The screenshot above came in a search of “toned” and “monster” Silver Eagles on eBay. There were hundreds with “Buy It Now” prices ranging from $50 to $5,000. This article tries to put the issue into perspective for those considering bidding or buying one of these coins. You may want to do so because of […]
Full Bell Lines and Older Holders
Recently in a Proxibid auction I saw an opportunity to score big by winning six Franklin half dollars in older holders, circa 1999, graded MS-64 full bell lines. The abbreviated designation, “FBL,” refers to the reverse of a Franklin half dollar on which the two lines on the bottom of the bell run unbroken to […]
Consigning Coins in Online Auctions
As regular viewers know, I often win uncertified coins on Proxibid, slab some of them via PCGS or NGC, and then consign them on eBay, GreatCollections, or Silver Towne Auctions. I do this for several reasons, keeping only a few won lots for my collection and testing my numismatic skills so that I can write […]
Value of Sharp Photography “Invaluable” Online
One of the reasons I patronize Auctions by Wallace and Weaver Signature Coin and Currency Auction (along with a few others on Proxibid) concerns the quality and number of online photos allowing me to inspect coins for damage, cleaning, or other flaws before I place bids. The above photo is from a Weaver online action […]
Is There a Safe Way to Clean Coins?
Nothing elicits more comments from the coin community than the topic of cleaning, so let’s start off by stating any type of cleaning, including the use of MS70 Coin Cleaner, is controversial. Some hobbyists put MS70 and similar detergents on the same prohibitive plain as Jewel Luster (e-Z-est Cleaner) or similar products. I don’t. Use […]
Grading Success: Cracking Out Top-Tier Holders
On March 11, Coin Update published an article I wrote titled “Cracking Out Top-Tier Holders,” in which I profiled these coins: As you can see, I paid retail or above prices on each of the aforementioned coins. There’s a reason for this. Many bidders are as skilled as I am in selecting under-graded […]
Bidding in Timed Auctions
Bidding in timed auctions takes time — literally — to learn how to win lots at the best price. Moreover, strategies depend on whether you are bidding in an estate auction on Proxibid with a live and online audience or in an eBay online-only auction. Proxibid auctions are mostly live with an auctioneer describing each lot […]
Cracking Out Top-Tier Holders
Some believe that when a top-tier grading company such as PCGS, NGC, ANACS or ICG slabs a coin, it is the last word on the grade. However, after a numismatist gains sufficient expertise, he or she can spot an under-graded coin, or what is perceived to be one. In this article we are discussing crack-outs, […]
Double Mint Set Tutorial
If you have not yet read my Coin Update post, “Buying Double Mint Sets,” you might do so before reading this one, because unethical sellers often take out the toned coins and replace them with lesser examples with the same date, hoping beginning hobbyists will still pay premiums. It’s one of the biggest ripoffs in […]
To Open or Not to Open? Are Unopened Sets Worth the Money?
There are a lot of ways to lose money collecting coins, with a premium here and a fee there; but in my experience, you can lose money 9 times out of 10 by paying ridiculous premiums for unopened mint and proof sets from the 1950s and 60s. But, as usual, there is no other way […]
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