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Legend Coin Descriptions - what can we make of them?
renomedphys
Posts: 3,516 ✭✭✭✭✭
Doesn't it seem like the guys (and gals) over at Legend are constantly in awe of their inventory? Seems to me that most coins at that price point are quite nice by default, and warrant no additional dumbfoundedness.
Simply put, reading their website it would seem that 95% of their inventory is jaw-dropping, and the other 5% is merely amazing.
Just once I would like to read a humble and forthright description of a coin on their site, saving high accolades for the true "freaks".
For instance, a very nice MS65 seated dollar might be described as: Very white in appearance with attractive luster, giving way to light haze. Very original patination. Few marks as expected for the grade, not readily visible without a loupe save for a few contact marks on the reverse above the eagle's head.
Or a particularly nice proof cent's description could read: In hand, presents as a nearly perfect coin, with no noticeable flaws or haze. Strong magnification yields no mentionable marks or spots, save for a small scattering of carbon, nearly impossible to discern. An outstanding piece.
Just imagine the same coins described on their site.
edited to add: I have no real issue with Legend other than the fact that I don't really know what to take from their printed descriptions. I really like the quality of their inventory and what that says about their dealer philosophy. They really do a great job finding great coins!
Simply put, reading their website it would seem that 95% of their inventory is jaw-dropping, and the other 5% is merely amazing.
Just once I would like to read a humble and forthright description of a coin on their site, saving high accolades for the true "freaks".
For instance, a very nice MS65 seated dollar might be described as: Very white in appearance with attractive luster, giving way to light haze. Very original patination. Few marks as expected for the grade, not readily visible without a loupe save for a few contact marks on the reverse above the eagle's head.
Or a particularly nice proof cent's description could read: In hand, presents as a nearly perfect coin, with no noticeable flaws or haze. Strong magnification yields no mentionable marks or spots, save for a small scattering of carbon, nearly impossible to discern. An outstanding piece.
Just imagine the same coins described on their site.
edited to add: I have no real issue with Legend other than the fact that I don't really know what to take from their printed descriptions. I really like the quality of their inventory and what that says about their dealer philosophy. They really do a great job finding great coins!
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<< <i>Seems to me that most coins at that price point are quite nice by default, and warrant no additional dumbfoundedness. >>
I don't know about you, but I have seem some expensive coins that are not quite nice, by default or otherwise.
merse
They are famous at shows and especially auctions for paying more than anyone for the best stuff.
When they had the Sonnier colored dollars they called every one a "monster"-and I do not think anyone who saw every coin would disagree.
and this one looks "ULTRA HIGH END AND AWESOME LOOKING! "
etc.
As always, you must be the judge and be happy with your coins, but many really do live up to the hype.
PS - this is not a commerical or an endorsement as there are many fine dealers out there (and some not so fine). Just telling it how I see it.
Do you remember that episode of The Office where it was kids day, and the children were shocked that Dunder-Mifflin actually marked up paper before selling it?
For example, take a look at the 1865-S $20 gold in PCGS MS63 they currently have listed. They claim "the last one to sell in major public auction brought 13,800.00 10/2010 Heritage." That information along with their asking price of $13,950.00 makes the coin sound like a relative bargain, right? However, the exact coin just sold at the Goldberg pre-Long Beach auction for $12,650 ($11,000 + BP). Perhaps Legend doesn't consider the Goldbergs to be putting on a major public auction??
I've seen them do the same thing in the past where they omit the data from the auction they bought the coin at (even when that auction was a big Heritage auction). I don't disagree with the quality of their coins or their right to make a modest profit on them. However, their somewhat misleading use of past auction history to justify their asking prices like definitely turns me off a little bit.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
But that's neither here nor there. I guess I just prefer more of a "straight talk" approach that doesn't cheapen itself by grandstanding. But that's not even what bothers me. What bothers me is my inability to gauge the true "worthiness" of a coin by their description, as all are ranked with equal "specialness" bringing them all to an even par.
I realize this is a "me" problem.
edited for punctuation
Empty Nest Collection
Matt’s Mattes
<< <i>For example, take a look at the 1865-S $20 gold in PCGS MS63 they currently have listed. They claim "the last one to sell in major public auction brought 13,800.00 10/2010 Heritage." That information along with their asking price of $13,950.00 makes the coin sound like a relative bargain, right? However, the exact coin just sold at the Goldberg pre-Long Beach auction for $12,650 ($11,000 + BP). Perhaps Legend doesn't consider the Goldbergs to be putting on a major public auction?? >>
I'm shocked. You are saying Legend buys coins out of auctions, marks them up 10%, and fails to disclose that?
This is front page of Coin World stuff. Someone needs to out these guys, and fast.
What we really need is a law that forces the sales of history of every coin to be disclosed whenever it changes hands.
<< <i>
I'm shocked. You are saying Legend buys coins out of auctions, marks them up 10%, and fails to disclose that?
This is front page of Coin World stuff. Someone needs to out these guys, and fast.
What we really need is a law that forces the sales of history of every coin to be disclosed whenever it changes hands. >>
Of course not. And I clearly said I didn't have a problem with that.
But their description including the price of the last one to sell at auction is not accurate. I just feel that if they are not going to give the correct information, they probably shouldn't give any information.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Take a look at my type set and you'll see many. Please ignore the fillers, i cant break the filler habit
Anyhow their descriptions are very good, because their coins are killer!
<< <i>Perhaps Legend doesn't consider the Goldbergs to be putting on a major public auction?? >>
Perhaps Legend doesn't consider the results of that auction to be representative of the coin's value, and therefore, didn't reference the sale?
What can we make of it? A mountain out of a molehill.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
<< <i>
<< <i>
I'm shocked. You are saying Legend buys coins out of auctions, marks them up 10%, and fails to disclose that?
This is front page of Coin World stuff. Someone needs to out these guys, and fast.
What we really need is a law that forces the sales of history of every coin to be disclosed whenever it changes hands. >>
Of course not. And I clearly said I didn't have a problem with that.
But their description including the price of the last one to sell at auction is not accurate. I just feel that if they are not going to give the correct information, they probably shouldn't give any information. >>
Illini,
I always enjoy your posts but I have to disagree that Legend or any dealer is being misleading if they reference past auction prices but omit the auction price of the coin in question. CoinFacts and Heritage auction records are available to all of us -- if you're buying coins from Legend (at their price levels) you have to be a little nuts not to consult auction records before purchasing.
And I notice that in their listing of the Wisconsin commem they recently posted, they did list what they paid for it.
As for the descriptions of their inventory, if a bit of puffery is a crime, they're guilty along with half the dealers and all the auction houses.
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
They have always been upfront with me about the coins they sell.
No dealer works on just a standard 10% markup out of auction. It depends on what the coin is worth to them, replacement cost and opportunity, as well as what the market will comfortably bear. It can range from <0% (ie a mistake) or 30% or higher. But I would agree that 10-25% is probably the normal range for most coins bought by the majority of dealers for resale.
roadrunner
<< <i>All the coins I buy from legend are remarkable and most have upgraded, some to top pops. Then again a lot of my own buys have too, which many of them I found out I outbid legend...
Take a look at my type set and you'll see many. Please ignore the fillers, i cant break the filler habit
Anyhow their descriptions are very good, because their coins are killer! >>
I thought they had already tried to get the coins bumped that make their retail site. I can't believe they are leaving easy money on the table.
NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!
RIP "BEAR"
<< <i>Illini,
I always enjoy your posts but I have to disagree that Legend or any dealer is being misleading if they reference past auction prices but omit the auction price of the coin in question. CoinFacts and Heritage auction records are available to all of us -- if you're buying coins from Legend (at their price levels) you have to be a little nuts not to consult auction records before purchasing.
And I notice that in their listing of the Wisconsin commem they recently posted, they did list what they paid for it.
As for the descriptions of their inventory, if a bit of puffery is a crime, they're guilty along with half the dealers and all the auction houses. >>
That's fair. But I guess that's also why it surprised me a bit that they present the information the way they do. I agree that many buyers of coins at the level sold by Legend would be more likely to do their homework before a purchase and would see the real auction history and would quickly discover the ommitted history. I just remember the first time I saw them describe a coin with auction history presented in that manner was a couple years ago on a coin where I was the underbidder in a Heritage auction. Around a week later I saw the coin on their website and immediately noticed the discrepancy of what they claimed was the last auction result vs. the real last auction result of the coin being offered. For whatever reason, I guess it just left a bad taste in my mouth. Again, I have no issues with the quality of their coins or with their markups on such coins.
By the way, I do agree 100% with their description on the Wisconsin. I viewed both that coin and the MS68+ during lot viewing and both were awesome coins... almost unreal to see a Wisconsin looking that awesome and almost impossible to have two of them that cool side by side. I also agree that the MS68 had slightly better eye appeal than the MS68+ but I really don't know which was the better technical grade as I'm not used to grading MS68 commems!!! If my lotto numbers come in this week I'm buying it
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
And no doubt, I get the hype game. If I was selling a coin, I would probably want the cataloguer to hype it too. It sells coins. Really, this is just about my inability to understand their marketing tactic of hyping all their coins to the hilt, as if any well heeled collector wouldn't find that suspect.
Maybe I'm trifling. But these guys really move some awesome stuff. Coins that speak for themselves. Right?
Empty Nest Collection
Matt’s Mattes
<< <i>To you guys that say I'm petty, well, maybe so. A public forum really isn't the best place to discuss differences of opinion. If reading and participating here for the past two or three years has taught me something, it's that. Sorry Laura and anyone else whose feelings I might have hurt by asking what I thought was an honest question.
And no doubt, I get the hype game. If I was selling a coin, I would probably want the cataloguer to hype it too. It sells coins. Really, this is just about my inability to understand their marketing tactic of hyping all their coins to the hilt, as if any well heeled collector wouldn't find that suspect.
Maybe I'm trifling. But these guys really move some awesome stuff. Coins that speak for themselves. Right? >>
Coins might speak for themselves, if viewed from a few inches away. Rarely, however, do they do that, from an on-line image or a matter of fact/non-hyped description.
<<Illini,
I always enjoy your posts but I have to disagree that Legend or any dealer is being misleading if they reference past auction prices but omit the auction price of the coin in question. CoinFacts and Heritage auction records are available to all of us -- if you're buying coins from Legend (at their price levels) you have to be a little nuts not to consult auction records before purchasing.>>
I happen to agree with Illini. It is clearly misleading if a seller is offering a coin that was auctioned off in 2011, but says "the last one to sell in major public auction brought 13,800.00 10/2010 Heritage" And it's misleading, whether auction prices are available to readers or not, and whether the current seller bought the coin directly out of the 2011 auction or not.
The fact is that not all of Legends coins are on thier site
I believe the one on thier site are the top shelf coin, and are described as such
On the other hand some in the showcases at shows are not quite on the top shelf.
Many here wish thier coins owned were as nice Legend's coins
And a few (very few) have nicer coins.
just my view
<< <i>
<< <i>All the coins I buy from legend are remarkable and most have upgraded, some to top pops. Then again a lot of my own buys have too, which many of them I found out I outbid legend...
Take a look at my type set and you'll see many. Please ignore the fillers, i cant break the filler habit
Anyhow their descriptions are very good, because their coins are killer! >>
I thought they had already tried to get the coins bumped that make their retail site. I can't believe they are leaving easy money on the table. >>
They do a lot of times. I even told Laura about it and not all coins get sent in for resubmissions. The ones I sent in however were the grades they were thinking they would be, so I guess I am the 'lucky' one Especially on the 1908 Motto 65->66
it is possible... and based on what I have seen... and keeping in mind that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder... IMHO they DO carry awesome coins!!!!!
sure, they even have some "basic" stock... yet even their "basics" are a cut above the average inventory that can be seen on any bourse...
they have a reputation and a following that is not pretend... it exists... and I would "guess" that it has NOTHING to do with hype... it has everything to do with living up to that reputation by being able to offer and then deliver the "goods"!!!
like em or don't... but the fact remains... they have a firm, prominent place on the numismatic landscape... they earned it and they deserve it and they are not going anywhere... and IMHO, that is a good thing...
you folks simply ain't on your game today...
<< <i>I simply can not believe that a thread about Legend has actually slipped to page 3 ... without any major contoversy, with no shots regarding spell check... and only 26 posts... so I will bring it around one more time and make it 27 posts...
you folks simply ain't on your game today...
>>
OK Larry - just because you asked for it. I believe that the word you were aiming for is controversy, not contoversy. There. Now the Legend thread has a snarky spelling comment. No need to thank me.
merse
<< <i>
<< <i>I simply can not believe that a thread about Legend has actually slipped to page 3 ... without any major contoversy, with no shots regarding spell check... and only 26 posts... so I will bring it around one more time and make it 27 posts...
you folks simply ain't on your game today...
>>
OK Larry - just because you asked for it. I believe that the word you were aiming for is controversy, not contoversy. There. Now the Legend thread has a snarky spelling comment. No need to thank me. >>
now all is right with the world once again
When CRO or Mark Feld state that a coin is an outstanding example, then that tends to get my attention.
<< <i>To you guys that say I'm petty, well, maybe so. >>
Matt, I didn't state, nor do I believe, that you are petty. Rather, I thought the topic of the thread was petty. The difference may be subtle, but it is profound.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
<< <i>
<< <i>To you guys that say I'm petty, well, maybe so. >>
Matt, I didn't state, nor do I believe, that you are petty. Rather, I thought the topic of the thread was petty. The difference may be subtle, but it is profound. >>
My bad
Empty Nest Collection
Matt’s Mattes
<< <i>is it possible that they only will carry and offer the best of the best... just like they claim?
it is possible... and based on what I have seen... and keeping in mind that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder... IMHO they DO carry awesome coins!!!!!
sure, they even have some "basic" stock... yet even their "basics" are a cut above the average inventory that can be seen on any bourse...
they have a reputation and a following that is not pretend... it exists... and I would "guess" that it has NOTHING to do with hype... it has everything to do with living up to that reputation by being able to offer and then deliver the "goods"!!!
like em or don't... but the fact remains... they have a firm, prominent place on the numismatic landscape... they earned it and they deserve it and they are not going anywhere... and IMHO, that is a good thing... >>
That sums up my impression of them. A few years ago I took a peek on their website, every coin was super high end, etc... I am a skeptic so I rolled my eyes and thought "yeah sure heard this before". Oddly enough, when seeing them in person at a show, they were indeed gorgeous coins.
I look in their cases, and I don't see average looking coins, I see gorgeous, high end stuff. I don't buy much from them because, well, I don't really like mint state coins, they are too "sterile" to me and Laura and George don't sell much that isn't mint state. I simply like dirty coins. But what they sell is really nice stuff indeed.
Everybody knows Legend has good stuff, they just turn some people off.
NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!
RIP "BEAR"
He who has a thing to sell
And goes and whispers in a well,
Is not so apt to get the dollars
As he who climbs a tree and hollers!
<< <i>He who has a thing to sell
And goes and whispers in a well,
Is not so apt to get the dollars
As he who climbs a tree and hollers!
>>
it seems you are a poet
but do you even know it?
<< <i>He who has a thing to sell
And goes and whispers in a well,
Is not so apt to get the dollars
As he who climbs a tree and hollers!
>>
Exactly--marketing is critical to the business end of numismatics. Many of Legend's inventory items do appeal to investors, who usually need to be hooked and reeled in.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
As they have a $10 1911D PCGS MS62 right now described as...
A BORDERLINE MS63! $ 18500.00
This is a coin that we have been debating on for the past two weeks. We still don't know if we should crack it or not. It has the looks of a 63, but we are worried it could AU58 (we've all been through that-right?)!.
Both sides are unusually clean and smooth. Even ticks are almost non existence. The only area of bagginess or question is on the upper cheek. Even with a glass it does not look bad. The color is a moderate gold with a light coating of toning (which confirms totally originality). Miss Liberty and the details are exceptionally struck. The eye appeal is very pleasing.
PCGS 65, NGC 50, CAC 6. The next step up will cost you at least $30,000.00-if you can find the lone CAC'd one! This coin is an easy fit into ANY choice set.
I'm not a Legend Groupie as I haven't dealt with them since the mid 90's, but for an almost $19K coin I wasn't expecting such a description.
<< <i>
<< <i>For example, take a look at the 1865-S $20 gold in PCGS MS63 they currently have listed. They claim "the last one to sell in major public auction brought 13,800.00 10/2010 Heritage." That information along with their asking price of $13,950.00 makes the coin sound like a relative bargain, right? However, the exact coin just sold at the Goldberg pre-Long Beach auction for $12,650 ($11,000 + BP). Perhaps Legend doesn't consider the Goldbergs to be putting on a major public auction?? >>
I'm shocked. You are saying Legend buys coins out of auctions, marks them up 10%, and fails to disclose that?
This is front page of Coin World stuff. Someone needs to out these guys, and fast.
What we really need is a law that forces the sales of history of every coin to be disclosed whenever it changes hands. >>
I hope this last part was missing a sarcasm emoticon. The rest is right on target.
She Who Is Not To Be Named and I have disagreed on many issues. We rarely agree on much besides raw fish and massage.
It would be convenient to discount what she says. I often do. But I cannot ignore an inventory which they constantly refresh with really great coins they charge too much for. Even the misspellings work for them (pathetic!). They obviously reach enough of their selected target audience. Why not place an order. Maybe the description is spot on!
Anyone who's read many of my posts knows I tend not to pull my punches.
She's a more than occasional pain in the butt.
Her inventory? Scrumptious.
Her advertising and promotion of her coins? Get a life.
Or try a Goldline thread.
All the drivel and jealousy aside, the fact is I think most people who have purchased coins from them on a regular basis in the past would agree that as they look over their collection, some of their nicest pieces can probably trace their way back to being a purchase from Legend.
<< <i>Everyone from vest pocket dealers to collectors who've never even purchased a coin from them have been taking their shots at Legend ever since I joined this forum in 2001......everything from their pricing, their coin descriptions, their spelling, their views on the coin market, everything.
All the drivel and jealousy aside, the fact is I think most people who have purchased coins from them on a regular basis in the past would agree that as they look over their collection, some of their nicest pieces can probably trace their way back to being a purchase from Legend. >>
You got that right.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
Like everyone else, they'll accept other not so great coins if that what is necessary to do a deal. I've seen some of these coins at shows. Most of what they sell is out of my league. My one Legend purchase is a 1912 P Liberty Nickel in PC 6 @ the 2009 ANA. It's very nice for the grade, and it was sold to me at a price I thought was reasonable.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
"There are NO auction records for any MS66+s. A NON CAC MS67RD sold for $16,100.00 in 4/2010 Heritage."
Again, I think this is a very misleading statement as the coin in MS66+RD just sold at a major public auction (Bowers & Merena Baltimore) for $3,450. Sure, it's the coin they are selling right now for a reasonable mark up, but to say there are "NO auction records" is clearly false.
I really like Legend and what they are trying to do to make the coin world a better place. Very few dealers are willing to stick their necks out to clean up the hobby. However, every time I see these false statements in their descriptions it almost feels like a step backwards. Of course I'm not suggesting they should report their purchase prices in their descriptions, but falsely stating that NO auction records exist doesn't exactly seem right either.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
Looking for Top Pop Mercury Dime Varieties & High Grade Mercury Dime Toners.
<< <i>"There are NO auction records for any other MS66+s. A NON CAC MS67RD sold for $16,100.00 in 4/2010 Heritage." >>
Fixed, Legend badly needs an editor.
<< <i>
<< <i>"There are NO auction records for any other MS66+s. A NON CAC MS67RD sold for $16,100.00 in 4/2010 Heritage." >>
Fixed, Legend badly needs an editor. >>
Legend subscribes to a service that reports population, bids and auction records for both PCGS and NGC coins. If it's not reported on the service, then it's like a tree that fell in the forest when no one is around. I think that if you expect a dealer to go research the latest auction catalogs before they list a coin, it just isn't gonna happen.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>"There are NO auction records for any other MS66+s. A NON CAC MS67RD sold for $16,100.00 in 4/2010 Heritage." >>
Fixed, Legend badly needs an editor. >>
Legend subscribes to a service that reports population, bids and auction records for both PCGS and NGC coins. If it's not reported on the service, then it's like a tree that fell in the forest when no one is around. I think that if you expect a dealer to go research the latest auction catalogs before they list a coin, it just isn't gonna happen. >>
No, I wouldn't expect that, but when they don't need to research an auction result where they were the buyer... come on.
Michael Kittle Rare Coins --- 1908-S Indian Head Cent Grading Set --- No. 1 1909 Mint Set --- Kittlecoins on Facebook --- Long Beach Table 448
Why must people here be so jealous and narrow minded all the time about Legend?
Laura is my kind of girl. Someday. ol' curly is gonna get his picture taken with her. How about it Laura, (you read these forums) you up for that?