Retail value versus dealer offer versus auction proceeds
Why the number in a guide may be very different from the check you receive.
Retail guides are references
Published numismatic guide prices often represent dealer retail markets and may assume a certified grade. The PCGS guide specifically applies to PCGS-graded coins.
Dealer offers are wholesale
A dealer who purchases your coins assumes resale risk and business costs. The American Numismatic Association cautions sellers not to expect retail prices in a dealer offer.
Compare net proceeds
Auction prices are not take-home amounts. Deduct seller commissions, transport, insurance and other agreed costs, and account for time until payment.
Compare like with like
Verify denomination, date, mintmark, variety, authentication, grade, holder and recent realized sale date before treating a comparable sale as relevant.
How to find better eBay comparison prices
Search for the exact coin denomination, year and mintmark, then limit your analysis to coins with comparable condition, certification and any distinctive variety. Prefer sold listings over active asking prices. If available to you, eBay Seller Hub Product Research reports actual accepted-offer prices and extends beyond the normal sold-listing window.
Record at least a few meaningful comparisons, their dates and the source link in your free inventory. If a coin is ungraded, do not compare it to a top-grade slabbed example. If there are no close comparisons, mark the price unknown and consider specialist advice instead of guessing.
Further resources
American Numismatic Association FAQs · PCGS price guide · FBI coin scam warning