My Take on GreatCollections Bidders Being… Well, GreatCollections Bidders

After countless hours bidding on GreatCollections auctions, I’ve ridden that wild rollercoaster of thrills and near-misses myself. Seeing certain coins spark absolute bidding wars while others barely get a glance has taught me a ton about how collectors think and where the market gets quirky. I want to share some real-world observations and tips I’ve picked up for finding value and steering clear of the frenzy.

The Stampede for “Hot” Coins

It’s fascinating how bidders pile onto specific coins. Take those toned proof Lincoln Memorial cents, for instance. I watched a 1961 NGC PF66 RB sell for $49.15 including fees, and another brown one hit $76.50 – both way above their CDN values of $5-6.75 and $3-4.10! Then a 1961 PF65 BN went for $110.25, easily overshadowing smarter buys. Honestly, it’s wild seeing “bidding warriors” chase coins where the vibrant toning might only pop from certain angles, while ignoring genuinely scarce pieces. My rule? I skip this hype unless you’re specifically building a toned type set. Reselling these later can be tough once the initial excitement fades.

Finding Hidden Treasures

Amidst all the noise, I’ve snagged some fantastic deals by focusing on overlooked coins. That 1924-D Lincoln cent in ICG AU-55? I got it for $57.26 with fees, well under its CDN value of $140-180. Sure, it has some reverse spotting, and ICG isn’t PCGS, but as a dealer, it’s a solid buy with room to profit. Here are a few more steals I’ve landed or seen slip by:

• A 1952-D Franklin half in MS-65, nicely toned (CDN $75-100), grabbed for $41 – MS Franklins rarely dip that low!
• A 1952-S Franklin half (CDN $70-95) snagged for $52; semi-scarce with attractive toning.
• A USPI 20 Centavos in AU55 for $71.50 (CDN $120-155) and another in MS66 for $55 (CDN $100-130) – beautiful silver coins that often get ignored.
• A set of five coins for $42 total, averaging under $8.25 each – that’s an easy flip any day.

These wins show the real opportunities lie in less glamorous areas, especially during auctions timed with big events like races or holidays when fewer folks are bidding.

Grading Labels & Holder Bias

It’s no secret that slab labels affect bidding, and I’ve learned not to dismiss ICG or ANACS outright. While some collectors avoid them, their holders can hide real gems. That 1924-D cent? Without the spotting, it might have graded AU-58 at PCGS. Even in the ICG holder, it was undervalued. ANACS coins like that USPI 20 Centavos often grade accurately and sell cheap. My advice? Always judge the coin itself. Look for strong luster, minimal problems, and overall eye appeal. If you plan to resell, target collectors who want to fill sets affordably rather than chasing top-tier slabs.

Practical Tips for Smarter Bidding

Based on my auction adventures, here’s how to boost your chances and avoid becoming a “bidiot”:

• Seek out overlooked areas: Older silver coins, world issues, or details-graded pieces often see less competition. I find these far more appealing than chasing flashy proofs.
• Don’t fear minor flaws: Spotting or unusual toning can scare off bidders but might not hurt resale if priced right – eBay’s great for finding niche buyers who appreciate them.
• Use CDN values as your guide: Check them religiously, but aim to bid below for profit potential. That $72 Crossing the Delaware quarter? A steal against CDN $30-40.
• Watch the auction calendar: Bidding dips during major events – that’s your moment to strike.

My Take & Parting Thoughts

I’ll be honest, Lincoln cents beyond proofs aren’t usually my thing. But if I were diving in, I’d focus on coins like the 1924-D or older silver pieces. For me, it’s about buying what I love while keeping an eye on value – saving my budget for coins with solid fundamentals and room to profit. The truth is, GreatCollections offers more flipping chances than many realize. Stay disciplined, ignore the herd, and you’ll uncover those overlooked gems that make collecting so rewarding.