Deflating Ancients Bubble

Bulgaria is another matter altogether. I guess you have to be prove yourself a competent counterfeiter to get a dealer's license.

 

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Well this could be good news for me!

 

Roma seemed willing to negotiate prices with me in the past. Other dealers can be a bit stubborn though I'm with Mat, we need some tetradracms!

 

Roma ive negotiated with for years. Several of my lucillas came from them about 20% cheaper, even after exchange rate.

 

What's an "MOU"? In the world from which I come, MOU means "Memorandum Of Understanding." I seriously doubt this is what you mean in this forum. Can you elucidate?

 

That is actually exactly what I meant. The US has memoranda of understanding with certain countries that prohibit the import into the US of what those countries consider cultural property. A few of these include coins on their lists.

 

OK, thanks. It's an MOU restricting import of certain coins...

 

I wouldn't be surprised if prices over the next few months are a bit weaker. There is a finite amount of money and a large number of coins coming up for sale: NAC has the first part of the Gasvoda collection of Imperatorial/Twelve Caesars, Kunker has a strong sale, Roma has a sizable number of coins, and Nomos/Gorny/Hirsch/Hess Divo all have auctions.

Then there's the elephant in the room of CNG. At the ANA show, I was able to view the catalog of CNG 100 which has some great coins from the Larry Adams collection but this is just the tip of the iceberg. The Triton sale this coming January will be colossal and incredible. I imagine @Ardatirion is having a very enjoyable time cataloging it: the coins that were available for viewing at the show were absolutely fantastic.

I, for one, will be bidding less in the auctions this fall in anticipation of the Greek gold in Triton. There's a vast quantity of quality coins and flagship rarities that will decimate any budget.

 

You have a budget? I'm in trouble when AJ becomes a budget buyer.

 

It wouldn't be any fun if all that was required to collect was unlimited funds (and while I have collector friends with budgets much larger than mine, even they have their limits). Ancients at all price points require a combination of means, opportunity, and patience, which makes finding the right coin all the more enjoyable

 

Agreed AJ, finding the coin at the right price is part of the fun. I enjoy my time scouring the fixed price sites and the online auctions. It is rewarding to finally capture that coin one has been wanting. The waiting for the mail part can be a bit frustrating sometimes, but it also increases the anticipation.

 

Only joking my friend. But the word budget just doesn't seem to fit. I know you have your requirements same as all of us (except perhaps Steve - he's not here so I can bust on him, right?). And you are also correct that finding the coin that meets those requirements is what makes this hobby what it is.

 

I was just looking at some of Roma's Siliqua that were marked down. Interesting lot indeed!
https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ro...pe=0&solditems=False&store_order_by=price_asc

 

Too bad the price is not in dollars. I would like the looks of it then.

 

Yeah. Still too stiff for my tastes.

 

I know. I wonder if Roma would go down some on a few of those Siliqua?

 

I'm a firm believer that it never hurts to ask. Just be reasonable - or not.

 

My interest is in coins from the Spanish peninsula. You must be careful with these as well.

I know that not many collectors on the forum here collect Iberian types, but most everyone has an example or two.

For those who know about the market and market trends I have a question.

Why are Iberian coins so expensive? A lot of them are pretty crumby, and for the most part you can hardly buy one in worn out condition for under 50 to 75 dollars. Any in F or VF are going to fetch several hundred.

My only option has been to sit back and search and search until someone is selling one that is misidentified or they just don't know what it is. I have to keep all purchases down under 100 or so.

At the major auctions they almost always sell for estimate or above. Who's buying them? I don't think they are people on any forums.

Any way, why do you think they are high priced.

 

I don't understand it either. Of course, like you said, I have a few I've been able to snag, but mostly they sell out of my budget range. Go figure.

 

Know your environment and watch for potential predators is my advice.