Proxiblog has given advice on photography and showcased some of the best on Proxibid. When and what order you post also can give you an edge.

Some houses consistently beat the competition both in the quality of photography and when and what they post first, to jump start bidding. For instance, Rolling M Auctions, Silvertowne, Western, Capitol Coin, Leonard Auction, Key Date Coins, Jewelry Exchange and Fox Valley post photos several weeks to a month in advance, knowing that collectors and buyers on Proxibid are looking for certain coins and will bid early and often to claim them.

We know it is difficult for small houses or even one- or two-person operations to photograph consignments and post the entire auction online in a timely manner. For those, we recommend photographing certain coins first and posting lesser lots later.

If you’re using a specific coin as your “header”–the photo that showcases your auction, as in this 1875-CC Trade Dollar by Silvertowne–then be sure to post that first. (Click picture to expand.)

Then follow with your most expensive or showcase lots. After those, coins slabbed by PCGS, NGC, ANACS, ICG. Then add all raw coins worth $200 or more, $100 or more, and finally $50 or less, including common proof and mint sets and modern commemoratives.

Certainly, there will be exceptions to these suggestions. Use your best judgment. The point is, those houses that post early and completely are going to snag bids on lots that you might plan on featuring. Get your best lots up as early as the largest houses, and you’ll see increased business on Proxibid.

Proxiblog is an independent entity with no connection to the auction portal Proxibid. Our intent is to uphold basic numismatic standards as established by the American Numismatic Association and the National Auctioneer Association and to ensure a pleasurable bidding experience not only on Proxibid but also on similar portals such as iCollector and AuctionZip.