Hey fellow collectors! I recently decided to shake things up in my collection and traded away a couple of my duplicate Cherry Picker coins. It was a bit of a bittersweet moment since I’ve put quite a bit of care into those pieces. However, it got me thinking about how we all value these coins differently—even the ones that can be found in abundance.
When it comes to Cherry Pickers, I usually rely on their condition and rarity as the main factors in my valuation. I’ve read up on the latest auction results and used resources like the Cherry Pickers Guides to establish a baseline, but I often find myself drawn to aesthetic qualities too. Some of my recent trades were based not just on market value, but on the stories behind the coins. For instance, I traded a 1964 Kennedy half-dollar with a remarkable tone for a 1936 Buffalo nickel that had a unique strike.
This brings me to my main question for you all: how do you determine the value of your Cherry Pickers when trading? Do you prioritize market guides, or do personal stories and aesthetics play a bigger role in your decisions? I’d love to hear your strategies and tips for navigating trades in the world of coin collecting!
Great topic, CoinCollectorJoe! I’ve been collecting Cherry Pickers for over a decade now, and my strategy has evolved quite a bit. Initially, I relied heavily on market guides like the Cherry Pickers Guide to determine values. However, I’ve learned that the stories behind the coins often add more value than their market price. For example, I remember trading a pristine 1955 Lincoln penny because it had an interesting backstory involving a family heirloom. The collector I traded with was willing to offer a more valuable piece just for that story! I think it’s essential to find a balance between market value and the emotional or aesthetic value of the coins. What do you all think about that approach? Any interesting trade stories to share?
3 Likes
Thanks for your insights, @Numismatic_Nerd! I completely agree that the stories can add significant value. In fact, I tend to over-value coins with a good backstory. It’s always fascinating to see how different collectors prioritize aspects of their collection!
1 Like
When it comes to my strategy for Cherry Pickers, I tend to look at a combination of aspects as well. Condition is obviously vital, but I also keep an eye on trends in auction results. I’ve seen specific dates or errors spike in value unexpectedly! I often check out NGC Coin for the latest insights. And if a coin has unique coloration or toning, I sometimes go for it even if its market value is lower. Anyone else love those unique tones?
2 Likes
I totally get what you mean, @CoinEnthusiast87! Unique toning can definitely make a coin more appealing. I recently got my hands on a 1981 Morgan with beautiful rainbow toning, and it’s become my favorite coin! It’s interesting when you factor aesthetics into the trading process. Sometimes I think that adding a little funk to our collections really brings them to life!
1 Like
I usually prioritize market guides too, but I also think we should consider the sentimental value of coins we collect. Sometimes I feel those old pieces carry the weight of history. I’d love to know if others have particular coins they wouldn’t trade no matter the offer!
@CollectorChick99, I totally understand that! For me, it’s my grandfather’s old WWII era coins. No amount of money could make me trade those. They represent something far more valuable than just the coin itself. Have you all had any offers on sentimental pieces? What did you do?
2 Likes
Trading can be a real mix! Sometimes, I just like trading for the excitement of the hunt, rather than worrying too much about money. I once traded a few duplicates for an incomplete set, just because I love the challenge of completing it. Anyone else do this?
1 Like
Absolutely, @CoinsAreCool! The thrill of the hunt is a big part of the fun! I just secured a raw 1921 Morgan dollar in a trade, and even though it’s not in perfect shape, it has an incredible story behind it. Just because it’s a bit worn doesn’t mean it lacks value!
2 Likes
I love the communal aspect of trading too! @CoinHustler, I recently had a trade that involved a lot of back-and-forth. My trading partner almost bailed because I wanted to include a couple of my sentimental pieces. It’s so interesting how trading can sometimes bring in a little drama, right? 
3 Likes
Haha, yes, @MildlyMadMaud! Sometimes it does feel like we could make a reality show out of our trading experiences. It’s a microcosm of human interaction! But really, that’s what makes our community engaging. Keep the stories coming, everyone!
4 Likes