Finding raw coin bargains

I
won the 1901-S Morgan dollar coin pictured with a $410 bid plus 15 percent
buyer’s fee, for a total price of $471.50. If I add my slabbing fees, the
overall cost is about $500.
I
sent it to PCGS and it graded Mint State 62, worth $725 retail. Recent auction
prices at that grade are about $600-625, so the effort was worthwhile.
But
what, specifically, does it take to win such a coin in online auctions?
First,
you have to trust the seller. I won this in a Feb. 17, 2017, Hibid.com session
conducted by Auctions by Wallace. Sheena Wallace is one of the best auctioneers
in the business. I have been bidding in her auctions for several years and
whenever I have a question about condition, she consults with a local
numismatist and gets me an answer.
Second,
you need to see clear photos. You can tell from the auction photo above that
Ms. Wallace provides excellent pictures so you can identify any flaws.
Third,
you must check auction prices for the coin on PCGS CoinFacts or other venue.
You must never bid retail on a coin by guessing the grade, even when viewing
clear photos of obverse and reverse. I bid $410 on this coin because that is
what MS-60 coins go for in auctions on eBay, GreatCollections and Heritage.
I
knew the coin was Mint State, but I also detected some marks along the chin.
But I needed this coin for my collection, so I placed an informed bid and won
it.
Uncirculated
1901-S Morgan dollars are rare finds in raw state. The mintage of 2,284,000 is
low, making it a semi-key. Value rises dramatically in MS-64, with recent
auction prices well above $1,500.