I know, opinions are like [...], everybody has one. Fact: My children do not care for, understand, nor are they interested in any of my US Coin tidbits. I have obtained several US Mint Souvenir coin issues 1982 - 2016. For example, I have the 1995 Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coin Prestige proof set containing 3-proof and 3-uncirculated items: two each $5 (W) gold coins; (2) $1 (S&P) silver; and (2) $.50 (S) clad, with the original Certificate of Authenticity, all housed in the hardwood container. (BTW, the proof $5 is starting to tone). Here is my quest: In your opinion, what or where is the best and safest way to dispose of this set (and several other commems) outside of listing with an on-line auction or selling them to a local coin dealer? [Edited - this particular forum is not for sales.]
local coin shop or coin show. understand that you will not get full retail when you go to sell. the dealers have to make money on a coin.
First, it is not a good idea to advertise your e-mail address on a public forum where it can be viewed by members and non-members alike. No matter how you look at it, you will end up paying a fee for selling them or accepting an amount less than what you paid for them if they haven't appreciated much in value. If you don't really need the money, why bother to sell them? After all, it is the hobby that you enjoy. If your children don't care about them, let them deal with the problem when the time comes (God forbid!) to settle your estate. FWIW, I've enjoyed collecting for more than 50 years, but the last few years of unplanned retirement has forced me to sell many of my collections. Though I continue to participate in forums like this, I've had to give up the joy of acquiring new specimens. Do you want this to happen to you? Chris
First, and just as friendly advice, you're going to want to remove your contact info and sales offer from your post (if still possible). If you don't, when one of the mods see it, they'll do it for you. That said, I'm getting the idea you kind of want your cake and to eat it too. Not that this is a bad thing, of course, but if there was a simple answer, at least without an investment of effort, everyone would be doing it. Your post doesn't suggest you're sitting on any hard to get it in high demand material, and means your avenues to sell at top dollar are few. Sure, some "collectors" are willing to pay so-called "collector prices" (usually high retail), but for the most part they too want the almighty deal and/or to buy at or near wholesale levels. If you have an established seller account and are willing to wait for the "right" buyer, eBay may be your best bet if achieving said top dollar is your goal, but there are obviously risks, potential hassles, and prices to be paid for the privilege. You have the option of listing here in the BST section (or perhaps on other forums), but I wouldn't expect anyone to jump unless you're willing to negotiate. I'm guessing you're not interesting in selling locally to an unknown individual, but as long as the situation is approached with a little common sense, it can be done very safely. I also understand you're looking for options other than selling to a dealer, but there's no harm in trying; the chances may be slim, but stranger things have happened and it's possible the price offered may be one you find acceptable. The overall point is that your needs or expectations will dictate what path you should take, and without knowing them for certain, it's hard to make a solid recommendation, especially because of the material in question.
In my opinion the two things you are asking to exclude are by far the best ways for a collector to sell. Eliminating online venues and dealers basically leaves you with pawn shops and craigslist/facebook listings. Pawn shops obviously will low ball and craigslist or facebook really aren't very safe to sell. Really the only way to get full retail with no fees is to own your own shop. I guess you could try a local flea market if you have any of those around, but eBay is probably your best bet as most dealers don't pay very much for modern commems that are raw.
I tend to agree with his. If you want the best price, eBay is probably the route to go. You could try and sell it here, but it's a smaller crowd. Outside of online or a local dealer...I don't see a lot of real good options.
