Does anyone have any input about these two sites? I saw both sites mentioned in another thread here... I perused both sites today for any Colonial, Early American, 2, 3, 20 cents. I was a bit disappointed in the quantity & quality of listings. For example, I saw this Fugio listed on ebid by 'armorcoin', and was a bit disappointed. The "slab" is unrecognizable, and the pricing appears a bit unrealistic considering the coin's condition: http://us.ebid.net/for-sale/1787-fugio-cent-rare-strong-chain-ben-franklin-coin-25943391.htm Thoughts, input, guidance? Any other sites suggestible, aside from ebay? Thanks, kindly CheetahCats
It's a self-slab, as per the description. Basically, he is selling it raw. Personally, I would not purchase the coin, especially anywhere near his asking price. I have been on both eBid and CoinBug just recently, and have had much better success as a seller. eBid has a "lifetime" seller membership that I got for $50 which includes no listing or final value fees...you only pay for the "extras". I would have already easily spent three times as much in fees selling the same items at eBay. I do some non-numismatic purchases at eBid also, and have no complaints yet, as some of the sellers are ex-eBay sellers I have dealt with for years. I am currently testing the waters at eBid with some light, safe numismatic purchases to get a feel. I got a 2010 Silver Eagle for $16 a few weeks ago, no problems, very fast shipping from California to Wyoming. Although it has been around for years, eBid is still a fresh fish in the water and just needs a good chance to start getting into the flow with "faithful" buyers and sellers. I haven't really used CoinBug yet, but have known of it for years now. Same could be said for them...they just need to be given a chance to "prove themselves". I mean, "Rome wasn't built in a day", but it seems that quite a few people think a new "eBay" should be? I just say, "Whatever!" I am more than happy with eBid as both a buyer and seller, and am sure I won't be disappointed with CoinBug either. Just keep your eyes open and you may be able to find what you're looking for. Just remember, it's not the venue that makes or breaks the deal, it's the buyers and sellers. Whether it's the three story coin gallery in New York, or Jimbo's garage around the corner, if it's what you are looking for, authentic, and the right price, go for it!
I buy and sell on eBid. Not the hottest place on the planet, but the forums are great and most of the sellers are nice folks. Have to go to the "bay" to purchase sometimes, but enjoy eBid very much.
E-bid is a decent site and they seem to be growing. Plus the founders seem to care. I've bought currency from a few sellers in the past year off eBid. I bet with eBay's new fee structure starting after the end of this month that other sites see an uptick in new members, listings and sales. E-bid is a bit slow and I often cannot find things I am looking for or just find scant listings for a given item and there are a few sellers who seem to dominate certain categories because of this so you just have to take it as another outlet in your searches for whatever you collect/buy. I've only had good experience with e-bid to date.
I always wanted a Fugio cent ever since a kid, but couldn't afford it. This is one of those coins that's worth saving up for and getting in the very best condition possible (imho).
I am one of the first members to register on CoinBug. Great from a sellers standpoint because I incur nothing in fees. Problem is I rarely sell that much anymore and really need to get off my duff and start selling more. As a buyer it's like any other site. Know your stuff and ask questions. I"ve made some good sales there (a few to CT members) and made some good buys. Don't expect to find another Ebay anytime soon and I can't stand them even though YOU CAN find so much. Bottom line pretty much remains the same. Know your stuff before you bid/buy.
Thanks for the input folks. I have purchased from Heritage, Early American History, and ebay, but am interested in finding other venues too... I have a Fugio now, but I'm not satisfied with it's condition / grade. I'd settle for a VF-20/30, as it's on my list for creating a set, but frankly the Fugio isn't one of my favorite Early Americans. I think it's overrated, over-priced, and far too common to command what it's been going for in the last year or so...
I also have been satisfied with coinbug, although I have never tried e-bid. I think there id most definitley room for another "ebay", and I actually look forward to it. I was really hoping that coinbug would take off but it has been awful slow... I guess I'm not much help, I havent sold anything there in a long time, and even then, I didn't sell much.. Mostly just bought. I am still hoping that the CT marketplace gets up and running.
True...there are quite a few of them out there...which means you should be able to get a nice one at a reasonable price (eventually) if you're patient. I know they're "technically" not the first US coin, but I still think of them that way...which is why I wanted one. I also liked the fact they were designed by Ben Franklin.
I almost snagged an F-12/16 last night. Someone sniped my re-bid closer to the last second and got it. But that's the way it goes... no biggie, I wasn't surprised.
