Online coin dealers?

My problem with APMEX is that they often use stock images. Unless you buy a small population item, it might be an issue. I would never buy generics from them for that reason.

 

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Thing is, most likely if you're buying from Apmex, you're buying widgets with plastic and numbers. They aren't known for rare coins: they're bullion dealers. Generics is exactly what you buy from them, because it doesn't matter. 69 ASEs are all alike, and you're just looking for the best price and good customer service.

 

Interesting. I've seen a few PL pieces from them over the years. I bought a PL war nickel, but returned it as it had a small spot. They did take it back with no fuss so at least they honor their return privilege. I just like to see what I am buying before I buy it. I agree if I am buying modern bullion I probably wouldn't care.

An example of generics that would be problematic would be MS63-MS65 pre-1933 gold which they carry. There is a huge variation over time within each grading interval so there really is a reason to care and not all are equivalent. I agree if you see one or two MS69 silver eagles, the pieces are pretty much equivalent.

 

Gerry Fortin Rare Coins - honest guy, nice pieces, fair descriptions and photos.
He also maintains a blog that tells about the market and life of a coin dealer.
His specialty is Liberty Seated coinage but he has an extensive inventory of Morgan’s and gold too.

 

This place is pretty good. I've bought numerous items here.

http://www.jimsfossilsandminerals.net​

 

JJ Teaparty. They've been around for years and are very personable and possess a high degree of integrity. I have bought from them a couple of times at Long Beach. I believe one of my first 1916-D Dimes was purchased from them.

I inadvertently came off as a jerk to Liz once over the internet and instantly regretted it and apologized. She never skipped a beat, didn't take it personal, and has always been willing to spend time discussing coins with me in person or over the phone, even when I was a teen with extremely limited funds. Hell, they would even describe a coin in-hand and give honest opinions on the quality. There's a hit or dig on the Obverse? Old toned over cleaning that's Market Acceptable? They wouldn't fail to mention it. Just class acts all around.

I am quite sad that Liz and Gail are no longer there. They will be sorely missed. We need more sharp women like them deeply involved in Numismatics; the hobby would be an even greater place.

 

I have been buying on ebay for lots of years as dave says ask the forum and do research .bid on what you want and set a price you want to pay .when I first started ebay others would bid a price up to see how far a person would bid then pull there bids and I would get stuck with a higher bid . ebay has protection on that but it still happens as I found out recently so you have to set the price you want to pay don't put in large amounts bid slow and learn to quit
there is a lot to learn on coin forum get book references and always remember a coin is only worth what a person is willing to pay for it no matter what the books say they are only guide lines welcome to coin forum​

 

Can't speak to individuals, but in the few times I've asked about coins that interested me, I would receive answers like, obviously cleaned, or not worth a dollar and so on.

 

I will call out two for their lack of quality on un-slabbed coins. L&C and Coast To Coast will not use the Sheldon system on raw coins. They choose to use the term "Premium" B.U. and I have done short business with both and been sucker punched with sliders in each case. There are many good dealers though there, including the mentioned David Laurence. Jack Beymer is honest but pricey. G.R. Tiso is fine if you can understand his own grading system. If someone likes currency, both Executive Currency and Denly's of Boston are honest. Research any dealers before you buy anything, is the name of the game.

 

I've had luck with Great Southern coins and westwood coins--which is now Keydate coins. As others have said--knowledge is your best friend. Know what the coins you're interested in are worth and you can use the site photo grade to familiarize yourself with hd pic of graded coins. Also as the saying goes--if it sounds too good to be true--it probably is to good to be true. User feedback on ebay is ok--but remember there's a lot of people buying coins that to them may be great when in reality are bad-again- the knowledge thing. Many times you can talk to coin dealers at shows and they will give you advice on what to look for. Lot's of times if they're not busy they will show you examples. Lastly I've had conversatons with dealers on ebay where I wasn't sure about buying a coin--and they finally said they were so sure I would like it that if I didn't they would pay for return shipping--that' a no lose situation

 

Also--if you ask Bobby at greatsouthern coins on a particular coin you're looking for--as to what he thinks it would grade out as--he usually tells me his opinion--but that may be cause I've bought a lot from them not sure

 

That's right near my sisters house. I'll have to check it out next time I'm in town.

 

This is not a dealer that would be on my radar unless it was a certified coin and NOT in an auction environment - just my opinion.

 

Send in one or two of the best ones to NGC and PCGS so you can see how well you did.

 

I just purchased the coin I was looking for from David Lawrence Rare Coins. Made an offer on a Morgan, they counter offered and I excepted. Paid for coin, now I wait. Hopefully they get items in the mail next day.

https://www.davidlawrence.com/

 

@Jmis , I've had good success with David Lawrence. They are a very fine company, IMO.

 

I have read this thread with amusement. I wouldn't buy a raw coin anymore. When I started many years ago I did, but not in the last years. David Lawrence is a good dealer to purchase good quality coins in my opinion? BTW, I have a big bag full of early wheats I forgot I had. Found them in my safe a couple weeks ago and they look much better than some on the sites discussed here.

 

When did Liz and Gail leave? It's been over a year since I have had any dealings with them, but they were both still there as of Christmas 2017.

By the way, I wholeheartedly support your post.

 

Gail left last year sometime to retire and has come back out of retirement for a little bit since Liz resigned this year apparently

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12208350#Comment_12208350