So, I am looking to expand my currency collection beyond it's current state (which is 99% circulation finds). I will probably end up just putting many of these notes back into circulation and replacing them with examples that I want to have. One thing I would like to do is add a few low serial number notes to my collection. In my eyes...a low serial number is anything with 3 digits or less. I figure the 3 digit numbers will be in my price range (2 digits seem to get quite a bit more expensive). But my question is...how much of a premium does these notes usually carry. I know eBay is probably the wrong place to look...but just starting out, I think it's my best option. I just need to be selective. Take this note for example, it's a 1969 Philly $5 FRN Serial C00000366A. The ad says CH UNC but I'm not an expert at grading notes and the scan is hard to see. But, it looks to be in decent shape. I think this would be a great note for my collection for a couple reasons. First, it's a nice crisp (appearing) example of both an older design $5 as well as a low serial. I have a few older design $5s I plucked from circulation...with this note, I would feel OK getting rid of those. With over 5 days left...this note is currently going for $6.50 but I expect it to go for quite a bit more than that. The big question is...what is a fair price for this note? My (out of date) book says $15 in CHCU...but with the serial what is a decent price? http://www.ebay.com/itm/AVC1410-196...041?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2575be6d49 Here is another example. I love old Red Seals. Here is a 1963 $2 USN star note with the serial *00000102A. It's pretty circulated but still a good serial and a star. I feel like this would be a nice note. What should the price point be on this note to be a decent buy? http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-2-DOLL...449?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27cb4f4d01
Ask yourself if you will settle for a ...366, or if you want to dig a bit deeper into your wallet and go under .....10. For me when notes go triple digits the interest drops off precipitously. I say because I have firsts, lasts, changeover pairs from Bank of Scotland, British Linen etc that are single digits. One of my British Linen's is the highest known s/n.
Low serials to me, are serial numbers 999 and below. Many currency hobbyist (collectors that collect notes from circulation at face value) consider notes starting with three or four zeros to be low serials. Most currency collectors (collectors that pay a premium above face value) consider AU to CU notes with at least a five zero start to be low serials. The higher your budget, the lower you can go. Three digit serials on modern-era FRN's are everywhere and quite affordable. Pricing low serial numbered notes takes observation over time and experience. Be patient, check auction prices, and decent deals will come your way. I collect serial #12. Keep in mind that low serial numbered STARS, and RED & BLUE seals make the prices go up exponentially.
I am just now making that transition from hobbyist to collector. I have a couple "collector grade" notes...but most of what I have are circulation finds. I had fun pulling them from circulation...but I want to move forward with my collection. I have a couple specific focuses right now...but I was thinking it would be fun to have a small type set of notes. I like the older design FRNs (prior to the 1996 redesign) and would like to add a few nice examples. I think a low serial number would be a good way to do this. It adds a little premium to the note and it is still a nice example of an older design. I just have no idea what a fair price for a note like this...with a 3 digit serial is worth. I want to get one, but I want to wait for a fair price. How much of a premium do these notes command?
Typically, a note like the 3-digit $5 will sell for $20 to $30, but all it takes is 2 bidders that like/want it to drive the price up. I was bidding on a serial #12 $1 Silver Certificate, and was up against another bidder that wanted it more, and was willing to pay more, so it sold for what I would consider a high price, or more than what I valued it. Bid what you feel comfortable with, and if you don't win, take solace in the fact that another will come along.
OK, thanks. This is a note that I'm not "in love" with...I just like it. If I can get it for a reasonable price I will but I'm not going to chase it. What is your thoughts on that $2 star note?
Bank Note reporter has the note in that condition around $10, so that will most likely be the start of the bidding. I'd say it could sell around $30, so expect to go up to that amount, if not higher. Any lower and I say grab it if you really like it.
Coincidentally my lowest Scottish S/N is .....12: This is the one of the set of four - very lucky to have gotten them through people in the know.
With 4 days to go it's at $38 already...so my guess is it will got for a bit higher. I like it, but not love it. I think I will pass on that one.
