My Insights on GreatCollections Bidders: Warriors and Overlooked Treasures

Lately, I’ve spent countless hours tracking GreatCollections auctions, and it’s fascinating how some coins trigger bidding wars while others fly under the radar. Over time, I’ve learned that spotting these patterns can lead to amazing finds and teach us valuable lessons about the hobby.

When Bidding Turns into Battle

Take toned proof Lincoln cents from the 1960s – they regularly spark fireworks in the auction room. I watched a 1961 NGC PF66 RB hammer at $49.15 with fees, completely blowing past its $5-$6.75 CDN value. Same story with brown-toned proofs. What’s driving this? Under the right light, their vibrant colors pop and collectors go wild chasing them for type sets. I’ve seen records hit $703 for top specimens! But here’s the catch: shift the angle and that “showstopper” can look downright ordinary. Unless you’re specifically collecting toners, this market feels like playing with fire.

Finding Hidden Treasures

While everyone’s distracted by the shiny objects, I keep finding overlooked gems at bargain prices. Some recent wins:

• A 1924-D ICG AU-55 Lincoln cent slipped through at $57.26 with fees – well below its $140-$180 CDN value. Sure, it had reverse spotting, but for a dealer like me? Absolute steal.
• Franklin halves got no love: a beautifully toned 1952-D MS-65 went for $41 (CDN $75-$100) and a ’52-S at $52 (CDN $70-$95). My guess? Too many listings or toning prejudice scared folks off.
• USPI coins like a 1907-S 20 Centavos AU-55 ANACS at $71.50 (CDN $120-$155) and 1944-D MS-66 ANACS at $55 (CDN $100-$130) were steals – seems some bidders dismiss anything not in a top-tier slab.

These deals prove how biases against certain graders or minor flaws create opportunities. My strategy? Focus on coins with solid fundamentals – key dates or attractive silver – that others ignore.

Grading Realities and Smart Buying

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: grading biases. Coins in ICG or ANACS holders often sell at unwarranted discounts, even when accurately graded. That 1924-D cent? With PCGS it might’ve graded AU-58 without the spots, but resubmitting risks a “details” designation. And those underpriced ANACS USPI coins? In hand, they often boast killer luster that photos don’t capture. Market-wise, toned proofs have passionate followers but limited resale appeal, while “boring” coins like common-date Franklins move quickly to collectors filling albums on a budget.

Putting This Knowledge to Work

Here’s how I approach GreatCollections based on hard-won experience:

• Hunt in quiet corners: Skip the Lincoln proof frenzy and target sleepers like Franklin halves or world coins where bidding thins out.
• See beyond flaws: Minor toning or spotting? Could be your gain if the coin’s core value is strong – always cross-check with CDN.
• Think exit strategy: Prioritize coins with built-in demand, like semi-key dates, and flip through eBay or local shops.
• Time it right: Bid during sports finals or holidays when fewer eyes are on auctions, and stick to your max bid like glue.

GreatCollections remains one of my favorite hunting grounds. By watching where the “bidiots” aren’t bidding, I’ve built both my collection and my dealer inventory with overlooked winners.