curious why this went for so much

I am have been selling off my collection over the last few years. I have gotten down to my extra items and have been putting them up for auction. A few weeks ago I had listed a 2005 P Bison nickel. It was in a PCGS sample slab. I wasn't expecting much from it since more expensive coins hadn't been selling well. At the end of my auctions I was shocked and quite happy. The coin went for over $180. It had 26 bids on it. Did I miss something special about this particular coin. Just curious. :thumb:

 

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Call the "800" number and find out...

 

I know nothing about pcgs or tpg's in general, which is why I ask. Why is there no grade on the slab? Is that what makes it special?

 

It's a sample slab/holder. TPG's produce these to advertise their services.

 

A lot of people collect sample slabs. The coin itself is worth five cents, so I suspect a bidding war over a label ensued. Worked out great for you though.

 

Scroll to the bottom...

http://www.sampleslabs.com/pcgs.html

 

Who says packaging has no value?

 

yes it sure did. i don't even remember how much i paid for it or even how i got it. i love bidding wars

 

So, do they just pick a random coin and throw it in a sample slab? Or do choose a specific coin?

 

They choose a specific coin at random.

Notice how only the earliest coins have grades?

 

I don't think this was the reason.

I "think" it sold for so high because "Bison" followed by the co9in number and phone number are in italics. Neither of the sites I have book marked show one of these samples with italic lettering.

I feel confident that my Bison Sample Slab will gather $5.00 in interest some day.

 

Specific "lots" of coins are used.

Sample Slabs exist with lot's of defferent coin types and each type has its own price ranges.

 

From what I heard from a guy who writes about these and their prices , sometimes there's no rhyme or reason why a slab sells so high or low . Just a case of 2 or 3 people wanting it .

 

Wow, I read the whole thread and I'm still somewhat mystified ....

 

It's a MAJOR error. On a typical coin, Jefferson is on the obverse, and the bison is on the reverse. On your coin that is reversed. This coin was struck upside-down. Someone got a huge bargain at only $180 :devil:

 

Oh wow... I think I've seen that error before somewhere...

 

Sometimes there is just no rhyme or reason. I had this type of thing happen to me when I sold my N-Scale trains on Ebay a few years ago. I sold a common Kato Locomotive, I think it was a New Haven RR deisel sitcher for close to $300. It wasn't rare, or special at all. Just 2 people who REALLY wanted it BAD! I didn't ask questions I accepted the payment and smiled LOL.