So, one of my goals for 2018 is to pick up one example of a gold coin from Prussia (yes, it's a modest goal). I know a lot of these coins sell for just above spot (you can get them on APMEX for example). My question is, where would be the best place to pick up a common date, problem free, lightly circulated example? Ideally AU, I'd prefer 19th century but the date doesn't really matter. Denomination doesn't really matter (10 or 20 mark). Is my best bet to look for a large gold dealer like APMEX? What would you guys suggest?
This. Nothing against APMEX, but I'd rather pick my own example in an auction where I know I'm getting that exact coin, rather than some randomly-selected example like many of the deals on APMEX are. Of course if APMEX is selling a single-coin lot and you can see the actual coin, then that's a different story.
I will keep an eye on eBay then and wait for the right example. You're right, being able to pick out the exact coin is key. I just don't want to pay much more than spot for one.
A lot of the better ones do go for a premium. But if you are patient it is usually possible to get one in VF+ from the auction sites at a modest premium. All the ones I have which are graded better than that game from one specific dealer I have done a lot of business with.
Right now, I'm looking for a common date. I don't really want to pick up one of the better dates. I'd prefer to get a "type album" coin first and then work my way up. If you know someone you recommended as a dealer, please let me know.
I use a local dealer here in VA. I don't think he sells on EBay very often and his coins are usually higher grade anyway.
I bought this one for a special reason. Frederick III of Prussia was king for three months in 1888. Edward VIII of Great Britain lasted longer. Germany Prussia 10 Marks 1888-A (Berlin) - Frederick III FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KONIG V. PREUSSEN DEUTSCHES REICH 1888 / 10 MARK 19mm, 3.98gm A coin like this one was part of the 1946 Hesse Jewel robbery, committed by three American Army officers stationed in Germany. After reading an account of the Hesse robbery, I had to have one.
