estimate please

I probably will only return two to three coins- the trade dollar, three cent nickel, and possibly the quarter. The others are probably not worth the postage to send back. I have not received the half dollar and may not. I won that bid at the lowest possible amount. I think he was trying for much more. That leaves the Indian head, the shield, and the dime. They are probably worth about 10 to 20 dollars less than what I paid for them. An approximate $45 to $80 dollar mistake in the end, I can live with.

 

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One book I think is good for beginners is The Expert's Guide to collecting and investing in Rare Coins by Q. David Bowers.
Also, if you are going to buy coins on eBay, I would stick to PCGS and NGC graded coins (although there is nothing like seeing a coin in person). Any opinions?

 

Hi, I collect Trade Dollars, and from the images I believe yours to be genuine (better check the wt.). Cleaned ones of this issue with AU details generally go for anywhere from 150 to a little over 200 in Heritage Auctions so I don't think you are buried in the coin!
I noticed that the half and quarter appear to be harshly cleaned as well; do you prefer a bright look to natural surfaces? I have a number of cleaned coins in my collection which I bought before I started to appreciate natural tarnish and dirt. As others have suggested, I recommend you learn to grade and don't overpay for cleaned coins. Looking at the Heritage archives is a good way to see what prices they sell for. Good luck in assembling your set!

 

I agree with GJ. LOL, I don't think I have actually stopped making mistakes, but I'd like to think I make a whole lot fewer. I sure have added to my knowledge just from the short time I have been on CT.

Gene

 

Thanks for a positive estimate. I will make my decision after I take it to a dealer to give me an appraisal.

 

I think there is probably a thread or many on each type of coin you bought. There are many "Grade this" type of learning threads, many threads on fantasy and fake coins, A huge amount of information on site, and each thread may have a pointer to other sources It is nice if one can afford it to have a huge reference library, That was pretty much required when I started many decades ago. Now most is on the internet, and some of my references books are out of print and $$$. Making beginners mistakes are common, but if one really learns from it, it is usually worth it. You show a good attitude for learning, many when told the reality , get very upset and defensive, and that is not the way to learn. Even the oldtimers learn new things if they are open. Keep at it.

Jim

 

I was wondering why people at first did not want to respond to my thread. I am well aware that I am on a learning curve. The only way I will learn is if you tell me where I went wrong. Also, I am an aging baby boomer less likely to become defensive.:smile

PS If the modern coins were criticized, I may have been a bit upset. These were bought because I love history. I also checked the silver prices before I bought.

 

Well, no one likes to deliver bad news, but honestly I had not logged in here in a week or so. I am glad you are open to learning and building a collection that you are happy with. If you want to build an 1876 date set, first read about the coins produced that year, look at them in the Heritage archives, decide what you would be willing to spend on the coins (which will determine the grades, ultimately) and just don't buy anything during this process. Give yourself a few months, and save. The best sets I have seen were built by people who took a lot of time, looked at a lot of coins until they found just what they were looking for, and were willing to pay up for true Quality and Originality. Patience is a virtue in these endeavors! Learn and enjoy the hunt!
Hasta luego

 

It is good you are looking at this as a learning experience. A lot of people become defensive, or worse - quit collecting. I think a lot of us have made mistakes and taken a few bruises, but this can be extremely fun hobby. At least in my opinion.

 

I agree, I have taken a few "hits," but nothing that has been discouraging. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad. Sure, you might over pay a little on this coin and then get a great deal on that coin. If you research the coins you want and "bargain shop" a little, you will at least come out even. When I first got back into coin collecting, I wanted to just buy everything. I had to pretty much stop myself before I made any huge mistakes. Just take your time and I can almost guarantee you will be more happy with your collection then if you just start buying up everything you like.

 

You don't buy a coin because you can return it. The return policy is there if an unforseen problem comes up, and not being able to judge the coin properly, is a buyer's problem not the coin's. I would put purchasing on hold for the moment and get some education first. And when you start to buy again, don't over do it. Buy one coin at a time, get it, analyze it, and if you feel you did okay, then buy your next. It's not a race to accumulate coins, but with patience, accumulate knowledge.

 

I bought the coins to keep and used the return policy as a safety net. Maybe my approach was a little off, but I am not only new to coins but also to Ebay. I am smarting now because I just lost something unrelated to coins (it would have been a ten dollar buy on a 90 dollar item) at the last minute. It showed absolutely no interest until the last minute. Oh well, I am learning things the hard way both with coins and Ebay.

 

Oh yes, if you are new to Ebay, be very careful. I am sure you know about the seller rating and all that, but that too can be setup. Coins are one of the biggest draw for scammers on Ebay.

 

I think I found a scam on Ebay. Someone is selling a centennial medal with a no return policy. Not only is there a no return policy, but also the medal would not be sent until the end of the month and the auction ends about 5AM. Good thing he set a large reserve price or else I would have been in trouble.