GreatCollections Bidders: Warriors, Idiots, and My Hunt for Hidden Gems

I’ve logged countless hours bidding on GreatCollections auctions, and wow, the patterns you see are both baffling and downright fascinating. From bidding wars that send prices through the roof to finding overlooked steals that make your whole week, it’s a wild ride for any coin hunter. Today, I want to share what I’ve learned about spotting opportunities and avoiding the traps set by those infamous “bidiots”—you know, the folks who go crazy over flashy coins while ignoring real value.

When Popular Coins Spark a Frenzy

Some coins just attract a feeding frenzy. Take toned proof Lincoln cents, for example. I’ve watched these sell for crazy premiums—like a 1961 NGC PF66 RB fetching just over $49 with fees, even though CDN values it around $5–$6.75. Another PF66 BN hit $76.50 against CDN values of $3–$4.10. Why? That eye-catching toning. But here’s the kicker: that vibrant color often only pops from one angle. Turn it, and it might just look brown or red-brown. While some collectors love these for toned sets, I’m cautious. Once you buy one, they can be tough to move unless you find that specific buyer.

Finding Hidden Treasures Everyone Misses

While everyone’s battling over the shiny stuff, I’ve found incredible deals on coins the crowd ignores. Like this 1924-D Lincoln cent in an ICG AU-55 holder I grabbed for $57.26 with fees—CDN lists it at $140–$180! Sure, it has some reverse spotting, and some collectors turn their nose up at ICG slabs, but I saw a solid coin hiding there. Other wins include:

• A 1952-D Franklin half dollar in MS-65 with nice toning (CDN $75–$100) for just $41—basically MS-66 money.
• A 1907-S USPI 20 Centavos in AU-55 (ANACS) for $71.50 as the only bidder—CDN says $120–$155. ANACS might not be PCGS, but their grading is trustworthy, and this date holds value well in AU.
• A stunning 1944-D USPI 20 Centavos in MS-66 (ANACS) won for $55 against CDNs of $100–$130. Beautiful foreign silver that’s still a US coin, yet most bidders passed it by.

These steals often happen during big events like the Super Bowl weekend, or when too many similar coins hit one auction. My trick? Look for coins with minor issues or in less popular slabs—they can be absolute goldmines.

Grading Company Biases & Real Talk

One big lesson from my bidding trenches? How much grading companies affect prices. Many collectors avoid ICG or ANACS slabs, chasing only PCGS or NGC. That’s a mistake. I’ve found accurately graded coins in these “discounted” holders priced way below value. That 1924-D cent might get a PCGS Details grade for spotting, but it’s still a solid AU coin worth more than I paid. Same with ANACS coins like those USPI issues—spot-on grading and easy to flip. Always scrutinize the photos: look for toning, spotting, or corrosion that might scare others off but could be minor. And reselling isn’t impossible; target eBay collectors who want to fill sets on a budget.

My Battle-Tested Bidding Tips

After plenty of wins (and some painful losses), here’s my practical advice for GreatCollections:

• Always check CDN values before bidding—compare them to the hammer price to spot crazy overbids or undervalued gems.
• Hunt in overlooked areas like older silver or world coins where bidding cools off. I’ve snagged proof quarters and Franklin halves for next to nothing.
• Watch out for the “bidiots”—they inflate trendy items but leave gaps. Know your max bid and stick to it. Walk away if things get silly.
• Think about resale. Coins with toning or spotting need the right buyer, so factor that in. I often sell to my local coin shop (LCS) or online to collectors hunting deals.
• Time your bids. Auction during holidays or big sports events when fewer folks are paying attention.

What I’ve Learned in the Trenches

Looking back at my wins and losses, I realize GreatCollections is a paradise for patient collectors. Yeah, you’ll deal with bidding warriors and the occasional idiot, but with sharp eyes, you can turn their tunnel vision into your gain. I’m much pickier now, saving my budget for coins with solid fundamentals over just flash. Whether it’s a toned cent or a spotty ICG slab, the keys are simple: do your homework and keep a cool head. Happy hunting—here’s hoping your next bid lands a steal!