Where are all the freaking Crusader coins?

[the_Thing ®]

I've been serious searching out quality Crusader coins for a few months now, from about every dealer I can think of. CNG, VCoins (a listing of many ancient/medeival coins), and ebay, and only 1, maybe 2 quality coins come into the market per month. Since I've started collecting, I've seen 2 new, top choice coins come on the market, and I purchased them both (from the same source in Israel). Is the reason for this because there isn't any interest in them, or, are they just that scarce? I think there is interest in them, because searching through CNG's past auctions, some Crusader coins bring BIG $$$$. I guess this could be a good thing, so as I don't spend too much money on them.

[gmarguli]

Without knowing the market, I'd say it is probably a little of both - little interest and scarcity. I know when I'm in the mood to buy an early 17th century taler, I'll scour quite a few web sites and eBay just looking for the right coin and not find it. For colorful commems, I'll go months without finding one that has the "look" as well as the price.

 

Have you considered contacting the major dealers and telling them what you are interested in. It is quite likely that many of the better pieces never hit their web sites. They get sold to collectors who have want lists long before ever getting a chance to be sold to the general public.

[JamminJ]

Actually, one or two quality coins a month doesn't sound that bad to me. Especially true considering we're talking about 800 year old coins.

 

I think Greg's want list idea is a good one.

 

-JamminJ