Poll: Have you ever knowingly sold a coin to someone well under the market value? Why?

On occasion, yes, I have sold items and even whole collections well under market value. When one loses interest in a particular collection, over time, it gathers dust, and in a way, I call it “sleeping money.”

I often say it is not fun to sell. It is a lot of work, and it takes many hours of my precious time. That is why I have not hesitated to sell part of my collection well under market prices. I get to a point where I just want to get rid of it.

Here is an example. About five years ago, I sold many of my Canadian municipal trade tokens to a dealer at about 40 percent of the market price. Two full boxes, double rows in mint condition. I had lost complete interest. It was sleeping money. I got a very nice $900 for it and used the money at Nuphilex a few months later to buy a very nice ancient coin. I was happy. Did I lose money? Yes and no.

Yes, obviously, but maybe not as much as I thought because many of these tokens were either given to me or were part of a bigger lot.

No, because I looked at the time and effort it would have taken me to sell all these tokens, and it was just not worth it. I did enjoy them, but only for a while.

I am getting older, and I know that my two daughters are not interested in my collections. So, I am being very vigilant in noting what part of my collection is actually “sleeping,” and I will not hesitate to try to get quickly 70-80 percent of its value at a local club auction for very little work. The way I see it, it is better than going to a dealer and getting 50 percent, and I give pleasure to other collectors.

François Rufiange, Quebec City, Canada

Yes, I have. When it comes to potential young numismatists, I always try to encourage them to get involved in the hobby. Generally, I have given them some coins if they were not too valuable, and if the coins were a bit more expensive, I have sold them below my costs.

Roy Herbst, Address withheld

I have given youth coins with an explanation of the coin's history and the coin collecting hobby's educational and fun aspects.

Name and Address withheld

Absolutely. New coin club members and YNs to encourage them to continue their collecting endeavors. I also buy ancient coin lots (nice ones) and give them out to YNs, along with the associated reference book(s) who show an interest in collecting ancient coins. In both cases, I love the awed expressions on their faces, especially when they say, “Really?!” I can afford and enjoy doing this and do so because old-time mentors in years past did the same with me.

Lorne Lavertu, Huntington, Va.

I sold a $30+ slabbed Ike dollar to a YN at one of our coin club coins shows for $3. It's all he had. It was my way of giving back to the hobby. The surprise on his face was worth every penny.

Gregory Mirsky, Merrick, N.Y.

I have sold to people at a low cost to get new customers. And also, by accident because I didn't do my research prior.

Name and Address withheld