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Advice sought on selling some problem Bust material

rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,636 ✭✭✭✭✭
Some time in the near future, I am going to be selling some more expensive Bust coins- both copper and silver- that have problems and won't slab at PCGS. Now these are not junk coins- they are desirable, big-ticket type coins that have a few scratches, a pock mark, a ding, a light cleaning, etc. that will stop them from slabbing. As of now, most are uncertified and a few are older ANACS. Which of the following strategies would you suggest, to maximize returns and minimize headaches, given the nature of the material I am selling?

1) Try the DLRC guaranteed auction program, and let them send the coins to NCS or ANACS or DGS. I know the customer service and turnaround time will be outstanding with DLRC, but I don't have any personal experience to indicate how well the coins will do money-wise.

2) Send them to Heritage, and do the same as above. How will returns and customer service compare to DLRC? Anyone done both?

3) Try selling these on BST or Ebay. If I go this way, I'll get the most money assuming they sell, but the problem here is the complications involved with trying to sell expensive coins to perfect strangers via the internet. Ebay works a lot better for $100 items.

4) Consign them to a dealer. The last two times I tried this at B&M shops, my coins were stolen (!), so I'm not considering this as an option!

I am looking for advice from collectors who have actually tried one or more of the above. Also note that what works with certified Morgans may not be such a good option with early type coins! Please refrain from bashing anyone in a way that will make this thread go *poof*, unless you want to bash via PM, which is OK by me. Thanks for your input!

Comments

  • AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 24,978 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Get them in an ANACS slab and sell yourself, ANACS will show the problem on the slab. Provide good pics
    with excellent descriptions (good and bad traits) including how it looks in hand. Add a 7 day return and list
    them on the bay.

    bob
    PS: good luck!image
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
  • Steve27Steve27 Posts: 13,275 ✭✭✭
    I would like to see some specific examples, because your description so far leads me to believe raw on ebay is your best option.
    "It's far easier to fight for principles, than to live up to them." Adlai Stevenson
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  • rgCoinGuyrgCoinGuy Posts: 7,478
    #3 (ebay) and just use good pictures and be honest.
    imageQuid pro quo. Yes or no?
  • rheddenrhedden Posts: 6,636 ✭✭✭✭✭
    doesn't that negate them from being a so -called big ticket item?


    No. For example, a 1796 $10 gold piece with a scratch would still be a big-ticket item, and I wouldn't put one of those on ebay, raw or certified, unless it was my last resort. People just don't want to buy coins like that without seeing them in person. Other people simply won't bid on coins above a certain dollar amount on ebay, and perhaps wisely so. The net result is that the seller loses a lot of potential bidders and the final sale price takes a hit.
  • Get them in NCS details slabs. Post them on the BST and on eBay with your desired BIN price. If that does not work ship them off to either of the two organizations you brought up. If they are priced right they will sell long before they make it to auction, at which time they will be priced at market and you will net less than market.
  • SamByrdSamByrd Posts: 3,131 ✭✭✭✭
    first get a details grade and then list them on the BST.
  • speetyspeety Posts: 5,424


    << <i>first get a details grade and then list them on the BST. >>



    Bingo, unless you need the money instantly, this would cut out the buyers/sellers fees and would ensure that the coins are seated with collectors who truly enjoy and appreciate the coins. Whatever doesn't sell I'd send to Heritage imo.
    Want to buy an auction catalog for the William Hesslein Sale (December 2, 1926). Thanks to all those who have helped us obtain the others!!!

  • PlacidPlacid Posts: 11,299 ✭✭✭
    I vote a Heritage signature auction. Your items will get a lot of exposure and probably get you more money in the end if that is your goal. The downside to Heritage is it can take a fair amount of time.

    If you just want x amount per coin then I would try the bst first for a week or so and then move whatever does not sell to eBay or a auction company depending how long you are willing to wait.

    eBay is ok if you already have good feedback but if you have a large number of coins it can be a hassle.
    You can also use some of the eBay people that will auction coins for you if you do not have the feedback or photo skills to get good results.

  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    You could place the coins in good homes by offering them by PM to longtime forum members who have admired and inquired about them over the years..

    for example, if you had a heraldic eagle draped bust half dime with medium details and minor damage, it could go to a certain type set..

    and you would receive honor and karma from all and thus achieve everlasting significance

    image

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • QuarternutQuarternut Posts: 1,481 ✭✭✭
    What Baley said!

    image

    (darn, I haven't been around long enough!)

    Go to Early United States Coins - to order the New "Early United States Half Dollar Vol. 1 / 1794-1807" book or the 1st new Bust Quarter book!

  • RichieURichRichieURich Posts: 8,584 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The answer to this question is "it depends". Different coins will get different results in different venues. If the coin you have is an 1802 half dime with a scratch, an auction is a good idea. If you have a coin that is more generic, such that it will bring (in total) at auction the same it would bring from a dealer, then there is no advantage to auctioning it. If it is a problem coin that is tougher to sell, particularly if it is a scarce or rare variety, consignment might be your best option; because a dealer buying such a coin might not know how long it might take to sell a problem coin, he/she will generally offer less than you might get from consignment. If you have a 1796 quarter with a scratch, that coin should be certified even in a "details" slab to give the purchaser confidence that it is genuine. Hope this helps.

    An authorized PCGS dealer, and a contributor to the Red Book.

  • BRdudeBRdude Posts: 1,079 ✭✭✭


    << <i>You could place the coins in good homes by offering them by PM to longtime forum members who have admired and inquired about them over the years.. >>


    Dang, I like Baleys idea tooimageimage and i've been here a whileimageimageimage
    AKA kokimoki
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