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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;1934 Wreath Crown, post: 2780701, member: 76965&quot;]I totally second that pinion and yes it would also be true of the coin market IMHO. Moreover, in the last 3-4 years I have personally also observed the following:</p><p><br /></p><p>1. The general quality of coins, both Ancients and Modern, being offered on eBay are second tier when compared to specialist auction houses. Therefore, anyone looking for that &#039;Special&#039; coin would automatically extend his/her search to such auction houses.</p><p><br /></p><p>2. Many of the ancient coins on eBay are not certified and those that are, are being offered at astronomical prices. So a novice collector like me has no way of knowing if the item is genuine or fake. A reputable auction house on the other hand would offer a lifetime warranty on any of their items.</p><p><br /></p><p>3. Generally, the auction houses make sure that they keep clients well informed about the auctions with reminders and promotional literature. I also find their search facilities and historical data much more efficient and very helpful.</p><p><br /></p><p>4. Finally, and perhaps a bit contradictory to what I&#039;ve said above, a lot of new enthusiasts on eBay bid an item to ridiculously high levels and then disappear I have personally been following two items listed by a reputable eBay seller which both &#039;sold&#039; for very high bids only to be listed again in 10 days for non-payment.</p><p><br /></p><p>Other factors like the financial uncertainties of the past few years have not helped prices either. I recently bought a very desirable Ancient (Phoenician Shekel) on eBay for 30% less than the seller had paid, six months ago at an auction, for the exact same coin (NGC Certified). So yes, eBay is beginning to feel the effects of the economic uncertainties a bit more in recent years. Auction houses on the other hand, seem to have a more &#039;recession resilient&#039; regular client base.</p><p><br /></p><p>Perhaps I better go before I confuse the issue even more<img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie2" alt=";)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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