Comments on: The “Deal Shopping” Mentality and Rare Coin Prices

By: JLRiddell

JLRiddell — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:18:02 +0000

Doug,

You were inspired with this blog. The problem with coins is that good values take a great deal of knowledge to see. That is also why it is fun. As a relatively new entrant to coins (5 years) I realize that I know only some of what is required to appreciate valuation. And then, even with your help, I occasionally get it wrong – although just as often we also miss the coin. Knowledge of value comes from knowing coins on multiple dimensions. Many of your blogs cover a particular dimension, such as coin, grade, issue, series, denomination. This is why it is best to be a specialist matched with a great dealer. Then, you have a chance, if your emotions don’t get in the way.

Still, if this guy is smart, maybe his interest will grow, and one day he will be smart and wise.

By: Larry Jackson

Larry Jackson — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:47:53 +0000

Coin Collectors: don’t get suckered into the “premoted” rare coins. As Doug would tell that these type of coins are not really rare at all. This includes coins such as the 1909-S VDB Cent, 1932-D/S Quarter, 1916-D dime, and 1893-s dollar. Even the 1856 flying eagle and the 1907 High Relief are not at all really rare. I’ll go a step further and say that the 1929 Saint and the 1892 Liberty head double eagle are not that rare due to recent finds.

Rare coins like the 1854-O and 1856-O are rare but mabe overpriced when one looks at an 1864-s half eagle that is ever bit as rare but at a much better price.

Be Smart!

Larry Jackson

By: RGM

RGM — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:55 +0000

Doug,
I have alway thought that if any new collector/investor was lucky enough to run into dealers that treat their customers like you do, the coin market would be much stronger than it is.
I strongly believe that the coin market is one of the worst places to be a price buyer.
In fact I also feel that your clients have probably fared very well from a strictly financial standpoint if they heed your advice.

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:52:56 +0000

I just had to respond to this blog. I image my profile is somewhat similar to the guy in the blog. I am new to collecting and could have very easily taken the same approach. I was fortunate enough to meet Doug and read all of his articles. I also read a book by Bowers where he talks about the collector/dealer relationship. He states that when transacting both sides should leave something on the table. This seems to me like very sound advice not only for the begginer but for the advanced collector as well. This leaving something on the table in theory is perhaps a short term cost but a long term virtue. Tony

By: Martin Kaplan

Martin Kaplan — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:19:47 +0000

Doug, one of the most important articles you have written…and how few people who read it will understand? MK

By: RYK

RYK — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:26:18 +0000

I have heard it summarized best as…

“Great coins ain’t cheap and cheap coins ain’t great.”