We admire innovation in coin auctions, and Southwest Bullion and Coin is doing just that with mystery lots containing slabbed coins by NGC and PCGS. We asked auctioneer Justin Quinn about the practice.

“The idea of mystery lots has always intrigued me personally,” Quinn says. “I see them as a treasure hunt of sorts and a way to spark a particular interest. Coin collecting is an adventure to me, and I have found great enjoyment in finding surprise coins in a group of unsuspecting pieces.”

Quinn wanted to bring excitement to the coin auction platform “and rekindle the joy found in collecting, rather than just doing a cold transaction based on buying and selling coins for a profit. I generally like to include a few silver pieces in most mystery lots, and usually put quite a few high grade pre-65 graded coins in every box as well.”

“I think the idea of finding so called ‘old coins’ in an unnamed group is always fun,” he adds. “Every mystery lot includes a good mixture of things with no duplicate coins, as I think variety is very important in any situation.”

Southwest Bullion has sold numerous mystery lots and plans to continue the practice. The company also features 0% buyer’s fee, has good pictures and descriptions, and ships inexpensively.

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.

Justin Quinn
Auctioneer
Southwest Bullion & Coin Inc.