just be nice, even though he knew I couldn't afford much of his inventory. He was just glad to keep showing me stuff, anyway.

-Brandon really knows his stuff, and is very open to any questions, whether online or in person. With Adrian, they make a great team of friendly, knowledgeable coin guys.

Are some of their coins overpriced? Well, it depends on your definition of overpriced. Certainly, they're not the only dealers asking high premiums for extraordinarily toned coins. And as Brandon pointed out, many of their coins command little, if any premium to Greysheet. I've looked through their cases many times, and I can very truthfully say that Brandon's not lying when he says their coins are high end and very attractive. Greysheet is for ho-hum coins in plastic. Anaconda has very few, if any, "ho-hum" coins in their inventory.

Jeremy

RYK · July 25, 2006 5:02AM

If anyone has an objection to me providing this information from our website in an attempt to provide fact with what I'm saying, please let me know. If it upsets you to the point where you want me to take it down, I will do so. I honestly do not want this post to cause any trouble. Just trying to prove a point.

I have no objection (actually, I found it quite useful and informative), but I am surprised that you felt cornered into doing so. You are a running a coin business; if your prices are too high, the coins won't sell. When I see a price that is way out of line with what I expect to pay, I will move on. If it is close, I will ask for your best price. If we cannot come to terms, I am happy to move on. No harm, no foul.

poorguy · July 25, 2006 5:05AM

<< If anyone has an objection to me providing this information from our website in an attempt to provide fact with what I'm saying, please let me know. If it upsets you to the point where you want me to take it down, I will do so. I honestly do not want this post to cause any trouble. Just trying to prove a point.

I have no objection (actually, I found it quite useful and informative), but I am surprised that you felt cornered into doing so. You are a running a coin business; if your prices are too high, the coins won't sell. When I see a price that is way out of line with what I expect to pay, I will move on. If it is close, I will ask for your best price. If we cannot come to terms, I am happy to move on. No harm, no foul. >>

Just trying to dispel a myth that I've heard come up several times.

carl · July 25, 2006 5:37AM

Never checked out their web site but did buy a few coins from them at a coin show. Decent prices and freindly people.

Julio · July 25, 2006 5:44AM

I have only purchased one coin from Anaconda. The facts are: I paid $60.00 less than PCGS price guide and I did not ask for a discount. While I do not claim to be a grader I have absolutely no reason to doubt it's grade. Service was excellent. The most important thing is I am very happy with my purchase. I even sent Anaconda a thank-you E-mail.
Should I have not received excellent service and was not happy with my purchase I would not have hesitated to E-mail Anaconda with my displeasure.
Just my experience with Anaconda. jws

Hadleydog · July 25, 2006 6:06AM

I have made several purchases from Anaconda, and have been happy every time.

As Bestcloser puts it so well, ' Great coins are not cheap,and cheap coins are not great! '.

Musky1011 · July 25, 2006 6:39AM

I did a buy it now on e-bay last week

impulse buy

$200

Excellent coin in hand

Very nice for a PR62

Would buy from A. R. C. again

Jim

pontiacinf · July 25, 2006 9:14AM

<< 

<< $47 in the PCGS price guide, and $800 at Anaconda coins. I am not sure how that is justified. >>

It's "justified" because we operate in a free market. They are free to set their asking prices and you are free to not buy the coin if you think that asking price is too high. Pretty simple concept.

<< So without interjecting my own feelings on the subject >>

Too late for that.

Russ, NCNE >>

what he said.

Id like to see you guys actually find coins such as whats on adrians site in the same grade/condition for PCGS price guide prices.

probably be the same day I "walk on water"

majorbigtime · July 25, 2006 11:11AM

Actually, I agree with Russ (my nemises), they can ask whatever they damn please for their coins.If you don't like 'em, don't buy 'em! Plain and simple. I don't like 'em, so I don't buy 'em! The only coin they ever had that really turned me on was a 1797 half, and it was priced too high for my money.

Their "booooner toners", especially modern stuff, are priced insanely, IMO. I wonder if they ever really sell any of that stuff.

They are the only coin dealer on Planet Earth that has an "asking" price (see the website). Whadda' they think, this is real estate?

Adrian's a good guy;but Brendan has a lot to learn IMO. I guess I don't like being called a wanker on a public forum.

MBT

ColonialCoinUnion · July 25, 2006 11:28AM

Well, at least no one has taken credit for hurling themselves onto a live hand grenade in order to save the whole platoon in this thread. So I guess we're making progress.

hootchiegirl · July 25, 2006 11:37AM

get your coins at the walmart then you knows yous gots the value in the low cost

clw54 · July 25, 2006 11:42AM

<< 

<< I believe many of the super high prices on coins in Anaconda's inventory are due to the toning factor. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't Anaconda's main focus on incredibly toned coins? We all know those coins can and do garner horrific premiums at times.

You wouldn't catch me paying 20x list for a coin because of color but I'm sure someone will. The crazy color toning market is pretty large and very popular. >>

Actually, our main focus isn't "incredibly toned coins". We handle a wide variety of coins that we feel are exceptional for the grade or priced right for what they are. We choose to not handle white morgans because they trade too much like a commodity and frankly, can be boring. If you've ever seen our entire inventory spread out at a show, you've noticed that we do not handle very many toned morgans compared to the rest of our inventory. I think many people have tunnel vision when they see an exceptional coin priced high on our website and assume that the rest of the inventory is priced very high as well. Go take a look around our website, I'm certain you will find some deals on great coins. Additionally, if you see a coin you have interest in but think it's priced too high, give me a call or shoot me an email and see what I can do. Yes, we sometimes sell coins at below our cost if they've sat around for a while. >>

This is true. At a show, you can find an F02 1901-S quarter and an MS66 1927-S quarter at the same table. They are expensive, but they are nicer coins than you'll usually find on eBay. The 1901-S quarter will look great for an F02 and the MS66 will be stunning. Plus, these guys will take the time to talk to whoever stops by. A lot of people dump on them, and I'm not sure why.

RYK · July 25, 2006 11:57AM

Adrian's a good guy;but Brendan has a lot to learn IMO. I guess I don't like being called a wanker on a public forum.

Sounds like Brendan is alright, and Adrian has a lot to learn.

ColonialCoinUnion · July 25, 2006 11:59AM

<< A lot of people dump on them, and I'm not sure why. >>

Jealousy?

braddick · July 25, 2006 12:06PM

Each and every transaction (buying or selling or trading) I've had with ANACONA coins before and after Brandon joined the crew has gone off flawless. I simply can't say that about any other Dealer.

Agflyer · July 25, 2006 12:11PM

When ever I see a particulary nice coin I think to myself, "that's an Anaconda!" I've always been thrilled with coins that I've bought from them and I felt they were more than fair with coins that I've sold to them. When you want a coin that really stands out, A.R.C. has probably got it.

Russ · July 25, 2006 12:14PM

<< I guess I don't like being called a wanker on a public forum. >>

Clearly, Brandon is possessed of excellent insight.

Russ, NCNE

SUPERCARCOINS · July 25, 2006 12:17PM

Anaconda had a monster 58-D Franklin in PCGS 67 FBL in their inventory for a long time -

I think it would be nice to purchase the coin , i fell in love with it , and I wants it real bad .

I will pm them in hope`s the price has been reduced a bit !

dizzyfoxx · July 25, 2006 12:19PM

Yes, I've bought from Anaconda. As far as their prices are concerned, whenever you're talking about the 'upper echelon' of something (in this case toned coins) you must 'expect' to pay premiums to acquire the nice ones, that's just the reality of it. Hence, nice coins aren't cheap and cheap coins aren't nice. One nice thing that you can always do which won't hurt anything, is make an offer on a coin you like. Brandon is more than accomodating and professional and will do everything within his power to make a deal with a new or repeat customer. I added this coin below to my collection from Anaconda a year ago and I have nothing but praise for them and their incredible toned-coin inventory.

Anyone ever buy from Anaconda Coins?

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