Do you do the majority of your coin buying and selling in-person (shows, brick-and-mortar shops) or online? Why?

As my wildlife collection progresses, I am now into ancient coins. I buy more and more from very few dealers at major coin shows like Coin Expo in Toronto and Nuphilex in Montreal.

I also very much enjoy buying online from one of the largest numismatic shops in Europe: CGB in Paris. The shipping costs are very reasonable.

For my Charles Lindbergh collection, I have to buy mostly from the U.S. on eBay at very expensive shipping costs. I have no choice.

What I really need to do is attend at least one major U.S. show per year and go to Paris.

François Rufiange, Quebec City, Canada

I buy only very inexpensive coins online – nothing over $20. Not worth the risk.

As there are so few brick-and-mortar dealers near me, most of my buying is at shows. I have to see the coin in person before I make any significant investment. That may make me old and out-of-date, but I consider that the buyer’s prerogative.

Tim Welo, Address withheld

I do my numismatic transactions in-person. I prefer to verify the seller and the products I am dealing with. Too many people out there today trying to scam/cheat innocent people.

K.R., Germantown, Ohio

Primarily online auctions and online dealer sites. Because it is convenient, and because I only deal with trusted dealers whom I have done business with in the past. Both the online auctions and the online dealer sites provide excellent visual inspection of their coin(s). That said, I normally ask dealers to bring desired coin(s) to a regional show we are both attending so I can physically inspect the coin. I have been very satisfied with this approach and the results.

Lorne Lavertu, Herndon, Va.

I buy from a reputable dealer, GovMint. They treat me well and provide me updates on new and limited production coins. We also pass coin information to each other. It’s a pleasure to deal with Jim. Any issue I have had has been replaced to my satisfaction.

T. Kenyon, Pennsylvania

I have previously bought my coins online from RCTV.

Paul Rosenberger, Address withheld

I but most of my coins from a mail order house because there are no coin shows in lower Delaware.

Ken, Delaware

I expect since the COVID pandemic, most purchases are made online if my experience as a wholesaler is any indication. Many of my buyers have a strong web presence.

In turn, I purchase from individuals, at shows and at auction, bidding online.

As a collector, I have reached a point where I am most likely to find coins and currency I want to add to my collection in auctions.

Gary Burhop, Address withheld

I buy coins at physical and online auctions and coins and collections in person.

The auction houses are usually the best buys, except when you have collectors with their Red Books in hand, they usually overpay!

Jerry Remaley, Address withheld

Most of my lesser purchases are done at shows, especially when I am buying raw coins.

For the more expensive coins, I buy them at auction, either online or in person, where possible.

Roy Herbst, Address withheld

I live in a rural area, and there are few remaining small town shows anymore. I have to drive 50-plus miles to attend a show. I buy mostly online.

Jan Fox, Address withheld

I shop nearly all my coins from a trusted source online since I’m looking for three key/semi-key coins to complete two series. They need to be graded by one of the two major grading services and in a range of condition that suits my pocketbook. I’ve been looking for a long time. They’ve shown up time and again outside my range.

Thanks, great topic.

Horst, Address withheld

Online. I haven’t been to a coin show since COVID began. Also, there are no coin shops anywhere near me.

Mike Thorne, Address withheld