Posted on 10/31/2011 12:43:07 PM PDT by CincyRichieRich
I have a rare coin, specifically a 1 Quetzel, Guatamala 1925 in XF condition. I have priced things a little under the competition and am not doing the Ebay way, but rather non-traditional ways to sell it, such as Craigslist. Craigslist has local, focused areas, and so I put the ad in the Manhattan, Financial District. But, I don't know for such a coin (know that there are only 3000 of this coin in existence) what the best market would be. Anyone have any advice? I was thinking of moving the ad to Naples, FL as well. Craigslist only allows the same ad posted once, so I can rotate it. It's ok if it takes a while to sell it, I'm not desparate.
http://www.coinfactswiki.com/wiki/Guatemala_1925_quetzal
Ebay gives you the broad market and there’s a max on the fee for a BIG sale.
Your right, actions can result in very low sale prices unless there is a lot of flash or recognized value.
Send it off to PCGS. They will grade it and attach a PCGS rating to it which will enhance the value greatly. It costs but it is well worth it.
The mintage on this coin was 10,000. I would, if I were purchasing, pay in the area of $350.00 to $375.00 for the coin. Has it been graded and if so, by whom?
I would stay far away from Craigslist. I have never purchased a coin from a Craigslist ad, nor would anyone I know that collects. Keep an eye out for numismatic shows in your immediate area and carry it to the show with you - you will have a shot at finding a buyer just by mingling in the crowd and talking with collectors and dealers at the show.
Remember, collectors will be leary of most online sources (in my experience and personal preferences).
You’re better off selling it on eBay.
eBay has many, many coin categories. Your ad on Craigslist will only be seen in Manhattan; on eBay your listing will have worldwide exposure.
You can list the coin either as an auction or as a Fixed Price listing.
Not sure why you are opposed to E-bay. As mentioned above, you reach a LOT of buyers, plus you can set your opening bid to control the minimum price. Just make sure you get paid before you ship, and get insurance.
Take it into a coin shop, they can probably tell you about it...my son sells coins on his ebay site. Some coins he makes a profit, some coins he takes a loss. Depends.
You might try heritage auction galleries in dallas. They have in person as well as online auctions. They sell a lot of coins at auction.
I agree with RoberClark. I’m a coin collector and wouldn’t buy coins off Craigslist. I would spend the money and get it graded and then sell it either over E-bay or go to an auction that specializes in coins.
You have a rare coin that will only appeal to a limited number of coin collectors. Having it graded will probably result in a better price when you sell it because most buyers won’t trust your grading of the coin and will bid low.
Send it to me and I will appraise it;
Mike Alloy
PO Box 999
Nirobi Kenya
Contact this bunch: http://www.money.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home
No way I would buy or sell one of my coins on Craigslist. You should know the blue book value of the coin grade and then take it to a local dealer. If they don’t offer anything reasonable, then eBay is the next best option.
My writing was a reccomendation to use ebay because it has such a broad market and the seller closing fee is $100 max....on a high priced item
Ebay has a coin forum you might consider using. Many people on ebay no longer allow overseas buyers to purchase high priced items. The old ‘ the package was empty ‘ nonsense is alive and well. The ‘ its not what I bid on I am returning it ‘ routine also happens. Then the coin sent back is not the one you sold.
Take it to a coin dealer and have sent off to be graded. A graded coin is lot easier to sell and will command a higher price.
Jim, is this darling spammer contributing to FR in return for the advertising space?
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