Why I love lots on eBay: So often it seems like people don't bother to look at lots. Maybe they just assume it's all junk coins jumbled together. So you can really find a good deal if you can find one that is well described and/or you can actually identify the coins in the photo. I just picked up a 1942 copper Mexican 5 centavos coin, which has a mintage of 900,000 and a VF book value of $25, as part of a lot with seven other coins for $6 shipped. People are listing this single coin for $75, but somehow no one else noticed this one but me. Why I hate lots on eBay: I need a 1975 Mexican 10 centavos coin for my set. The book value is about 10 cents, but I never see one listed, probably because people figure its a low value coin and not worth their time. Well, yesterday I finally found one listed, but it is bundled with a much higher value 1915 2 centavo coin. I don't want the 2 centavo, and the guy buying it probably doesn't want the 10 centavo, but I'm sure the seller tossed it in there to get rid of it. So now I have to way overpay and get a coin I'd rather not go after just to get the 10 centavo I need, or else I let it go and wait months hoping another one comes up. There was another time when another coin I need was listed, a Mexican 1 centavo from 1967, but the seller listed a lot of 20 of them. I didn't want to pay for 20 because I only needed one, so I didn't buy it and now I'm still looking. So like I said, the lots can be a great boon or a curse.
I agree completely, though I hate saying so here, (competition). I didn't even notice it, but just got a 1923 Canadian cent in a lot I bought a couple weeks ago. I guess its a decent coin. Its about VF/XF. I like lots a lot since I try to value the coins I know of, and if I can get the lot for that price then everything else is free. To me, there is no such thing as "too many coins", so even things like civil war tokens, large sized US notes, and bronze ancient Greek coins, (all things I have effectively gotten for free in lots), are still worthwhile to have, and cool to see.
Agreed, I've found some very nice pieces in bland looking lots. Plus the evening spent sorting, grading and cataloging is priceless.
Seems like a small problem to me. Front the money, flip the extra coin. You might even cover your expenses just by selling the more expensive one. How about this, give me the more expensive one and I'll sell it for you.
Even easier, go to a coin show and go through their world coin books. I am pretty sure a good sized show you can find it. I have some large lots of Mexican I have bought over the years, Hiddendragon, I will remember the 75 10 centavos and see if I have one for you man. I bought a group of 15 pounds of Mexican once simply for a couple silver pieces I saw in the photo. Most of the lot is 1970-1995.
Thanks. I was thinking of listing in the new classified section here on CT in a few days because I need several coins that are low value but I can't find anywhere. I have a few bids in though so I'm going to wait until those are over. There are several end of series coins from Mexico in the 70s and 80s that I think are vastly undervalued in the book. If a coin books for 10 cents but gets bid up to $5 every time it goes to auction, then it's not worth 10 cents, is it?
The Chicago ANA is coming up very soon. Bet you can find one there. Or, Mexico isn't too far from Naperville, right? Road trip time... Obviously, that last part is a j/k.
You know, I've never been to a coin show. I know I should go sometime, but the first time is always the hardest to psych yourself up for going.
You will never regret going to an ANA show. Even if you do not buy anything, the atmosphere and seeing everything for sale is worth it. If you find a Mexican dealer, ask him about these pieces. Chances are he might not have brought it to the show, but will be able to mail you them later.
Found your 1967 1 centavo for $0.99 you need: http://cgi.ebay.com/1967-One-Cent-C...444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20bbeae32c Not my auction.
Thanks for the tip, Skippy. I went on there and placed a bid. I hate to pay $3 to ship it, but I've been looking for this so long that I'm getting desperate.
