I have a number of valuable coins (Morgan Dollars, Franklin half dollars, Walking Liberty half dollar etc.) that I would like to sell on Ebay. I don't know anything about coins though. Here are my questions:
1. How do you take a good picture of a coin to show all the details (the ones I've taken are always blurry)?
2. What kinds of details would coin collectors want to know before buying (besides year, mint, etc.)?
3. How do you determine the condition of a coin?
4. Should I sell each coin individually, or should I sell them in sets? (If sets, should I sell them by year, by mint or what in order to get the most money?)
Thanks
2007-06-09 02:16:51 · 5 answers · asked by kncvb21345 3 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
From a collector point of view I like clear photos that let me see the details of the coins, front and back. This way I can determine if I agree with your assessment of the condition of the coin and I can determine what I think is a fair value for the coin.
Most libraries have reference books on coins. You would want one such as "The official ANA Grading Standards for US Coins". With a little practice you can probably get within one grade of a coin. It takes years to become really good at grading. From the grading book you can see what details a collector will be looking for on a coin.
I would sell the coins in lots with minimum values of say $50.00. That way you maximize the bidding process by giving people workable bidding increments and minimize the effects of shipping and handling on the final bids (I would rather spend $4.00 on a $50.00 lot than a $20.00 lot). Generally the lots should be by series as this is the most popular way people collect coins.
Good luck and have fun.
2007-06-09 08:16:54 · answer #1 · answered by BD in NM 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My answer would be to go on Ebay and check out some of the auctions for the coins you have or similar ones and see what they are putting in their auctions as important details and not important details. Then I would right up what I was going to have the auction say. I always preright my auctions makes it easier. Then I would also check out the section to the right of the page that gives you different search options and put in for auctions that have already ended and see what sold and didn't sell. The green means sold the red didn't sell. You will be able to see like maybe it didn't sell because it had to high a start price or the shipping was really high not a good idea, maybe they had a reserve price that wasn't met. Hope this helps . If you need more help email me and I can try to help you with Ebay. I have sold everything from Japanese woodblock prints, to baby things, to hand sewn and custom costumes, and much more. Hope this helps a tad.
Beth
forgot to mention as far as getting good pictures you can ask the sellers of other auctions different questions such as I would contact one and just say hey I'm interested in selling a coin and noticed that you have a great picture, if you wouldn't mind how did you get such a great shot. Mine come out fuzzy.
2007-06-09 09:29:11 · answer #2 · answered by danniella0802 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your main problem will be grading (condition) the coins. It has taken me many years to learn to grade coins and you will not learn over night. It maybe to your best interest to find a coin club member in your area to help you with grading as well as photo's. It is not wise for a novice to sell coins on eBay or to anyone, without some knowledge of what he actually has. I have bought some rare die varieties of coins for common variety prices, for the person didn't know his coin. Don't sell them in bulk sell them as each. You need to see and talk to someone for help, this is not the place to really get it. Maybe a coin dealer can help, most are helpful even if they don't make a sale.
2007-06-09 21:02:17 · answer #3 · answered by Taiping 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to get a better picture try scanner instead of a camera sell the coins individually for the most money and set a min bid so you don't sell your coin for less than you want as far as coin condition any in uncirulated packs would be worth more any with nicks scratches or wear form being in circulation would bring less money and are any of these coins graded if so they will get you the most money
2007-06-09 09:41:40 · answer #4 · answered by dup182 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Here is a website you might find helpful.
www.foundvalue.com/what_sells/coin_paper_money.aspx
You might also want to take them to a local shop for an appraisal so you can find out the appropriate asking price.
2007-06-09 15:50:23 · answer #5 · answered by grandmad 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋