A Flea Market Surprize

I was in an antiques store today looking around. I noticed that among the jewelry there were a few coins. There were gold liberty coins in the smaller sizes made into jewelry, a few well-worn morgans, and one Columbian Exposition half dollar. This caught my eye because it had an attractive light grey toning that was a little darker around the edge, and seemed to be in exceptionally good condition under the glass compared to others I've seen. No sign of wear at all. I asked the owner how much it cost and if I could look at it closer, thinking I had possibly found a bargain mixed in with the junk. He said, "No, that one isn't for sale." Darn it. Usually EVERYTHING in an antiques store is for sale. Maybe next time.

 

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Thats is when its a good time to take out a lone from the First National Bank of Pop (dad)!!!
I do that every-now-and-then!!!

Speedy

 

I'm in debt to first national bank of pop

 

I paid off last year's debt but now im already down $400 this year. Anybody need a pizza delivered?

 

Did you buy out the coin shop!!!!....the most I was ever out I think was $200 or something like that...I can't stand to own money so I try not to do that any more.

Speedy

 

And yet you collect coins?

 

Sorry...missed that one...I meant to put I don't like to owe money

Speedy

 

I think there are so many variables involved, it's tough to judge anything at a flea market. When I go, I usually look for Morgan and Peace VAMs. I try to avoid the "cheap buckets". I didn't in my early days of collecting (you know, two or three months ago). Now I'm fed up with PVC covered coins and over dipped stuff. I try to bring luck, patience, and self-control.

Last month, I went to a flea market in a neighboring state. The prices were outrageous. I had to laugh... 1921 Morgans in VG condition for $50. I was told "they don't make those any more". Last weekend I went to another that was only an hour away from my home. Picked up some great stuff from a guy that's there every weekend. Uncirculated Morgans for $15 - 20 each. Found a very nice infrequently reeded (wide reeding) 21-P, a 21-D 1AH with huge die breaks, a 21-P 31A (severe overpolished dies), an 1886-P 19 (misplaced date in denticles), and two coins that I believe will be new VAM discoveries. Some are easily MS63. The same guy also had some overpriced stuff. When I started looking, he gave me a chair and a couple of loupes. Told me to sit down and relax. Super nice guy. This is the same flea market where someone was selling fake Morgans a couple of weeks ago.

 

For me, flea markets are just organized yard sales. Half the fun is just in the experience. You NEVER know what you will find. I can't think of a more concrete example of the old saying "One man's trash is another man's treasure". I've found all kinds of non-coin treasures, high end accoustic guitars for $20, rare 1800's planers for $5 worth almost $1000. Its kinda fun when someone else's ignorance equals my bliss

Admittedly though, the only coins I've purchased was a role of 1940's circulated wheaties for $1, including several steel cents. Bought it more for the old plastic roll holder than anything. But then, I wasn't actively collecting at the time, so who knows what I will come across now

 

I too like the thought of finding something at flea makkets. I always bring my Coin Values Mag. rolled up in my back pocket and my loupe in my front pocket. If I see somehting I'm really interested in I will haggle BEFORE I take out the coin mag and the loupe. I found doing it the other way prices tend to stay., or go up. The haggling stops.
I also try very hard not to act excited. "just looking" and 'I might be interested" are words I use alot.
I remember my wife with me once and we saw some coins and she said "Oh, LOOK, YOU REALLY NEED ONE OF THOSE".The guys eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. Needlesss to say all deals were dead at that table.
Anyway go open minded, bring some reference material and a loupe.
-Gil

 

Hmmmm

I have barber Dimes in UN condition. What are they worth?

 

Well it is kindof rare to find Baber coins in UNC grade...can you post a photo so we can see?

Speedy

 

Ok here he is

 

It looks to be in the grade VF-XF....nice coin!!

Speedy

 

The uniformity of the dark areas around the lettering leads me to believe it may have been cleaned at some point in time. A very nice looking Barber!

 

Probably 15 or more years ago.

 

I dont know about it being cleaned, but it does srill shine like new.

 

Then 9 to 10 its been cleaned...I think I would still go with F as the grade...

Speedy

 

BZ, did U get these at a flea market too? thx

 

Yeah, last Sunday. I don`t go every week. I`ll buy silver by the bucketfull
at 2.5X face. Sometimes you scrounge what little you can. The FRBNs
are my first ones. The guy wanted $40 each for the Phila and NY, $55
for the Atlanta. He settled for $90 for all 3. I see them on Ebay in the same condition for between $35 and $60 each.