Finding a dealer...

[mintcollector]

Hello all,

 

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on finding a dealer for various coins. I collect ONLY 'slabbed' coins, so I would not need a dealer who carries only 'raw' coins (if one exists in the days of slabs, etc.). Anyway, I am somewhat of a newbie, but have some experience in coin collecting. I also collect currency and have found a handful of paper money dealers that I trust, but I have not been so lucky when it comes to coin dealers. Any help is highly appreciated. Thanks again!

[BillJones]

The answers to the question depend upon what kinds of coins are on your want list. If you are looking for a general group of items, there are many dealers who could help you. If you are looking for something special, like early Ameican copper coins or Bust half dollars, specialist dealers would be better able to serve your needs.

 

In general I think that you might not get a lot of responses if you just ask for names. A lot of us hate to go out on a limb. You check other posts here to see if collectors mention specific dealers with whom they have had good experiences. You might get responses if you mention certain names.

 

Generally I've found it best to go to some coin shows and meet the dealers in person. That way you get to see what they have in inventory and see if you like them personally.

[johnny9434]

i found if i type in coin shows that will bring up local shows in your area if you want to go that route. its a good idea like bill said . best wishes, john

[mike169]

Hello all,

 

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on finding a dealer for various coins. I collect ONLY 'slabbed' coins, so I would not need a dealer who carries only 'raw' coins (if one exists in the days of slabs, etc.). Anyway, I am somewhat of a newbie, but have some experience in coin collecting. I also collect currency and have found a handful of paper money dealers that I trust, but I have not been so lucky when it comes to coin dealers. Any help is highly appreciated. Thanks again!

 

Let me ask a question. You say you have not been lucky with coin dealers. Any specific reasons? Grading discrepancies, untrustworthy dealers, etc? I find your statement above to be interesting, namely because you collect slabbed (instead of raw) coins, and in the majority of the cases, slabbed coins don't have any unusual problems.

 

In addition, different dealers have coins for different price ranges. There are some who only sell coins in the 5 figure range and above. For slabbed coins, most dealers that I work with sell from the mid 3-figures (e.g. $500 or so) to the 5 figure range. There are also some good dealers that I have worked with (and hopefully are still doing business )that sell slabbed coins in the lower price ranges also.

[JStull]

I have to agree with Mike169's statement that different deals have coins for different price ranges.

 

While the majority of local dealers in my area have affordable coins, both raw and slabbed, there are a small number of local dealers who only deal in PCGS or NGC high valued coins, i.e. coins with a retail value over $1,000, and 1 dealer who only deals in slabbed gold coinage from the 18th and 19th centuries.

 

A lot will depend on what your tastes are.

[Walkerfan]

I never buy from just one dealer. I have bought from many, many. It's simple; if you have what I am looking for, at a reasonable price, then I buy!!

 

The stuff that I look for is high end and doesn't come up very often, so I am constantly searching different dealers' websites and inventories.

 

Selling is another matter, entirely. I try to get close to Greysheet bid (I don't mind if a l take a very small loss as long as we're close , as I understand that he must do all the work and move these for me, while turning a profit for himself, at the same time ) and this requires shopping around and trial and error.

 

It DEFINITELY helps to build a rapport with a dealer that you hope to do business with regularly.

[TomB]

There are many of us who might be able to help you, but it may be best if you reached out to some of us after checking out our websites and/or reputation if you believe there is a fit between yourself and the dealer. Good luck.

[michael]

www.earlycoins.com

 

and

 

 

www.markfeldcoins.com

 

 

my highest recommendations as per the above

 

check them out and see if they fit your needs also check out the market blogs and coin commentary

 

 

 

[mintcollector]

Hello,

 

Let me be more 'blunt' (for lack of a better word). I am looking for recommended dealers; if possible. For instance, if someone asked me who I would recommend for currency collecting, the answer would be either Sergio Sanchez Currency or Treasured Stocks. All I am looking for is names of trustworthy dealers.

 

I collect US coins, mainly slabbed silver and gold coins-anything from buffalo nickels to mercury dimes to barbers to walking liberty to Morgans to St. Gaudens Gold and the like.

 

Thank you!

[mintcollector]

Hello all,

 

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on finding a dealer for various coins. I collect ONLY 'slabbed' coins, so I would not need a dealer who carries only 'raw' coins (if one exists in the days of slabs, etc.). Anyway, I am somewhat of a newbie, but have some experience in coin collecting. I also collect currency and have found a handful of paper money dealers that I trust, but I have not been so lucky when it comes to coin dealers. Any help is highly appreciated. Thanks again!

 

Let me ask a question. You say you have not been lucky with coin dealers. Any specific reasons? Grading discrepancies, untrustworthy dealers, etc? I find your statement above to be interesting, namely because you collect slabbed (instead of raw) coins, and in the majority of the cases, slabbed coins don't have any unusual problems.

 

In addition, different dealers have coins for different price ranges. There are some who only sell coins in the 5 figure range and above. For slabbed coins, most dealers that I work with sell from the mid 3-figures (e.g. $500 or so) to the 5 figure range. There are also some good dealers that I have worked with (and hopefully are still doing business )that sell slabbed coins in the lower price ranges also.

 

Your statement 'slabbed coins don't have any unusual problems' is quite interesting. A scan of a 'slabbed' coin can still be doctored (regardless of the coin inside). I stated in another post that I do NOT collect greatly toned coins. Finding a dealer that has honest pricing and service (for any price level) and backs up what he sells 'slabbed' or not; is still very difficult. This is especially true when you collect 'blazers' in a world that pays a premium for 'toned' coins. I even have some dealers trying to get me to buy 'toned coins' when I tell them right up front that I am not interested.

 

In the PMG section, there is a list of paper money dealers. All I am asking is why don't we as coin collectors, create a list for this same purpose?

I had no trouble finding a currency/paper money dealer, but finding a reputable coin dealer has become a second job in itself!

[mike169]

Hello all,

 

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on finding a dealer for various coins. I collect ONLY 'slabbed' coins, so I would not need a dealer who carries only 'raw' coins (if one exists in the days of slabs, etc.). Anyway, I am somewhat of a newbie, but have some experience in coin collecting. I also collect currency and have found a handful of paper money dealers that I trust, but I have not been so lucky when it comes to coin dealers. Any help is highly appreciated. Thanks again!

 

Let me ask a question. You say you have not been lucky with coin dealers. Any specific reasons? Grading discrepancies, untrustworthy dealers, etc? I find your statement above to be interesting, namely because you collect slabbed (instead of raw) coins, and in the majority of the cases, slabbed coins don't have any unusual problems.

 

In addition, different dealers have coins for different price ranges. There are some who only sell coins in the 5 figure range and above. For slabbed coins, most dealers that I work with sell from the mid 3-figures (e.g. $500 or so) to the 5 figure range. There are also some good dealers that I have worked with (and hopefully are still doing business )that sell slabbed coins in the lower price ranges also.

 

Your statement 'slabbed coins don't have any unusual problems' is quite interesting. A scan of a 'slabbed' coin can still be doctored (regardless of the coin inside). I stated in another post that I do NOT collect greatly toned coins. Finding a dealer that has honest pricing and service (for any price level) and backs up what he sells 'slabbed' or not; is still very difficult. This is especially true when you collect 'blazers' in a world that pays a premium for 'toned' coins. I even have some dealers trying to get me to buy 'toned coins' when I tell them right up front that I am not interested.

 

In the PMG section, there is a list of paper money dealers. All I am asking is why don't we as coin collectors, create a list for this same purpose?

I had no trouble finding a currency/paper money dealer, but finding a reputable coin dealer has become a second job in itself!

 

mintcollector,

 

To me, you appear to be one seriously selective collector. Most coin dealers are "reputable", but do not confuse reputable with perfect, which from the tone of your posts is what you appear to desire. Like a previous poster said, Coin Rarities Online and Mark Feld coins are excellent recommendations. I'm not sure if they fit your budget, but if they do, perhaps you should give them a try.

 

On another note, I did not write that slabbed coins do not have problems. What I said was that that in the majority of the cases, slabbed coins do not have any unusual problems.

 

Edit Additions:

 

Each person has a different opinion on what is an "acceptable" dealer. Note that I did not say "Good." To me, except for an egregious error such as a fake slab, it really doesn't matter who I buy the coin from as long as I can either (1) view it in person first, or (2) have a decent return policy.

 

In addition, currency and coin collecting are different, especially in the materials. To many coin collectors, toning is considered acceptable, whereas fading in currency is not.

 

Furthermore, please explain the issues you've had with dealers. I don't consider trying to sell you a coin out of your interest range to be an "issue" so to speak. In addition, you're most likely not going to get premium quality coins at bargain basement prices (or even sheet prices) either. People don't pay premiums for toned coins. They pay premiums for coins they like. And if you want that glorious blazing white MS-68 Morgan Dollar, you'd better prepare to pay a premium.

[mintcollector]

www.earlycoins.com

 

and

 

 

www.markfeldcoins.com

 

 

my highest recommendations as per the above

 

check them out and see if they fit your needs also check out the market blogs and coin commentary

 

 

 

 

Thank you for this. I am currently checking out their sites as we speak. If anyone has any other recommendations please feel free to post.

 

Sincerely,

 

'mint'

[mintcollector]

Hello all,

 

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on finding a dealer for various coins. I collect ONLY 'slabbed' coins, so I would not need a dealer who carries only 'raw' coins (if one exists in the days of slabs, etc.). Anyway, I am somewhat of a newbie, but have some experience in coin collecting. I also collect currency and have found a handful of paper money dealers that I trust, but I have not been so lucky when it comes to coin dealers. Any help is highly appreciated. Thanks again!

 

Let me ask a question. You say you have not been lucky with coin dealers. Any specific reasons? Grading discrepancies, untrustworthy dealers, etc? I find your statement above to be interesting, namely because you collect slabbed (instead of raw) coins, and in the majority of the cases, slabbed coins don't have any unusual problems.

 

In addition, different dealers have coins for different price ranges. There are some who only sell coins in the 5 figure range and above. For slabbed coins, most dealers that I work with sell from the mid 3-figures (e.g. $500 or so) to the 5 figure range. There are also some good dealers that I have worked with (and hopefully are still doing business )that sell slabbed coins in the lower price ranges also.

 

Your statement 'slabbed coins don't have any unusual problems' is quite interesting. A scan of a 'slabbed' coin can still be doctored (regardless of the coin inside). I stated in another post that I do NOT collect greatly toned coins. Finding a dealer that has honest pricing and service (for any price level) and backs up what he sells 'slabbed' or not; is still very difficult. This is especially true when you collect 'blazers' in a world that pays a premium for 'toned' coins. I even have some dealers trying to get me to buy 'toned coins' when I tell them right up front that I am not interested.

 

In the PMG section, there is a list of paper money dealers. All I am asking is why don't we as coin collectors, create a list for this same purpose?

I had no trouble finding a currency/paper money dealer, but finding a reputable coin dealer has become a second job in itself!

 

mintcollector,

 

To me, you appear to be one seriously selective collector. Most coin dealers are "reputable", but do not confuse reputable with perfect, which from the tone of your posts is what you appear to desire. Like a previous poster said, Coin Rarities Online and Mark Feld coins are excellent recommendations. I'm not sure if they fit your budget, but if they do, perhaps you should give them a try.

 

On another note, I did not write that slabbed coins do not have problems. What I said was that that in the majority of the cases, slabbed coins do not have any unusual problems.

 

Edit Additions:

 

Each person has a different opinion on what is an "acceptable" dealer. Note that I did not say "Good." To me, except for an egregious error such as a fake slab, it really doesn't matter who I buy the coin from as long as I can either (1) view it in person first, or (2) have a decent return policy.

 

In addition, currency and coin collecting are different, especially in the materials. To many coin collectors, toning is considered acceptable, whereas fading in currency is not.

 

Furthermore, please explain the issues you've had with dealers. I don't consider trying to sell you a coin out of your interest range to be an "issue" so to speak. In addition, you're most likely not going to get premium quality coins at bargain basement prices (or even sheet prices) either. People don't pay premiums for toned coins. They pay premiums for coins they like. And if you want that glorious blazing white MS-68 Morgan Dollar, you'd better prepare to pay a premium.

 

Hello,

 

First, you don't have to edit your response when talking to me, as I would like to believe that we are all 'friends' here. If I did say something that offended you in any way, I do apologize. That being said, I would like to try to answer some of your questions.

 

You mentioned, at least once (if not more) about what whether or not a particular dealer would fit my 'budget.' As I have learned in the past, it is best not to bring up money directly. I seldom discuss what I buy anymore whether it be paper money or comic books or coins. However, given that I am somewhat of a 'newbie' (and I use the term loosely to say the least), I think it is a 'fair' question so I will respond in kind. I am looking to put together a type set of semi key and key coins in MS 64 + if possible. My 'budget' as you would word it would allow for coins in the four to five figure range if needs be. That being said, I would like to start out with coins in the several hundred dollar range (i.e. between $250-$1000) and go from there). This will allow me to test the waters before jumping in all at once.

 

In another question, I believe you asked about what kind of issues I have had buying slabbed coins in the past. While I refuse to name any of the dealers I had an issue with or cite any individuals directly, I can easily cite the problems. First, I dislike when a dealer states that I 'should be buying toned coins because they are hot right now.' I don't care what is hot right now and while I appreciate the recommendation, just because a dealer's inventory is full of toned coins, it doesn't mean he should expect every single customer to prefer them. I do NOT. I have no problem if a dealer asks me why I don't like these coins, but to 'push them on me or anyone' is NOT acceptable.

 

To answer your next question; yes I am SELECTIVE. I freely admit this. However, in the graded paper money and comic book fields I have no problem finding ample supplies of readily available items for me to buy. Why should coins be any different? I do see coins I like...

 

Number two, I have already bought coins that were slabbed only to find that the certification number pictured on the scan (of the coin in the description) does NOT match the item I received. If I am buying Silver Eagles from the current year in MS 69 or MS 70; I wouldn't mind, but for any other kind of coin (i.e. a Morgan dollar in MS 65 or a Walking Liberty Half in MS 65; this is unacceptable). I should be buying coins that are pictured, especially when the words 'stock photo,' etc. are NOT present.

 

Number three; why do certain dealers have a NO return policy on slabbed coins? There should ALWAYS be a return policy (even if it is just a seven day return period) for slabbed coins. The return policy should always be clearly posted on the dealers website, etc. (again in my opinion).

 

Number four, I have bought coins on eBay and noticed something amazing. Some coins don't look anything like the scan when you have them in your hand at home. Photo editing software is wonderful.

 

This is why I am asking for recommendations on dealers. I shouldn't have to post a reason why. I asked for this same info when I entered the paper money hobby (and even the comic book collecting field) and interestingly enough a list of respectable dealers was created and posted. It is on the PMG website (check it out).

 

I have nothing against your line of questioning, but I am just looking for recommendations of good dealers that is all. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask; and if deemed necessary, I will gladly answer. I would prefer more dealer names though!

 

Sincerely yours,

 

'mintcollector'

[Catbert]

I have always found this thread to be helpful and hope you will find it to be the same:

Stone's Updated Thread

 

[mike169]

Hi mintcollector,

 

To answer the most relevant question, I've had many successful transactions with McIntosh Collectibles and Harry Laibstain Rare Coins. Both are excellent dealers with whom I've worked. McIntosh has coins of all price ranges, and so does Harry Laibstain, though Harry tends to focus more on the higher range ($1000 and above).

 

To answer your other questions, I don't edit because I'm offended in any way. It's because I thought of some new ideas or want to clarify what I've written.

 

I ask why you have problems with coin dealers because to me it appeared strange that you were having issues with slabbed coins. I also ask the reason why so that we can recommend dealers based on the issues you were having.

 

The problems with your transactions are not the slabs (as your original post has implied to me), but with the dealers. I would not recommend purchasing from online auctions then. I've had the same problem as you, so i've stopped buying from online auctions unless I know the dealer. I am curious to know if you've done the same thing with currency (bought from online auctions first, then switched to a more reputable dealer). Now that I (and we) understand your issues more, we can help you better.

 

On another note, never trust a photo 100%.

 

Have fun and hope you can get some coins that you enjoy.

 

Mike

 

 

[mintcollector]

Hi mintcollector,

 

To answer the most relevant question, I've had many successful transactions with McIntosh Collectibles and Harry Laibstain Rare Coins. Both are excellent dealers with whom I've worked. McIntosh has coins of all price ranges, and so does Harry Laibstain, though Harry tends to focus more on the higher range ($1000 and above).

 

To answer your other questions, I don't edit because I'm offended in any way. It's because I thought of some new ideas or want to clarify what I've written.

 

I ask why you have problems with coin dealers because to me it appeared strange that you were having issues with slabbed coins. I also ask the reason why so that we can recommend dealers based on the issues you were having.

 

The problems with your transactions are not the slabs (as your original post has implied to me), but with the dealers. I would not recommend purchasing from online auctions then. I've had the same problem as you, so i've stopped buying from online auctions unless I know the dealer. I am curious to know if you've done the same thing with currency (bought from online auctions first, then switched to a more reputable dealer). Now that I (and we) understand your issues more, we can help you better.

 

On another note, never trust a photo 100%.

 

Have fun and hope you can get some coins that you enjoy.

 

Mike

 

 

Hello,

 

To answer your question about currency; I did in fact start buying currency on the internet via eBay and Heritage. I only collect graded currency; and most of the problems I had in the beginning were based on my stupidity due to overpaying for a lot of items and not doing any research before buying. I did have one horrid transaction on eBay in which I bought what I thought was a wonderful high grade note. Unfortunately, when it arrived, I learned that it was badly faded and 'limp.' It appears the seller greatly 'enhanced' the photo in the auction description. I also learned that when they grade currency they don't subtract points for faded notes...hard lesson learned. Eye appeal and the technical grade can be worlds apart...

Ironically, if you think I am 'selective' with coins, you should see how selective I am with graded currency (and even graded comic books).

 

This made me start to research a lot of items before I agreed to buy them and I started to look for trusted dealers to work with. The first and one of the best dealers of currency I have ever worked with has had to be Sergio Sanchez. While his prices are somewhat high, he is very trustworthy and even offers a layaway plan for high value items. I still buy from eBay and Heritage, but only if I trust the scan or the seller. I prefer buying on Heritage over eBay any day of the week. Currency is my true love and I am starting to finally get a grasp of the market. Learning coins is actually much more challenging for me (I don't know why). Still, I would like to be able to put together a nice type set of US coins containing keys and semi keys. If there is anything you can recommend, please let me know. Thank you!

[World Colonial]

One thing you might want to consider is finding a dealer that you can work with and then having them represent you at public auction. Based upon the budget you apparently have available, I think it's a viable option.

 

Since I do not buy any US coins, I only occasionally buy from dealers. Usually it is because they have nothing to sell that I want to buy but also because at least sometimes when they do, what they are selling is a coin that I could have just bought myself at public auction (since I saw it) and I see no point in paying them more for it when I could have bought it for less. (The coin you see by my user name is one such example.) I would rather just bid directly against them. I know I can outbid them without significantly overpaying, since I am at least as knowledgeable as they are in my series and I do not have to make an immediate profit on resale.

 

You did not mention specific coins, but of the series you mentioned, either few or none are rare and only some will even be scarce. So though you may have more of a challenge finding a coin with the eye appeal you like, you are likely to find the coins you want come up for sale many times a year at least.

 

That is where a dealer can help you evaluate them, particularly if you are going to be a regular buyer of four and five figure value coins. I used this service on a few occassions and the fee was 5% of the hammer price. I only did so for raw coins but you might find it worthwhile for graded coins also. It was for me because I used it to avoind paying for coins that would not grade.