Hey fellow collectors! Recently, I found myself in a bit of a dilemma when deciding the best way to sell my pristine 1916-D Mercury Dime. After doing quite a bit of research and handling various coins in my collection, I wanted to tap into the wisdom of this community. Have any of you sold a 1916-D? What platforms did you find brought you the best prices?
I’ve seen mixed reviews regarding auction sites versus local coin shows. My 1916-D is in excellent condition – a solid AU-55 – and I’m curious whether it’s worth the effort to go through an auction house or if I’d be better off setting up a table at the next local show. The market seems a bit unpredictable lately, and I’ve heard some collectors swear by word-of-mouth at local shows while others rave about the reach online auctions provide.
For those of you who have made the leap, what was your experience? Did you notice a significant difference in price or buyer interest? Any tips on what to watch out for during the selling process? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Hey CoinCrafter82! I sold my 1916-D Mercury Dime about six months ago, and I can share my experience. I tried both auction sites and local coin shows. The auction site I used was eBay, which has a massive reach, but the fees can eat into your profits. However, I managed to sell mine for around $1,200, which was quite satisfactory considering I started with a reserve price of $1,000. On the flip side, at a local coin show, I found that while I got to interact with buyers directly, the offers I received were usually between $800 and $1,000. Face-to-face selling certainly allows for negotiation, but I think the auction platform gave me better exposure overall. If you have a prime condition coin like yours, I’d recommend checking out eBay but also consider local shows for a less stressful option if you’re not in a rush. Hope this helps!
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Thanks for your insights, @NumisNerd99! I really appreciate the perspective on eBay. That price sounds pretty solid! I’m definitely leaning toward online auctions now, but I wonder how the fees stack up against the local show experience. Was there any particular aspect of the auction process that you found challenging?
Hi everyone! I thought I’d weigh in on this topic. I sold my 1916-D last year at a local coin show and was really pleased with the result. I set up a table and had serious collectors approach me, and I ended up selling mine for about $1,150. I think the personal connection you make at shows can sometimes beat the online offers. Plus, you don’t have to deal with shipping hassles or seller fees! Would definitely recommend trying it out if you can. Anyone else had a similar experience?
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Great point, @CoinCollectingGal! I also sold a 1916-D at a local show last year, and I agree—the connections you make can really enhance the selling experience. I got good offers because I knew some of the attendees beforehand, which helped! For anyone considering a local show, it’s essential to network beforehand if possible. You never know who might be there looking for a deal.
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Hey everyone! Just a fun thought—why not head to a local show first, and if you’re not satisfied with the offers, you can always list it online after? It’s a win-win situation! Plus, you get to enjoy seeing other cool coins while you’re there! I always find it motivating.
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LOL, @RareCoins2024! That’s a good idea! I could use some motivation. I might even come home with something I didn’t know I wanted! Do you find that some buyers are more willing to haggle at shows or do they stick firm to their prices?
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In my experience, haggling is definitely part of the local show culture. Most collectors expect it, especially for a prized coin like a 1916-D. Just make sure you know your coin’s worth before you go in! It can help you stand your ground and defend your asking price. Good luck, @CoinCrafter82!
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Thank you, @BestCoinsBob! That’s great advice. I’ll make sure to brush up on recent sales data for my 1916-D before heading out. It’s comforting to know that haggling is expected. I’ve seen some players who won’t budge, and that can be so frustrating!
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