 |
| | |
| | |
|
 | Bullion 101
| Bullion is one of the most complex and misunderstood coin categories. Brush up on your bullion knowledge and participate in this thriving market.
In the strictest sense, bullion is hallmarked and/or assayed precious metal. Review these important facts:
- Bullion is usually offered in the form of bars and rounds and is produced by private mints.
- The value of bullion items can normally be correlated to the weight and price per ounce that metal is trading.
- A premium is often realized for nice, fresh examples of bars and rounds.
Over the years, many countries have entered the market and introduced their own bullion coins.
- The United States American Eagle coin is a great example of bullion with a face value. Although contradictory to the term bullion, many American Eagles, raw and certified, sell well over their "Bullion" value.
- Another striking example: The 1995 proof West Point dollar, today's most rare and valuable modern U.S. Coin. It has sold for over $2,000 on eBay, but only contains $5 worth of silver.
- International examples of bullion include the Canadian Maple Leaf and China Panda.
Other issues grouped as bullion items are medals produced by private companies, 90% silver US coins, and other coins that trade at bullion prices.
- Franklin Mint issues from the 1970s are often offered on eBay and sometimes sell for bullion value. These medals are usually hallmarked .925 Sterling and commemorate an event or person.
- Depending on issue popularity, ending price can vary. Some issues sell for multiples of bullion value while others do not.
- Low-grade or common 90% US Silver coins also are frequently traded as bullion. Sellers deem these coins as not having any numismatic value. Price guides will sometimes abbreviate the value of these coins with a "BV" for bullion value.
Tip: If unsure of the value of a coin, look up the precious metal content weight in a coin reference guide. Multiply that number by the market value of the metal.
- Lower grade, common, and/or damaged World Coins also are sometimes sold as bullion.
Article, courtesy of Troy Thoreson from Thoreson Numismatics
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
Choose the Right Coin Category
Serious collectors are particular. They expect property to be catalogued correctly. Don't jeopardize your success by carelessly categorizing your items.
Take note of these important category-selection tips:
- Use "Other" Coins categories sparingly. eBay research indicates that items listed in "Other" Coins categories obtain lower conversion rates than in targeted Coins categories.
- Leverage eBay's "List in 2 Categories" feature to simplify category selection. eBay research indicates that it can increase bidding and price by 15% and 18%*, respectively. Learn more.
Consider the drawbacks of improperly selecting your coin categories. Miscataloging...
- Diminishes credibility with serious collectors.
- Limits your items' qualified audience.
- Encourages unsatisfactory transactions and poor feedback.
Reach the right collectors the first time. Be precise with your category selection and realize results.
* This represents an average based on data from February 2002 transactions. No representation is made that a seller's final price or conversion rate of a specific item will increase by the average percentages noted above.
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
|
 | tnfc (3846), The Numismatic Financial Corporation
Making the Grade
| The Numismatic Financial Corporation has hit the mark with both novices and serious collectors on eBay.
According to TNFC's Joe Seminara, eBay sales now account for 15% of the company's total business, a number it has reached by positioning itself for new hobbyists, in search of starter coins, and serious buyers, looking for more rare, high-ticket items.
The strategy has two major benefits: It's reduces overstock in TNFC's value line of coins and also initiates relationships with serious investors.
"eBay helps me liquidate inexpensive items as well as advertise more expensive ones," explains Seminara. "We have gained some great retail clients from eBay, both for collector coins and generic ones."
To give his high-end property the time and support it deserves, Seminara doesn't set margins on his economy coins. "We sell the inexpensive coins at no reserve and let the market take care of the price," he explains. "The more expensive items we list with a price or reserve."
Seminara credits TNFC's smooth transition onto eBay to the diversity and quality of its merchandise, its aggressive pricing (consider the "Greysheet" price quotes in its descriptions), and the status of its retail business, one of Florida's largest. TNFC leverages its retail location by including photos of the company's storefront and staff.
"We are legitimate and want the customer to know that they won't be taken advantage of," says Seminara. "The retail outlet gives them that comfort."
Equally important, TNFC's coins are graded and certified by one of the six major companies, including PCGS, PCI, and SEGS. TNFC uses a diversity of companies to reach a full range of buyers, from bargain shoppers to educated collectors. PCI and SEGS grades keep costs lower, which TNFC passes along to the customer, while PCGS attracts premium collectors.
"No doubt about it, PCGS does add valuable dollars to the items," says Seminara. "Some collectors only buy PCGS."
| | |
| | |
| | |
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
