2010 Austrian Philharmonic 1oz Gold Coin Gainsville vs. Apmex

I am interested in buying a 1 0z. 2010 Austrian Philharmonic gold coin from either Gainesville, or Apmex, but I am having trouble trying to decide which one to order from. I have been "told" Gainsville is a very reliable site and that it is very reliable, but the condition of the coins on this particular coin is "Fine." The condition for the coin on Apmex is brilliant uncirculated, but last time I ordered from them they did something to annoy me (scratched case). I can't really say I trust that they would deliver the product I order in the condition I ordered it in. What does the "fine" condition on the coin Gainsville is advertising mean? Is it actually the definition of "Fine" I find on the internet (worn, maybe a few scratched), or is there another reason they are putting Fine for almost BU coins?

I think the premium on these coins will go up if there is another EU bailout and I have some cash I'd like to invest.

 

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i've purchased (raw) Phil's from APMEX in the past and had no issues with my exchange. I've also purchased from Gainesville, but not Phils with no problems.

I think you will be ok with either.

Good Luck

 

If you are buying bullion coins online, then unless they are slabbed and graded, the fine print does not guarantee anything except that it will show up with the correct weight. The only exception is if it says they are in the original mint container unopened or in plastic like the buffalo. Otherwise, these are not being sold as numismatic products so I don't think it makes any difference between either of these vendors.

If you are looking for a specific grade, then you are going to have to go to a site that shows good photos of the actual coin you are getting and/or go the slabbed route, or buy the numismatic version (proof) of the coin.

 

Better price at Provident Metals. Check it out:

http://www.providentmetals.com/1-oz-austria-gold-philharmonic-brilliant-uncirculated.html

TC

 

I have never used Provident Metals. Are they any good? Do they deliver in a reasonable amount of time? Do they accept credit card orders? Are the coins delivered in the condition they advertised?

 

I'm not great at judging the condition of the coins I purchase, but Gainesville seems to deliver the coins in the condition they advertise.

 

Thank you for the responses, I may call Gainesville tomorrow to see what their definition of "Fine" is. I would have had to get a Cashier's Check from my bank today to order from Apmex, so I probably will not order from them.

 

I have used them a few times and have been very pleased. In my experience, yes to all of your questions. Shipping/handling is also less than at APMEX or Gainesville as well. Why not save yourself some money? TC

 

each time you buy bullion silver. you have to compare these three companies. namely apmex, provident and gainsville. anyone knew other dealers might be cheap enough to compete these three companies?. please include shipping charge too.

 

local is always the best route...

http://www.bulliondirect.com/

and the cheapest online if you buy in bulk...
http://www.tulving.com/

 

I second that. I got horrible looking brand new BU coins from APMEX.

 

I probably will not order from Apmex anymore if I can help it.



I called Gainesville Coins today and they told me "Fine" was describing the quality of gold, not the coin. Coin ordered.

 

At Gainsville, I like talking with Bob on the phone (the old man). Tell him what you want - he would give you a straight answer and probably a good laugh too.

 

I hope my reply did not influence your decision because I think they are pretty good to deal with.

 

Wait, this doesn't make any sense. You started a topic about the quality/condition of the coin (scratches) then when Gainesville tells you they are selling you fine gold i.e. no guarantee that you won't get a scratched coin, you order from them.

Apmex and Gainesville are very reputable vendors and you can order bullion products from each without fear if you don't mind their overhead. However when you buy bullion, this is what you are getting, bullion. This is they guarantee the gold, not the coin. The coin may have previously been in someone's pocket and this is why they make it clear their photos are not of the coin that you are ordering.

 

He told me "Fine" was used to describe the quality of the gold, not the condition of the coin. I know there are no guarantees I will not get a scratched coin, but the person whom I spoke with said the 2010 Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins are "brand new." As long as he is not sending me coins sold to him by customers of his shop I feel safe ordering from them.

mocylop,

I did not like going through Apmex's ordering process only to receive a bullion coin with a heavily scratched case. The scratched case issue is known to posters on Kitco's website. I am guessing Apmex is aware people do not want scratched cases, they just do not care.

 

Son, you are buying bullion, not a numismatic product. A bullion coin comes in whatever they can put it in as the case is irrelevant. If it is actually bullion that you are buying its most likely going to show up in a 10 cent plastic sleeve. Go to a coin show and get a better case if this is what is floating your boat.

 

Gainesville

I guess they "updated" their coin ordering process to make it five times longer. The coin still has not shipped. I'm not as happy as I was the past times I have ordered from them.

 

Call them to see what is going on. BTW: Provident Metals ships blazing fast. TC

 

It might be the USPS. On a Sunday (Nov. 14th) I received an email from another coin dealer annoucing that my order went out on Saturday (Nov 13). It included a tracking number. So I waited, then I called the USPS, and I waited. Well, it arrived today Nov 22.

Moral of the story, it may not be the coin dealers fault.