Cool! Despite criticisms of Littleton on over priced coins, I still like learning about their history etc.
I purchased a coin from them once.. I just don't remember what it was. Why did you say don't be nasty on your title?
Yeah, they're definitely pricey. But believe it or note, they're responsible for getting a lot of new collectors into the hobby. They are a business and like every other business owner, they need the profit. Besides, I made $700 selling a New Hampshire national to the owner...so I don't feel too bad
Just look at how they have treated the more serious collectors and dealers over the years. And it is safe to say that everyone who did business with them were never able to resell without losing serious money, unlike the better dealers who leave some $$ on the table when interacting with customers.
Littleton is simply in a different marketplace than most of us are. I think with the advent of HSN and the like its more clear. Littleton has HUGE expenses running ads in general publications. Yes, these huge expenses need to be covered by their sale prices. However, @kookoox10 is right, they have got literally thousands or tens of thousands into the hobby. This is the reason I never begrudge them. All of their coins are fairly graded, they don't usually sell problem coins, the prices are simply higher than we are used to. Much better than many other sellers, and they perform a valuable service to our hobby.
They were wonderful folks at the ANA, they were very generous with helping out with stuff for my niece & nephew! Also, there is a very interesting book about the history of Littleton.
I love how just .49 seconds into it the President of the company gets a fact wrong that he's trying to teach to the kids. There were no $500 notes issued in 1929 . He's a better business man than coin dealer I'm sure but come on. At least edit that for the promo.
I agree. I do not buy from them, (well I did once when they had a good deal on some Lanna coins), but that does not mean I begrudge them their retail model. I figure the more people who figure out how great coin collecting is the merrier. We all "paid tuition" when starting out, either by buying from retail firms or buying damaged coins.
I really liked the part about the 1870 (?) CC and its die. It's cool to think that those two pieces of metal were together all those years ago and now they sit next to each other in a display case.
The reason I said "Don't be nasty" is that people like to bash Littleton almost as much as they like to bash fee-bay...uh...e-bay : - )
I actually like Littleton, they are pricey on most common stuff but they offer good deals time to time, customer service is top notch
Actually if you just want some examples of modern coins from different countries, they are no more expensive than many others.
