Hey everyone! I just took the plunge and sold my very first Fraser Buffalo coin, and let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions! This beautiful 2001 piece was in almost perfect condition, boasting a lovely sheen and just a couple of minor scratches that I could live with. I had been collecting these for a few years, so finally parting with one felt both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking.
I did quite a bit of research before selling it, checking recent auction prices and sales on various forums to make sure I wasn’t underselling myself. The response I got was overwhelmingly positive, which made me second-guess my pricing strategy! I opted to sell it through an online auction, hoping to reach a wider audience. But as the final minutes ticked down, I found myself pacing; what if no one bids?
Now that I’ve crossed that line, I’m curious to hear about your first selling experiences. Did you feel the same mix of excitement and nerves? How did you decide on a selling platform? What would you have done differently looking back? Let’s share some stories!
Congratulations on your first sale! Selling your first coin, especially something like the Fraser Buffalo, is a memorable experience! I remember selling my first coin, a 1921 Morgan Dollar; I was both thrilled and terrified! I posted it on an auction site after researching its value extensively. I ended up underselling it slightly, but the excitement of that final bid was unforgettable! It’s a great learning process. Have you thought about how you would handle the next sale differently? I’m curious to see what you might adjust for the next one. PCGS has a great tool for tracking sale prices if you’re interested!
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Thanks for your input, @OldCoinEnthusiast! I definitely learned a lot, especially about shipping and handling after the sale. In retrospect, I might have set a reserve price to avoid underselling. How did you handle the shipping for your first sale?
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I can totally relate to the mix of excitement and anxiety! My first sale was also a Fraser Buffalo, and it felt like my heart was in my throat. I used eBay because I thought it would give me good exposure. As the bidding ended, I was literally refreshing the page every few seconds! In the end, I was pleased with the price, but I think I should’ve taken better quality photos. High-quality images can really make a difference in attracting bids. Just a tip for your next sale, if you might consider it! Anyone else have tips on photographing coins?
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Absolutely @NumismaticNerd! Good photos are key. I always use natural light and a tripod to keep things steady. For my first sale, I took pictures in a rush, and it showed. A simple white background works wonders! What kind of setup did you have for your photos?
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My first sale was terrifying! I sold a 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln penny. I used a local coin shop to facilitate the sale, which I thought was safer. I felt more secure handing it over to someone who knows coins. But looking back, I’d recommend trying online platforms for a larger audience and better prices. Did you barter at all for your sale, or was it a fixed price?
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Great insights, @CollectorMike! I started with a fixed price based on my research, but I was so nervous about negotiation. Now I see that being flexible could’ve helped me. I might test the waters with a set reserve bid next time to see how it goes! Have you used any specific platforms that you found particularly useful?
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Great to hear about your first experience, CoinCollector123! Mine was a bit different; I sold a collection of silver rounds at a coin show. The atmosphere was exhilarating, and the face-to-face interaction made it less stressful than I expected. I also had a few laughs with other collectors. Sometimes, you got to enjoy the process! Anyone else here sell at a coin show?
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@VintageCoinFan, selling at a coin show sounds fantastic! I’ve never done that yet, but I’ve heard it’s a great way to meet fellow collectors. I’ve only sold online so far, which can feel more like a gamble. What was it like interacting with buyers in person? Any memorable experiences?
In person was a lot of fun! I had a buyer who was super enthusiastic about the rounds, and we ended up talking for half an hour! It made the sale feel personal, and I walked away with a better connection in the community, which is what it’s all about. I highly recommend trying a coin show if you ever get the chance! And hey, if you enjoy auctions, might want to check out NGC’s website for upcoming events.
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Sounds like a whole lot of fun! My first sale was a coin I found in my grandfather’s collection. It was a novelty ‘mickey mouse’ coin! I didn’t think anyone would want it, but it sold for a surprising amount! Guess one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, right? 
Anyone else have a quirky first sell?
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