Buy or Sell?

When and Where to Buy and Sell Collectibles

The stamp, coin and collectibles markets are changing faster than ever. Due to the popularity of the internet, most millennials are are more interested to liquidate collections that they have inherited rather than collecting rare and commemorative items. Collectors need timely advice on which items will continue to increase in value, and which should be sold while they still hold value.

Trust companies, banks, law firms, museums and individuals have relied on Peter to garner the highest returns for numismatic, philatelic and other estate assets. Peter is not a dealer and not a buyer. Instead, he works strictly as a partner/agent on commission to realize the maximum value to benefit his client's estate, family or trust. He has a vested interest in obtaining the highest price for his clients.

Small stamp and coin shop dealers may mislead customers by underestimating an asset’s value. Dealers want to pay the least for your collection, and then sell it for the biggest profit. Peter is an agent who knows the markets and can get your assets graded, certified and auctioned for the best market value.

One essential sales tactic is knowing which dealers specialize in the category of collectibles that you have to sell. Most collections contain several different categories of collectibles. Buyers are usually interested in specialized collectibles. One buyer may offer top dollar for certain items, but overlook other valuable items. The trick is to divide collections into specialized categories and target those dealers who are most interested in each category. Peter knows how and where to sell these items to the most interested buyers for the best price.

For example:

Henry Ford Museum Collection   -   Valued at $1.7 million. Realized: $2.6 million

A large collection of stamps and coins estimated at $1.7 million was donated to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Peter traveled to Dearborn and spent a week certifying and grading the collection. He discovered several rare plate blocks and valuable colonial issues. The final sale yielded over $2.6 million.

Graham Philatelic Collection   -  Valued at $80,000. Realized: $308,000

This estate was offered $80,000 by a reputable, local stamp dealer, who was well known to the estate owners. Before accepting the offer, Boatman’s Bank asked Peter to examine the estate holdings. He saw that the collection was clearly undervalued, and he coordinated a national sealed bid sale of the estate, which yielded $308,000.

Paquet Gold Coin   -   Valued at $1,800. Realized: $59,000 

This family inherited a collection of coins, including four double eagle, $20 gold pieces. They were offered $1800 each for the gold coins, which was the standard price at that time. Peter took a closer look and determined that one of the coins was a rare 1861 Paquet double eagle. He strategically placed the coin at auction, where it sold for $59,000.

Da Vinci Painting  -   Valued at $65. Realized: $450 million

This wasn’t Peter’s discovery, but in 2018 art experts examined a painting that was selling for  $65. When they discovered that it was actually the work of Leonardo Da Vinci, it sold for $450 million. Peter didn’t find that one, and you may not have such luck either, but you’ll enjoy the weekly discoveries in Treasure Hunt, and perhaps, with Peter’s suggestions, you will find your own hidden treasures.