I know that some traders here like to trade X number for X number. Others prefer to trade based on catalog values. Under what circumstances is each approach prefered?
I am relatively new to Numista, but have not had any luck yet making a trade. When I say I want to trade based on catalog value, they decline to trade with me.
It's completely up to the swappers, whatever you can agree on. Catalogue value can be a bit arbitrary because it relies on both parties giving an accurate grading. there can be a big difference between a coin in F and a coin in VF or XF.
Personally I don't really check catalogue value too much, I just pick what I need from peoples swap lists and let them tell me if what I've seelcted is too high or too low for what they've selected.
If it is a rarer or more expensive coin I usually go by catalog value. If they are more common coins I go by number expecting them to average out in the long run. One thing that I do personally, and I don't know if anyone else does, is I keep track of what I paid for it. I have some coins that may have a higher catalog value, but if I got it out of the twenty cent bin it is not doing me any good as a duplicate and I am more willing to let it go. For example, in a recent trade I had a Australian half penny that was around $35.00, but I paid a quarter for it. So when my swapper wanted I figured why not?
I tend to go by value. The X number for X number doesn't really make a lot of sense for me. An uncirculated 2 euro is worth more than an uncirculated dollar which is worth more than an uncirculated rouble... (generally) so why would you trade 1 for 1 or 2 for 1. If the 2 euro is worth 5 $ and 2 1 dollar coins are worth 5$ then you swap that but it can change depending on the coin so why set arbitrary numbers?
I think 1 for 1 usually is the best. It's easy and requires minimum work for both parties. It also focuses on the coins, not the value - I collect because I like coins, not because I think it has a potential of making me rich in the distant future.
Sometimes I give more than I get. Sometimes I get more than I give. It evens out in the long run. Focus less on the money, more on the people and the hobby.
The exception being an unusually expensive coin, where the difference is bigger that the odd dollar here or there.
