We marvel at this auction house that lists so many lots as “rare key date,” wondering what would happen if he actually listed a rare key date. Well, he did. And the language suffered for it.
“Very Fine Very Rare Key Date,” read the lot descriptions for common Type I Buffalo Nickels in low condition, worth only about $25-$50 each on a good day. Then came the 1913-S Type II, a real key date. And the description? “Very Fine Very Rarest Key Date!”
The lot description should have read: “VF Key Date.”
No need to use “rare” with “key date.” All key dates are rare.
Better still, spend some time describing condition, including acid-treated Buffalo nickels, if appropriate.
The more you hype, the less buyers with numismatic experience will trust your events.
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.