So I open today's paper and come across a special from "Littleton Coin". Here's the deal: 1913-1938 Indian/Buffalo Nickel 1859-1909 Indian Head Cent 1883-1913 Liberty Head "V" Nickel AND AS A BONUS: Historic Lincoln "Wheat" Cent (Free w/above set) Total Price: $4.95 I looked very closely for replica and didn't see it. It's funny b/c I was looking to add these to my collection. How have your experiences been with these guys? For 5 bucks you really can't beat it but I want to make sure there are no strings attached.
I've never heard of Littleton selling fakes but all I know is, they are very high in price. I've ordered a few coins from them, nothing special or rare and some folders and they all arrived quickly. It's their prices that I don't like, if that coin averages $500 in the market, Littleton is most likely asking $750 for it.
Good to know. I'll just buy these and see what they have in their catalog. Sounds like a fair price for commons. Thanks!
Read the ad carefully. By purchasing these coins you agree to receive a selection of coins every month on approval; i.e., they'll send you coins which you then have to return if you don't want them or you're charged for them. Do you want this service? Also, they're going to send you common date, low-grade specimens, easily found for about the same price at a coin show or dealer.
oval_man: At the bottom, it does say "You'll also receive our fully illustrated catalog, plus other fascinating selections from our Free Examination Coins-on-Approval Service, from which you may purchase any or none of the coins-return balance in 15 days-with option to cancel at any time." Nope, I don't want this service! Thanks for the heads up.
People seem to knock down Littleton here quite a bit. Their prices are above normal, but to be honest with you they are probably a better deal than many of the mail order companies out there. Now, would you like to buy a "Gem BU" silver dollar (as advertized) from an ad in many of the coin magazines that turns out to be a whizzed or heavily dipped XF or AU for what seems like a deal, or pay a higher than market price of Littleton whick is many times undergraded. I am not saying I am a regular customer of Littleton, but I'm saying it's a horse a piece, and Littleton does not sell sliders. Pick your poison. I prefer to go down to my local coin shop and view coins in the light I choose under the magnification I choose, and decide from there if the price is fair.
I have a hard time saying anything positive about Littleton...but I suppose they aren't the worst out there. But, they are pretty bad. Nothing they have is sold a reasonable price for what it is...the only exception are the little "deals" you can find such as this which enroll you in the mailing on-approval service (which none are worth what they are asking). End point, avoid Littleton and other similar companies...they are all ripoffs.
Yeah, I'm still a novice coin collector and I'm glad I asked the team about Littleton. My mother in law is going to bring me down to the local coin shop on Friday so I can see what they have. There is also a coin show in June that I'll be attending. I went up to Toms Farms in Corona, CA and got to play with some gem rough (I think it was called rough. It was dirt basically) for 4 bucks. I know the local coin shop gives gold dirt around Christmas for 30 bucks. And I have to say it was a lot of fun shaking out the dirt in the water...felt like a little kid!
I've got a problem with folks that want to send me stuff "on approval". Ya don't want to get involved with anything like this. Like Rick stated earlier...."can of worms" On a side note: Sweet Baby Girl Nikk.......
According to a dealer I know, this is what they think of Littleton: "lots of overpriced coins once they suck you in. They do grade fairly though." but hey, don't we all know a dealer like that?!? HA!
you get what you order,the price may be high but you can do a lot worse on E-Bay or at one of the "so-called mints"
You are aware that it is ONE coin from each group, aren't you? That's about right for well circulated examples of the four coins.
I've only bought from Littleton once because they had a special offer on an Eagle, I think. But the whole thing about sending coins on approval I definitely didn't care for that. After I got one on "approval" I sent it back and asked them not to send me anymore. I also have to agree with the overpricing. They do seem to charge a bit more than most dealers that I've bought from. So I'm not a Littleton fan.
^This. Littleton's business model is bringing new collectors into our hobby. They don't position themselves as sources for existing collectors. As such, they have higher overhead than traditional dealers. I don't begrudge them their higher prices. They have higher costs so need to charge more, but always grade decently, and pay others fair prices. To me, there are much worst deals or dealers for newbies to get associated with, and I think Littleton overall is healthy for our hobby. Chris
Coin collecting is like many other human endeavors. People of many backgrounds, educations and means participate in it, and people of many backgrounds, educations and means try to profit from it. I wouldn't buy coins from Littleton, but that doesn't mean that all coin collectors should do likewise. I have been a coin collector for almost fifty years, and I certainly am more selective about what I buy and from whom I buy it than I was before. Does that make prior-me a fool? No. Does that make those who sold to prior-me crooks? No. Does that mean that today some can buy from Littleton and benefit, while others cannot? You bet.
I have to strongly agree with you. The truth is, with all the sources for information out there, especially the internet, people should know a good deal when they see one. If they are content paying double for a coin, more power to 'em. At least with Littleton, you get the coin they described.
