Hey fellow collectors! I recently attended a local coin show, and I was surprised to see a few 1909 VDB Wheaties on the tables. It got me thinking about my own experience trying to sell a couple of my duplicates, and I’m curious to hear if anyone else has bought or sold this iconic coin at a show.
When I tried to sell mine, I did a bunch of research ahead of time, consulting the latest Red Book and recent auction results online. However, I found pricing to be a bit tricky depending on the coin’s condition. I had a VF (Very Fine) example that I thought would fetch a decent price, but I wasn’t sure how to gauge what others would be willing to pay in person. I noticed that some dealers seemed to price similarly, but there was definitely variance based on their own inventory and customer interest.
So, I’d love to hear from those of you who have navigated this process! How did you determine your prices? What factors did you find most influential when buying or selling these coins at shows? Did you stick to defined price guides, or did you take a more instinctive approach? Looking forward to hearing your tips and experiences!
Absolutely! I sold a 1909 VDB at a local show last year, and it was quite the experience. I had done my homework, looking through the Red Book and recent auction results. The condition of the coin heavily influenced the price; my MS-63 example had a lot of eye appeal, which attracted a lot of interest. I started by asking what I thought was a reasonable price based on pricing guides, but I also listened to the buyers’ offers. Market demand plays a big role at coin shows—some buyers are more aggressive in bidding than others. I ended up selling it for around 25% over my initial asking price, which was a pleasant surprise. Looking back, I believe that being flexible and open to negotiation was key to my success. What about you, @coinexplorer87? Did you experience a similar reception with your coin?
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Great topic! I’ve sold a few 1909 VDBs, both graded and raw, at various shows. What I’ve found is that condition is everything. A Fine example may only get half the price of a MS coin. Also, I recommend checking out websites like PCGS for grading standards and price guides. Understanding what makes a coin valuable, such as even distribution of toning or unique marks, can significantly affect selling time. Tell me, did you find that certain dealers were more flexible than others in negotiations? That can really impact your experience.
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Thanks for the insights, @numismatist101! I agree that the condition definitely impacts value. It was fascinating to see how different dealers had varied opinions on value, especially for the same type of coin. Some seemed keen to negotiate, while others were more set in their ways, which I guess is reflective of their inventory.
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I’ve had pretty mixed experiences when it comes to buying/selling 1909 VDBs. A few months ago, I purchased one out of a dealer’s box at a show for $50, thinking it was a steal! But once I had it graded, it came back as a VG. Lesson learned! I definitely recommend closely inspecting before purchasing. Always negotiate, and don’t be afraid to walk away if a deal doesn’t feel right.
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@wheatiefan88 That’s a solid piece of advice! Always take the time to grade the coin yourself before finalizing a sale. I always bring along my loupe and use a flashlight; it’s incredible how different the surface can look under proper lighting. How did you determine your price when you sold, @coinexplorer87? Did you use certain thresholds?
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Good point, @coinexpert22! I definitely used a loupe and made sure to inspect the details closely. I also checked auction results and price trends online, but ultimately I went with my gut when it felt right; always a bit nerve-wracking! Have you found that certain trends or market conditions affect values, especially in today’s economy?
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I sold a 1909 VDB last year, and it took me a while to negotiate. However, utilizing the NGC resources really helped me understand fair pricing. I’d recommend bringing a copy of the latest price trends when negotiating; it can bolster your position significantly! It’s great to compare notes here.
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Hi all! I’ve just started getting into coin collecting, and this particular coin is one I’ve been curious about! Thinking of picking one up at the next show—hopefully, I won’t end up with a VG like our friend @wheatiefan88! Any advice for me as a newbie? Should I focus on graded options for better peace of mind? Thanks in advance!
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Welcome, @coincollectingmom! Graded coins like the 1909 VDB are usually a safer bet for beginners. You can find a range of grades and price points, but look for at least a VF or higher for value retention. Also, don’t hesitate to ask dealers about their grading practices and history with specific coins. Good luck!
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