Where to Get the Best Price for a Roman Twelve Caesars Collection: eBay or Coin Shows? A Dealer’s Deep Dive into Selling Ancient Coins in 2025

The venue you choose to sell your collection can make or break your bottom line. So let’s get into it: the digital marketplace versus the traditional bourse floor.

I’ve spent nearly two decades as an online dealer, buying and selling ancient Roman coins — from common bronze asses to premium gold aurei — and I can tell you that the question of where to sell is every bit as important as what you’re selling. This question hit home recently when I revisited a remarkable forum thread by collector Robertson “Rob” Shinnick, known online as “lordmarcovan.” He shared his stunning Twelve Caesars collection with the community, then revealed he’d sold the entire set for $16,000. His experience is a perfect case study for comparing two of the most popular selling venues available to collectors today: eBay and coin shows.

Whether you’re selling a single Tiberius Tribute Penny or a complete set spanning from Julius Caesar to Domitian, understanding the nuances of each platform can mean the difference between a profitable sale and a frustrating loss. Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned, drawing on Rob’s experience and my own years navigating the ancient coin market.

Understanding the Twelve Caesars Collection: What Are We Actually Selling?

Before we compare selling venues, it’s worth understanding exactly what a Twelve Caesars collection entails — because the composition of the set directly impacts which method will yield the best results.

Rob’s collection, as of Fall 2025, was organized into three major sections covering the first twelve Roman emperors as chronicled by Suetonius:

Part I: The Julio-Claudian Dynasty

• Julius Caesar — Silver denarius, lifetime issue, 44 BC (Imperatorial era)
• Augustus — Silver cistophorus, Ephesus mint, ca. 25–20 BC
• Tiberius — Silver denarius, the famous “Tribute Penny,” ca. 14–37 AD
• Gaius (Caligula) — Bronze as, ca. 37–38 AD
• Claudius — Bronze sestertius, ca. 41–54 AD
• Nero — Gold aureus, ca. 54–68 AD

Part II: The Civil War Emperors (Year of the Four Emperors, 69 AD)

• Galba — Silver denarius, ca. 68–69 AD
• Otho — Silver denarius, 69 AD
• Vitellius — Silver denarius, 69 AD

Part III: The Flavian Dynasty

• Vespasian — Silver denarius, commemorative issue struck by Titus, ca. 80–81 AD
• Titus — Gold aureus, struck for the opening of the Colosseum, ca. 80 AD
• Domitian — Silver denarius as Caesar under Titus, ca. 80–81 AD

Rob noted that his total investment in this second Twelve Caesars collection was approximately $16,000, with the two gold aurei (Nero and Titus) commanding over $3,000 each. The Titus elephant aureus — commemorating the opening of the Colosseum — was his most expensive single piece at roughly $3,500. He sold the entire collection, minus the Vespasian denarius which he kept for sentimental reasons, to a longtime numismatic friend for $16,000. His profit? By his own admission, “slightly north of a hundred bucks.”

That’s a critical data point. A collection with roughly $16,000 in retail value sold wholesale for essentially break-even. Why? And could he have done better on eBay? Let’s find out.

eBay Fees: The Hidden Cost That Eats Your Profit

If you’re considering selling ancient coins on eBay, the first thing you need to understand is the fee structure — because it’s more complex and more expensive than most sellers realize.

As of 2025, eBay charges a final value fee of approximately 13.25% for most collectibles categories, including coins and paper money. On a $16,000 collection, that’s roughly $2,120 in eBay fees alone. But that’s not the full picture. Here’s the complete breakdown of costs you’ll face:

• Final Value Fee: ~13.25% of the total sale price (including shipping)
• Payment Processing (Managed Payments): Approximately 2.35% + $0.25 per transaction
• International Fees: If selling to overseas buyers (common with ancient coins), additional cross-border fees of ~1.5% may apply
• Promoted Listing Fees: Optional, but many sellers pay 2–10% extra to boost visibility
• Shipping Insurance: For a $16,000 shipment, expect to pay $50–$150+ for proper insurance
• Packaging Materials: Secure, professional packaging for ancient coins isn’t cheap — budget $20–$50

When you add it all up, the total cost of selling a $16,000 collection on eBay could easily reach $2,500–$3,000. That means Rob would have needed to sell his collection for $19,000+ just to net what he got from his private sale. And that’s assuming no returns, no buyer disputes, and no eBay seller performance penalties.

However — and this is the critical counterpoint — eBay’s massive buyer pool often drives prices significantly higher than wholesale. A complete Twelve Caesars collection with two gold aurei could potentially fetch $18,000–$22,000 or more on eBay, especially if marketed well with professional photography and detailed descriptions highlighting each coin’s eye appeal, strike, and provenance. The key question is whether the premium price outweighs the premium fees.

The eBay Fee Math for Individual Coins

Here’s where the calculus gets interesting. If Rob had sold his coins individually on eBay rather than as a set, the fee percentage would be the same, but the dynamics change:

1. High-value individual coins (the Nero aureus, Titus aureus, and Julius Caesar denarius) would each attract serious bidders and could potentially sell for strong prices, especially given their collectibility and historical significance
2. Mid-range coins (the Tiberius Tribute Penny, Augustus cistophorus, Vespasian denarius) would benefit from eBay’s massive search traffic and the built-in demand for recognizable types
3. Lower-value coins (the bronze asses and sestertii, the Galba, Otho, and Vitellius denarii) might not justify the fees if sold individually — a $400 coin with 15%+ in total fees nets only $340

My recommendation? If selling on eBay, group the lower-value coins into lots and sell the premium pieces individually. This maximizes your fee efficiency while still capturing the best prices for your key items.

Coin Show Etiquette: The Art of the Bourse Floor Deal

Now let’s talk about the other side of the equation: selling at coin shows. This is where Rob actually made his sale, and his experience illustrates both the advantages and limitations of the traditional bourse floor.

Coin shows operate on a fundamentally different economic model than eBay. Here’s what you need to know about the etiquette and mechanics of selling at a show:

The Dealer-to-Dealer Transaction

Rob sold his collection to a fellow dealer — his “oldest numismatic friend.” This is the most common type of high-value transaction at coin shows, and it follows an unwritten code of conduct:

• Present your coins professionally. Rob had his collection organized chronologically, with each coin properly identified and attributed. This level of presentation signals seriousness and expertise — it tells the buyer you understand the numismatic value of what you’re offering.
• Know your numbers. Rob crunched the numbers for his friend before the sale, providing a transparent accounting of what he had paid. This builds trust and speeds up negotiations considerably.
• Be willing to sell as a lot. Rob noted that selling the entire set in one go was “easier both logistically and emotionally” than breaking it up. Dealers at shows prefer lot purchases because they can offer a single price and avoid the hassle of piecemeal negotiations.
• Understand the dealer’s margin. A dealer buying at a show needs to resell at a profit. Expect offers in the range of 60–80% of retail for ancient coins, depending on the material, rarity, and current market demand.

Dealer Buy Prices: What to Expect

One of the most common complaints I hear from collectors is that dealer buy prices at shows are “too low.” But there’s a reason for this, and understanding it will help you set realistic expectations.

Dealers at coin shows face their own costs:

• Booth fees: $200–$1,000+ per show, depending on the event
• Travel and lodging: Especially for regional or national shows
• Inventory carrying costs: Capital tied up in stock that may sit for months
• Authentication risk: Ancient coins carry a higher risk of being counterfeit or misattributed, and dealers factor this into their offers
• Market risk: The dealer is betting that the market will hold or improve before they can resell

For a Twelve Caesars collection like Rob’s, a dealer might offer $12,000–$14,000 at a show, planning to retail the set for $18,000–$22,000. That margin covers their costs and provides a reasonable profit. Rob’s $16,000 private sale was actually above typical dealer buy pricing, largely because of the personal relationship involved.

Liquidity: How Fast Can You Turn Coins into Cash?

Liquidity — the speed at which you can convert your coins into cash — is a major differentiator between eBay and coin shows.

eBay Liquidity: Fast but Unpredictable

eBay offers relatively fast liquidity for ancient coins, especially if you price competitively. A well-listed ancient Roman coin with good photos and accurate attribution can sell within days. However, there are caveats:

• Auction format: 7-day auctions are standard, meaning you wait at least a week for payment
• Buy It Now: Faster, but you may leave money on the table
• Payment holds: New or infrequent sellers may face 21-day payment holds on eBay
• Return risk: eBay’s buyer-friendly return policy means you could have a coin returned weeks after sale, disrupting your cash flow

For a complete collection like Rob’s, eBay liquidity could take weeks to months if sold individually, or days to weeks if sold as a single lot with a Buy It Now price.

Coin Show Liquidity: Immediate but Limited

At a coin show, liquidity is essentially instantaneous. You walk up to a dealer’s table, negotiate a price, and walk away with cash or a check. For Rob, this was a major advantage — he needed to pay “some biggish bills” and couldn’t afford to wait.

However, coin show liquidity comes with a trade-off: limited buyer pool. At any given show, there may be only a handful of dealers interested in a complete Twelve Caesars collection, and even fewer willing to pay top dollar. If you’re in a hurry to sell, you may have to accept a lower offer.

Here’s a quick comparison:

• eBay: Potentially higher price, but slower and less certain
• Coin show: Immediate cash, but typically 20–40% below retail
• Private sale (Rob’s approach): Best of both worlds if you have the right buyer — fair price, immediate payment, and no fees

Online Reputation: The Currency You Can’t Buy

One factor that doesn’t get enough attention in the eBay vs. coin show debate is online reputation — and it cuts both ways.

Building Reputation on eBay

eBay’s feedback system is a double-edged sword. As a seller, your feedback score directly impacts your ability to command premium prices. A seller with 10,000+ positive feedback and a “Top Rated Seller” badge can often sell the same coin for 10–20% more than a seller with 100 feedback.

For ancient coins specifically, eBay reputation matters even more because of the counterfeit risk. Buyers are willing to pay more for coins from sellers they trust — particularly when the coins exhibit strong luster, an attractive patina, or a rare variety designation that requires expert verification. Building this reputation takes years, but it’s an asset that pays dividends on every sale.

Rob’s forum presence — his detailed posts, his video presentation, his willingness to share pricing information — is a form of reputation building that translates directly to selling power. When potential buyers can see your expertise and passion, they’re more confident in their purchases.

Reputation at Coin Shows

At coin shows, reputation is built face-to-face. Dealers who are known for fair dealing, accurate grading, and deep knowledge of their specialty attract better inventory and better prices. Rob’s relationship with his buyer — a “numismatic friend” to whom he “owes many favors” — is a perfect example of how personal reputation facilitates transactions.

The advantage of coin show reputation is that it’s immediate and tangible. A dealer can examine your coins in person, assess the strike and surface quality, and make a decision on the spot. There’s no waiting for feedback to accumulate or worrying about negative reviews.

The Hybrid Strategy: Getting the Best of Both Worlds

After years of selling ancient coins through every channel available, I’ve developed a hybrid strategy that I recommend to my clients. It combines the strengths of both eBay and coin shows while minimizing their weaknesses.

Step 1: Know Your Coins’ True Market Value

Before you sell anything, research recent auction results, dealer price guides, and completed eBay listings. Rob’s transparency about his costs — the $3,500 Titus aureus, the “essentially free” Tiberius Tribute Penny, the underwater Augustus cistophorus — gave him the knowledge to negotiate effectively. Understanding the numismatic value of each piece, not just what you paid, is essential.

Step 2: Separate Your Collection into Tiers

Divide your coins into three categories:

1. Premium pieces (retail value $1,000+): Sell these individually on eBay or through specialized ancient coin dealers like VCoins or MA-Shops. The fees are justified by the higher prices these platforms command, especially for coins in mint condition with exceptional eye appeal.
2. Mid-range pieces ($300–$1,000): Sell these as themed lots on eBay or offer them to dealers at shows. The Tiberius Tribute Penny, for example, has strong name recognition that drives eBay bidding.
3. Entry-level pieces (under $300): Sell these at coin shows or include them as “sweeteners” in larger deals. The fees on eBay would eat too much of your profit on these.

Step 3: Tap Into Your Network

Rob’s sale to a friend for $16,000 — essentially retail price with zero fees — is the ideal scenario. But it only works if you’ve spent years building relationships in the hobby. Join forums, attend shows, participate in online communities, and share your knowledge generously. The connections you make will pay off when it’s time to sell.

Step 4: Time Your Sale

The ancient coin market has seasonal fluctuations. Major shows like the New York International Numismatic Convention (January) and the Whitman Baltimore Coin Expo (March and November) attract serious buyers with deep pockets. Listing your coins on eBay in the weeks leading up to these shows can capitalize on increased demand.

Lessons from Rob’s Sale: What Every Collector Should Know

Rob’s experience selling his Twelve Caesars collection offers several valuable lessons for anyone considering selling ancient coins:

• Complete sets command a premium. A full Twelve Caesars collection is worth more than the sum of its parts because of the completeness and historical narrative it represents. Rob’s buyer paid $16,000 for the set — a price that would have been difficult to match by selling the coins individually at a show.
• Gold coins drive value. The two aurei (Nero and Titus) accounted for roughly half the collection’s total value. If you’re building a collection with resale in mind, prioritize high-quality gold coins — they’re always in demand and hold their value better than silver or bronze.
• Sentimental value has a price. Rob held back the Vespasian denarius for sentimental reasons. This is a reminder that not every decision should be purely financial. Sometimes keeping one special coin is worth more than the extra $200–$400 you might get for it.
• Honesty about costs builds trust. Rob’s willingness to share his actual costs — including his “serious math fail” in an earlier post — made him a trusted figure in the community. This trust directly facilitated his sale.
• Relationships matter more than platforms. The best sale Rob made wasn’t on eBay or at a show — it was to a friend. In the ancient coin world, personal relationships are the ultimate selling platform.

Conclusion: The Best Venue Is the One That Fits Your Goals

So, where should you sell your Roman Twelve Caesars collection — eBay or coin shows? The answer, as with most things in numismatics, is: it depends.

If you need cash quickly and want a hassle-free transaction, a coin show or private sale to a trusted buyer is your best bet. You’ll accept a lower price, but you’ll walk away with cash in hand and no fees, no shipping headaches, and no risk of buyer disputes.

If you’re willing to invest time and effort for a potentially higher return, eBay offers access to a global market of collectors who may pay premium prices for exceptional coins. Just be sure to factor in all the fees, invest in professional photography and descriptions that highlight each coin’s patina, luster, and strike quality, and build your seller reputation over time.

And if you’re fortunate enough to have a Rob Shinnick in your life — a knowledgeable, trustworthy buyer who appreciates the historical significance of what you’ve built — a private sale can give you the best of both worlds: fair pricing, zero fees, and the satisfaction of knowing your collection is going to someone who will cherish it as much as you did.

Rob put it best himself: “Any regrets I have are tempered by the enjoyment I had in building the set.” That’s the real value of a Twelve Caesars collection — not the $16,000 price tag, but the journey of assembling twelve coins that tell the story of Rome’s most dramatic century. Whether you sell on eBay, at a show, or to a friend, make sure you’ve enjoyed the ride.

Will Rob build a third Twelve Caesars collection? He says “dunno.” But knowing the passion he’s shown across two complete sets and over a decade of collecting, I wouldn’t bet against it.

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