At some auctions, a substantial number of coins belong to the auction company itself.
Many coins have reserves and the auction company only makes a profit if they meet reserve and these coins actually sell.
Bidding on the Internet can "show your hand" too early.
Reliance on live online bidding is dependent on internet connections and can be unreliable.
Images and descriptions do not always tell you what you really need to know.

For these and many other reasons, having your own unbiased expert is well worth a customary fee. Many of the most active buyers use an agent. Having an auction company represent you directly is not as "free" as it seems.

Benefits of representation are numerous.

You avoid telling the owner how much you will bid or which lots interest you.
You can have bids exercised from the floor where you have the last word.
You avoid technical glitches and delays that cause lots to close before you can bid.
You can get independent and knowledable descriptions of lots you are pursuing from a full time experienced dealer.
Knowing what it takes to win a lot in advance is a highly specialized skill. Very few possess the ability to predict where a lot will end.

If you are selling your collection at auction, do you need representation?

YES YOU DO!

And here's why.

Auction payouts vary widely. Do you really know what a good deal is?
Placement in the catalog can make a difference in results.
Determining when and what to reserve, and when you have that option, is beyond most collectorsâ€™ ability. Many dealers do not grasp these fine points.
Do you know how to prepare you collection for auction? Evaluating lot descriptions as fair and knowing what portion of a page each lot deserves. Do you know when you should receive a full page or when to request one?
Different Auction Companies have Different strengths, with different kinds of collections. Do you know which is which?
Some auction venues are better than others.
When lots go off in the session, and which session, can have an impact on how your lots do. Have you seen an auction room at 11PM?
Do you understand the difference between a pre-show auction and the show auction? Do you know what an in-house sale is and how it relates to show sales? Do you understand why some auction venues are preferred over others?

For these and many other reasons having an unbiased auction expert handle your consignment is well worth a small percentage fee.

And here's why:

The increase in payout alone may cover your advocate expense.
Proper placement and description can add several bids to a lot.
Having your coins with the right company and the right venue can dramatically increase results.
Having the correct reserves and knowing when not to have reserves can protect you on the downside and increase your return on the upside.
Avoiding selling your collection at the wrong time can greatly improve your return or keep you from having a bad experience.

The Auction Game is a lot more complicated than it looks. A qualified and experienced auction advocate will earn his fee and increase your bottom line as well. Harry's qualifications to provide these services are extensive. In addition to being a PNG member for 15 years and a life member with the ANA. He has specific experience that enables him to considerably improve your auction results.

Harry has been buying and selling quality US coins for 30 years. Conservatively speaking, he has personally bought and sold over 250 million dollars worth of coins. The value of coins inspected at shows, auctions, and for consultation is many times that number.

Harry buys and sells millions of dollars worth of coins every year with the top auction houses. He knows how each house works and what is possible at each auction house.

Harry has either bid live or posted over a $100 million in coin auction bids over the last ten years alone.

He is an active consignor to almost every major sale, and knows the ins and outs of consigning a collection as good as anyone in the business.

Harry has consulted with many of the major auction houses, having his suggestions become accepted practice.

Collectors and even dealers who are relatively knowledgeable about coins; make predictable mistakes that cost them or their clients thousands or tens of thousands of dollars...do not let this happen to you.

Avoid potentially expensive conflict of interest, and have a knowledgeable expert guide you through the maze of auctioning your collection. Call us today 800-869-1869 to find out if you qualify and how we can help.