Thread: what would you say to Mike Mesak on Coin Collector?

I just watched an episode on HSN of Coin Collector with Mike Mesak and the female host. I know everyone's feelings on here about T.V coin shows and Mesak in particular, but assuming you called in live to the show, what would you as educated coin collectors say to him? I'm not talking about getting nasty. But for example, when he quotes a leading catalog, would you make him name it? Like someone who knows the tricks of a good used car salesman, what points would you bring up to let everyone know the deal isn't that great if you could.

Originally Posted by banny

I just watched an episode on HSN of Coin Collector with Mike Mesak and the female host. I know everyone's feelings on here about T.V coin shows and Mesak in particular, but assuming you called in live to the show, what would you as educated coin collectors say to him? I'm not talking about getting nasty. But for example, when he quotes a leading catalog, would you make him name it? Like someone who knows the tricks of a good used car salesman, what points would you bring up to let everyone know the deal isn't that great if you could.

I'd ask him if he wanted to buy my 20,000 Uncirculated Westward Journey nickels for $5,000.

Chris

I'd call him a marketing genius.

They typically only use 2 TPGs; those being ANACS and ICG. He always refers to them as being in the Top 4 coin grading companies. I would ask him what the other 2 were and where they ranked in the Top 4 listing. After he answered that, I would say "well if PCGS and NGC are the top 2, why don't you ever use them? You're always talking about the fact people want the best, so why don't you bring us the BEST 2 coin grading companies?"

Originally Posted by treehugger

They typically only use 2 TPGs; those being ANACS and ICG. He always refers to them as being in the Top 4 coin grading companies. I would ask him what the other 2 were and where they ranked in the Top 4 listing. After he answered that, I would say "well if PCGS and NGC are the top 2, why don't you ever use them? You're always talking about the fact people want the best, so why don't you bring us the BEST 2 coin grading companies?"

This is exactly the kind of answer I was looking for.

Originally Posted by treehugger

I would say "well if PCGS and NGC are the top 2, why don't you ever use them? You're always talking about the fact people want the best, so why don't you bring us the BEST 2 coin grading companies?"

They have used both many times. The TPG that gets their work is the one that gives the best bid (cheapest price) to do the work.

I would ask him the following:

Do you have a special arrangement with ANACS that guarantees you a certain percentage of MS70 or PR70 graded coins per specific number of coins submitted?

TC

Originally Posted by banny

This is exactly the kind of answer I was looking for.

On very rare occasions he does offer PCGS and NGC graded coins.

No more statehood quarters, no more year sets of statehood quarters, no more proof statehood quarters, no more layered in 24K pure gold statehood quarters. No more presidential dollars, no more proof presiential dollars. What's next platinum layered (they are already golden colored) presidential dollars? I can get 99-2009 mint and proof sets (excluding silver sets) for less than the mint sold them why should I pay your markup?

I would ask Mike if he knows Robert Chambers?

I wouldn't ask him anything. I don't begrudge them their sales. If it weren't for their program, many people would not buy collectible coins at all. Them using their "leading numismatic catalog" is a touch misleading, I wish they used something like a Redbook instead, but that is the extent of my gripes.

Listen, anything you buy from tv or telemarketers or any higher priced advertising medium will be much more expensive than you can buy elsewhere. I can buy nacho chips from a convenience store for say $4. Equivalent amount in a grovery store maybe $2.50. Same quantity at Costco maybe $1.75, but same quantity at Restaurant Depot for $1. That is life. I do not picket the convenience stores or grocery stores near me, not pillory them online for being "scams". They have higher expenses, and must charge more. Why are we so darned quick here to do the same with higher cost coin sales outlets? Don't like it, become educated and learn where to buy cheaper.

Chris

I'd ask how he can sleep at night.

Originally Posted by koinjester

i'd ask how he can sleep at night.

lol! :d

Originally Posted by KoinJester

I'd ask how he can sleep at night.

Yeah those sacks of gold coins must be a little rough to rest on.

I think I would ask him why he got rid of his "ollie" the little fat guy that used to share the hosting duties. Besides looking at the coins and figuring out how much cheaper I could get them at some of the local stores, I used to be amused by the Mutt and Jeff team they had going.

Why would I want to talk to him?