Ebay Bids

eBay is the free market at its purest. I find it fascinating just to watch what coins sell for on eBay. If you're going to play, you have to arm yourself with knowledge before you tread those waters. It's such a huge market, you can find almost anything you're looking for in terms of coins.

Sure, some people overpay. But there are great deals to be had every day on eBay if you know what you are doing. Of course you want to balance your eBay prices with the prices you can pay at a local B&M or a coin show, and related coin price guides like the greysheet. Just make sure you are comparison shopping. Avoid getting caught up in bidding wars. I always set a cap on the amount I'm willing to bid. If I lose the auction so what, there will always be another version of the same coin that comes along. Patience is a virtue when buying on eBay.

 

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I've been using Heritage Auction data to try and determine fair/competitive price. I've been told by dealers that they use that - But I'm wondering if that's any more reliable/accurate than Ebay sales (of course there is the advantage that the data goes back almost 20 years in some cases). Any thoughts on that?

doug

 

Coins are worth what someone else will pay

 

I just don't understand why 1 oz bars sell for typically about 40% over spot. I don't consider starting at almost 50% more than something is worth an investment.

 

the trick ive learned is wait until you find auctions ending midnight or later where people who would normally bid on them arent awake to do so.. im doing that right now.. i just won 8 proof jeffersons and 1 proof roosevelt for 11 bucks shipped

 

Yes but the sellers are paying for that non-sale. Unless they have changed it there is a nice fee for reserve auctions and that fee has to be paid whether the item sells or not.

 

Don't know what you collect, and it probably does not apply to bullion, but one thing to keep in mind is the coin which appears to sell for a high price might in fact be rare and deserve the price, it may be you who lack the knowledge. I collect large cents, and there are plenty of rare varieties/die states which show up on ebay. These often are found by knowledgeable collectors and realize very strong prices, prices which I am sure shock the seller But even with the high price they are still bargins...

Here is my most recent one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110795086850?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

It's die state b, around 3rd or 4th best known of 25 for the die state.

 

I've sold 'cheap' coins for way too much more than what they were worth. I sold a Morgan dollar last year for $8. You have to look and be lucky.

 

The perception is that eBay auctions are high due to the illusion of the purchase price and shipping combo. Especially on cheaper items, it doesn't make sense to bid. Just try finding a common date mercury dime for your album, only to find out you are paying double melt on eBay as opposed to melt at the local dealer. Sometimes it just makes no sense.

 

lmao!!! :d