I'll probably reuse this thread with future questions. But first, one that I didn't get much response to in the new additions forum.


I strongly prefer buying additions to my collection in person - being there, choosing the right coin/note, maybe after searching a few stores or few tables. However, I either don't have the time to go to shows/shops or when I can they don't have what I need/want. Here's my question: At what point should I give up searching for a note in person and buy one sightunseen or from the internet?

Ones that I buy in person mean more to me because of the hunt, etc. But my collection is stagnant in some areas.

Never buy site unseen unless you know your seller. Ask for images too, it never hurts. I hate small images on eBay, right now I am watching a Romanian 20 Lei note with a tiny image, asked for and got larger image.

I am very cautious about sight unseen. I guess instead of sight-unseen, I mean not-in-person. If I don't buy in person, it's from Heritage (with their excellent imaging) or from very reputable dealers (RM Smythe and their great images for instance).

Always images for me. But i'd so much rather hold the note in person.

I'd sooner buy a coin than a note based on internet images. Photos can cover a multitude of sins on an older note!

I buy most of my coins/notes on the internet in one form or another. I just don't have the dealers in my area and the two shows per year that I get to attend are great but I need my coin fix far more often than that. On top of it all the FUN show and the Ocala show are only 3 weeks apart, so I'm usually tapped way before the Ocala show starts.

I've had very good luck buying from reputable dealers on ebay. (I know.....) I watch feedback and I look at the coin pics. Since much of what I'm looking for is either moderns in proof/unc sets or ANACS certified IHCs. I've had virtually no problems. I've purchased some notes on ebay but only from dealers who were recommended to me by other folks I trust.

I have a few dealers that I purchase from based upon their history and rep. Always done well in this area too.

CP is of course my favorite place to buy. I've never had a problem and feel that I probably never will. Folks here go out of their way to make sure it's a fair deal.

That's my 2 cents.

What Art said!

Ah the old hold it sideways to the light to see tell tale ironed folds, then sniffing the note to see if it has been cleaned trick. Yes, with anything over $50 or so that is the name of the game, unless it is a well known and respected dealer.

Unfortunately with the things I am looking at, prices have skyrocketed so high that either I have to buy a ticket to Mars to catch up with the rocket else I'll continue digging through the remains of the rocket blast site

I've recently bought a lot of CORRODED, yes read the word again, CORRODED copper coin lot. I wasn't expecting anything decent in it yet paid a heavy sum for it. My currenct search in the lot is way too lucky - having found at least two rotated error coins, one really early kopek and a rare kopek, it just made my day for starring at the coins hard enough although it's getting very unrealistic if I do find something more interesting out from it.

Chances are that something like that will not likely to happen again. I wonder if something nasty is coming on this way lol.

You mean trash-turned-treasure? I dunno. If I see a coin that is listed as clean/corroded/damaged/etc and the price/look is right I wouldn't be against it.

hmmm. thanks for the comments so far, guys. But no one has really answered the big point of my question:

when do you give up the in-person hunt for a coin or note and just buy one from online? I'd much rather buy in person for the thrill of it but those opportunities are far and few between!

Well, the 'when' is really up to you. How badly do you want to expand these sections of your collection? Using the internet to make purchases isn't that hard, really. With reputable sellers it is possible to return a note if it doesn't meet your expectations, so you have the chance to inspect it before it becomes yours, 100% and irrefutably. Although, I wouldn't go ordering hundreds of them just to look, and then return. The dealer will expect payment before he ships.

So, 'When' is when you find something online that you want, but can't find locally. If it upsets you too much, then don't buy online. In the end, it's a rhetorical question that only you can answer. I know I prefer buying my darksides at the local coin store, mostly because they specialise in US coins, and rarely know what the foreign stuff is. But, that means the selection is limited, and I'm restricted to what other people have sold in the past weeks. Online is a great way to find the specific items I want to fill holes in my collection.

So, hopefully that helps.

The thing is, what is more important is you should know what you are looking for. You might get a bunch of coins and not know the kind of varities in there and totally miss it.

I'd have to say that it's different for each collector. I'm very comfortable with "sight-unseen" purchases and don't feel the need to see and experience the item first hand before the purchase. I have a good friend who has never purchased on the internet, or mail, or phone, because he loves the bargaining that goes with each of his purchases. He can tell you stories of each coin and the negotiations that went into it's purchase. One man's vinegar is another man's wine.

Well, to me, the hunt doesn't end because I am not at a coin shop or show! Buying online is also part of the hunt, like when I find unusual Overton varieties of bust halves unattributed on eBay, or finding a nice double eagle with a BIN of $690 even as gold just crosses $700! It's all part of the hunt. Now granted, there is some fun looking through piles of coins when you don't know what's there, or looking for notes through albums, but if you have the perspective that every purchase is an adventure, whether from a local show or from an eBay seller 1,000 miles away, your perspective changes.

My question for you is, I thought you were in school in Chicago, and if you can't find adequate shows and shops there, then where will you be satisfied with the hunt?

As long as the seller is reputable and will take a return, I don't see a problem with "sight unseen." I have established credit with all of the dealers I work with and they will send me coins on approval - meaning I don't pay for them until I've examined them.

Also, if you're worried about problem coins, stick with certified material (reputable companies only) and that will weed out 90% of them.

Yikes, man. That does put stuff in perspective some.

Thanks again for the responses, everyone. I guess the decision isn't hard. And if I do have to wait for a show half a year away, that's not too bad. I've got a good 60+ years (hopefully) left to live and therefore 60+ years to complete my collections. No big hurry, eh?

Thanks again! It's been great hearing all the different opinions! Look forward to more advice in the future!

George

I wouldn't give up. It may be your approach. If you continue to see the same in person dealers, make sure they know you. Always talk to them as much as possible. Let them know what you are looking for. If you approache enough dealers in anything, make yourself known, be friendly, you may be surprized at what you may find.
I do all my coin deals only in person. I go to numerous coin shows and make sure as many dealers know me as possible. It has paid for itself fantastically. I find I can order items from some. I had numerous dealers looking for a certain coin for me for a year. Finally 2 found it for me and to my amazement, I was given that coin free by both.