From a semi-newbie: I'm trying to get a handle on prices for cheap coins. I've been thinking of expanding into Indian Head cents, as one example, picking up very inexpensive pieces as I go. (But this question is not directly related to IHC's) So, I go to pcgs.com, and -- for example -- I see the 190x ICH's are all around $3 in G4 condition. So, I figure experience is a good teacher -- and I check out ebay (which I've read here is OK for inexpensive items), and I end up getting a batch of 8 IHC's for about $12.50 (all in G4 to VG8 condition -- this includes the postage and handling). Seems like I got a bargain, right? Then I discover numismedia.com, and pretty much all their post 1890 ICH's are listed as $1 for G4 and $2 for G8. So, according to PCGS I got a real bargain . . . numismedia tells me I overpaid? Thoughts? (Note, I'm looking for free on-line price guides only -- family life prevents me from devoting very much time here) Thanks in advance!
First things first... shalom to you, and welcome to Coin Talk ! Lots of good folks around here. Second things second ... there is no single price guide which is a good fit for all coins. There is no "one size fits all" price guide; no "one stop shopping". The best place to place to determine the retail price of a coin depends on the coin. For the kind of coins you're talking about, I would try these places : E-Bay "completed listings" (price history) friends in the hobby Local coin shop a coin show I think the price you paid is fairly reasonable. The key is the eye appeal of the coins you received. Do you like 'em ? If so, you're in fine shape. I rarely consult the PCGS price guide, and never for the coins you're talking about. I mean, heck... you're talking about the difference between $1 and $1.50. PCGS rounds off ! You can't see the difference, even if their prices meant something in this range, which they don't.
