Hi all! Mostly lurking and getting educated on this site, but did want to ask a question that may/may not have been addressed. Do you have suggestions for trusted sellers when it comes to raw coins, specifically Indian Head Cents? As I said, I'm still in the numismatic learning curve. I've bought several AU range coins and had some success. I've also be burned only to find out I had purchased cleaned/corroded coins. My eye just isn't there YET. Thankfully I have a very good relationship with the LCS manager and he is always willing to look at my purchases and give advice. I've spent a decent amount of money with him, which I'm sure has helped. Recently I've only been purchasing certified coins, which means I end up paying a premium. I'm ok with that if that is what it takes to learn, but enjoy buying the raw examples. Thank you!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I would be hesitant to point out any individual eBay sellers because there are not doubt many that would fit your need. Learning what is the correct look of IHC's is what is really needed. Sounds like you are on the road of learning, but just need more experience. You could always look up the NGC and PCGS registry sets, unfortunately many do not post pictures but those that do would be useful. Another thought is to visit the web sites for the top copper dealers and study the pics there. Dealers sites such as: http://www.thepennylady.com/ http://www.indiancent.com/ http://www.angeldees.com/ to only name a few.
Thank you for the response. I've actually purchased a few coins from Charmy (Penny Lady Store). Great experience! I feel like I've looked at a ton of IHCs, but I'm having a tough time distinguishing cleaned and non. I would assume most would struggle with this initially. Hopefully it comes to me. I can spot the obviously harshly cleaned coins, but have issues with the less obvious light and old cleanings Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Before you start or continue to buy raw coins on eBay, get yourself a few graded IHCs. Have some graded by NGC and some graded by PCGS and get a range of grades, some MS and some circulated. Study those quite a bit, get to know what the surfaces of genuine original coins should look like. Also, look a A LOT of graded coins anywhere you can as well, eBay is a good place to do that. Once you feel like you know what you should be looking for, then go for the raw coins. You can also always post the link for any coin you're thinking about buying here and there will be several people more than happy to give you advice.
Good advice BSOW....I've accumulated 10 graded from AU50-MS63 and will spend a little more time staring at them, so to speak. I've also picked up Rick Snows book, which has been helpful. I junk what would really help is to find examples of cleaned coins to study. There seem to be several NGC with cleaning, environmental damage, etc listed on eBay. Some with pretty good pics to boot! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
If you go with more common, lower grade coins that would not normally warrant a higher price, you should be able to find some decent cons for your raw collection on ebay. If they are more costly coins, they are being sold on ebay raw for a reason. Most dealers and collectors know that better coins are easier to sell in a respected holder.
I have bought the following Indian Head Cents raw on ebay and they graded.... 1864 L - MS63BN - Paid $28 1864 L - MS63RB - Paid $297 1867 - MS63RB - $282 1870 - MS63RB - $399 1871 - MS64BN - $537 1883 - MS64RB - $45 1886ty1 - MS64RB - $300 1886ty2 - MS64BN - $325 I did get one "Altered Color" on another 1870. I could go on with the more common dates. You do have to be careful. Look for coins that accept returns.....nothing else. When you get the coin, and if you feel it is problem free, pull the auction pics back up and compare the coin to the photos. I look for people that have taken horrible pictures of coins. Its amazing how much more money auctions get when there are quality photos attached.
