Asking about a coin before buying?

[Joe Sermarini]

Our regular members know that we do not allow "screening" purchases here. What we usually mean by "screening" is asking for authentication. Nobody should be basing their purchasing decisions on opinions given here based on a photo alone. We want to teach new collectors and remind more experienced collectors to be smart - either know the coin is genuine or know the dealer is reputable with a guarantee of authenticity.

Another thing we don't do is give advice on prices. First, advice on prices always seems to turn into a race to the bottom. Someone who thinks that the price should be the same as it was ten years ago gives their opinion. Then some brags about how they once bought a similar coin from an auction for some ridiculously low price. Then someone who lives in Bulgaria says they can get the coin for a $1. (I am not making this up – before the rule, this happened, again and again.) But the main reason we don't talk about prices here is that it is boring. There are some collectors, especially new collectors, whose main focus is not numismatics or history, it is bargain hunting. This is not the place for them, or rather, this is the place we hope to refocus them.

If someone asks a thoughtful numismatic question; however, we should answer it, even if they mention they are considering a purchase.

[Arminius]

 

[Bill W4]

Thanks Joe.  That needed doing.  Bill

[Joe Sermarini]

P.S. When you think someone is screening a purchase or talking about prices, unless you are a moderator, please do not attempt to correct them. Please just report the post to the moderator using the link in the lower right side of the post.