My Insights on GreatCollections Bidders Being… Well, GreatCollections Bidders

If you’re like me and spend time watching GreatCollections auctions, you know the bidding can be both fascinating and downright baffling. I thought I’d share some of what I’ve noticed about how certain coins spark intense bidding battles while others get overlooked – often where the real opportunities hide for collectors like us.

That Toned Proof Cent Fever

Man, those toned proof Lincoln cents from the 1960s really get people fired up! Just look at recent sales: a 1961 proof in NGC PF66 RB went for nearly $50, and another PF66 BN hit over $76 – wild when CDN values hover around $3-$6.75. What’s funny is the toning often only shows its best colors from certain angles. I’ve seen collectors chasing eye-candy for their type sets push prices way up (like that $703 record sale), but here’s my take: unless you’re specifically building that kind of set, stick to sensible bids based on what these actually sell for day-to-day.

Finding Treasures Everyone Else Misses

While others get distracted by shiny objects, I’ve found my best deals hunting in the auction “bargain bins.” Take that 1924-D Lincoln cent in ICG AU-55 that went for just $57 – a steal against its $140-$180 CDN value. Sure, it had some reverse spotting and ICG isn’t PCGS, but for filling a hole in your album? Absolute gold. Other sleepers I’ve spotted:

• A toned 1952-D Franklin half in MS-65 for $41 (CDN $75-$100) – Franklins rarely go that cheap
• That 1907-S USPI 20 Centavos in ANACS AU-55 at $71.50 (CDN $120-$155) – perfect for history buffs
• Five coins bundled together for $42 total – about $8.25 each versus CDNs of $62-$84

My playbook? Target coins with minor flaws, less fashionable slabs, or lots where multiple items get lumped together to escape the feeding frenzy.

Grading Realities and Smart Moves

Working with companies like ICG or ANACS has taught me some valuable lessons. Many bidders avoid them, but I’ve found their coins can be solid values. That 1924-D cent? In hand it’s probably AU-58 material minus the spotting, but cracking it out for PCGS could land you a “details” grade. Instead, I flip these to dealers or budget-conscious collectors – eBay or local shops work great. A few things I always check:

• Surface issues like spotting or corrosion – they scare bidders but can still turn profit
• Toning’s tricky – some buyers love it, others avoid it, so know your market
• With problem coins like that corroded 1812 cent, bid low and aim for collectors who value rarity over perfection

Winning the Auction Game

After plenty of wins and misses, here’s how I approach GreatCollections:

• Watch the clock: Skip peak times like big sports weekends when bidding wars erupt
• Hunt where others aren’t: I’ve scored on world coins, problem-free proofs, and older silver
• Know your numbers: I aim to buy below CDN bid – if it books at $100, I won’t go past $50-$60 unless it’s special
• Spread your bets: Don’t dump all your cash on one coin – place multiple small bids on overlooked lots

Auctions will always surprise you, but patience pays off in finding coins that upgrade your collection or flip nicely.

At the end of the day, while everyone’s chasing the headline-grabbers, I’ve found the sweetest deals often come from the quiet corners. Keep those eyes sharp, trust your gut on grades, and happy hunting!