Where to buy coins?

Does any one know any good places to buy coins? I used to buy the majority of them on ebay. But ever since best match everyone seems scared to list auctions. Most buy it now prices seem to be above book, not to mention many problem coins being sold at problem free coin prices.

Most dealer sites are also charging closer to, or more then certified coin prices too.

Teletrade can offer a good buy sometimes, but their buyer fee can get pretty pricey especially on lower priced stuff. I just bough $80 worth of coins and paid $40 additional in buyer fees.

Anyone know of any other venues or places to get a good buy, or at least coins offered at a fair price for an accurately graded coin?

 

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I have a really good relationship with my coin dealer. We worked together a couple of decades ago and just recently renewed our friendship when I discovered he was dealing in coins. He's aware of what I'm looking for and if he's going on a buying trip, he'll buy items with me in mind. He usually gives me a substantial discount because it is stock he can turn over quickly.

If you have a dealer locally, sometimes it pays to be a loyal customer.

 

yea, find a nice local dealer. i just got a beautiful rainbow toned ms 1930 wheat, for $3(well she ended up giving it to me, because of what it is for, but thats another story. you will never get that online!

i seen a similar one but not as good as shape or nice colors go for $12 and who knows what it looks like in person!

go to a few different places and see how they treat you...

 

I am looking more for high end expensive problem free coins. Or if there is a problem the coin priced accordingly. Thats a bit hard to get at a local dealer. When you do find them, they are likely priced pretty high. I don't expect them to be free. But would never pay more then certified price for a raw coin because someones "opinion" is that a coin is gem. In many cases they end up being AU anyway.

 

Try bidding Tuesdays on Teletrade...there is no buyers premium or reserve. TC

 

For me the #1 place to find better material is the larger coin shows.
Of course this requires that one is close enough to you that you're able to travel to it.
(I've got the Baltimore Whitman show coming in a week.)

Tied for first is my relationship with a dealer.
He and his wife attend all the big shows so I leave a wantlist with him.
That basically extends my range to places I can't actually go.

My second choices are eBay, Teletrade and Heritage.
You just have to adjust your bids to accomodate the buyer's fee and S&H.
That means you'll get outbid quite often, but as is often said "A chicken doesn't stop scratching just because worms are scarce."

As for B&M stores, I haven't been to one in so long I'm not going to render an opinion.

 

I have established relationships with some of the local coin dealers, they'll usually look for coins that I've put on my want-list with them, although I find them to be generally on the expensive side.
I also still like to troll EBay, there are still some good deals out there you just have to look hard, and ensure that whomever you buy from has a decent return policy, I've often found that many coins look much better in the photos/scans than in hand.
A lot of dealers on EBay will also list a Buy It Now/or Offer price. I've been surprised at some of my low-ball offers that have been accepted!
The last option for me is coins shows. I love em, but with 4 small kids at home, I don't get out much.

 

I'm a little confused at what you mean by "high end", too. I wouldn't consider $80 to be high end. I'm taking it for granted that you meant this to be a casual aside.

Chris

 

I just tried to make an offer on a low grade copper on Heritage for coins not receiving bids. Now I understand having offers refused, but the site indicated it wouldn't accept my offer unless it was at least $60. Now the particular coin was labeled VG Details Damaged and was also corroded so I thought about $30 for a net Fr2 was about right.

Anybody know more details about Heritage's low end policies?

 

Yep - the coin owner turning down the offer, especially if in the virtual bourse. I know a couple of weeks ago someone listed a couple of middle date cents. There was one I wanted - so I made an offer. It was rejected pretty quick - I found a dealer with a coin in the exact same grade for $45 less(no pictures). I made the offer, it was rejected. So I called the person listed on the website to talk - when I asked about it he said he just sold it on Heritage. Turns out it was the same coin. Kind of funny.

 

If you're looking for rarities, the big shows or major auctions are the best source. If you're looking for coins that are a little more obtainable, the smaller shows can be good. Dealers are in competition with each other, so prices shouldn't be too bad.

And don't forsake eBay: many nice coins at attractive prices are still available. Just make sure the pictures are good and the return policy is solid.

...Tom

 

I wish I had a local dealer I could build a relationship with. I dont have any B and M stores in my area so I have to rely on the internet and forums to buy most of my stuff.
It would be nice though to have someone local

 

There's none in Charleston SC?
Interesting...Seems like a large enough town to have more then one to me.

 

Business opportunity!

 

644,000 metro area population sure seems like one to me.
You sure there is not one there?

 

Appears to be at least 4 via google search, including this place;

http://www.lowcountrycoins.com/

 

Plus are two of the big magazine dealers from there? Paul Sims and Coin Depot?

 

1) Establish yourself with a local dealer. Make friends, buy some coins and he'll start giving you deals as a loyal customer.
2) Coin shows, by far the best place to buy coins IMO. Lots of dealers, lots of competition and lots of coins to choose from. Most dealers will respect Grey Sheet pricing too.
3) Coin forums like this one. Lots of other collectors selling their coins for fair prices.