I was in an antique store yesterday. They had a bucket full of rolled wheat pennies for 2.50 a roll. Is that a good price or too much? They are all sorted, 1951 D and so on. Thanks
Well, that's a nickel apiece. Off the top of my head, assuming average circulated coins, that might be ok for pre-WWII dates, not so much for the 40's and 50's. It really depends on what you're looking/hoping for.
If you've done "comps", you'll find the circulated rolls often starting at a price more than double the price you've quoted. If I was searching for cent rolls, I'd be a buyer! It doesn't sound like a bad purchase price! JMHO
My LCS buys wheat cents at three cents a piece. If they are before 1940 in date it’s a screaming deal. For wheats 1940 and above, it’s an average price.
I paid three cents years ago for bulk. And while I don't think these commodities are the types that necessarily would be vulnerable to inflation, they are sorted dates and marks, and that took time and effort you'd be getting a windfall on if you were paying at that bulk rate. So I'd think the rate is fair.
If these were not picked over (and they probably were, but who knows?) I would check the Cherry Pickers Guide for mintmark variations and buy every roll that matched the Guide. Sorted cents are well worth the asking price.
The others here have provided good input regarding the price/value. But there is a fun factor, and if you put together a roll set of LWCs, this might be an easier way to go about it. If you are a variety hunter, then that might boost the fun factor and potential return on investment (value). I'd probably do that deal for the Variety Factor for D and S mint rolls.
At most a mighty find. If you perhaps find something none other Identified, by the previous searchers.
I have not went over them as of yet. I like the old wheat pennies. I have some but I thought I will grab a few rolls. I may go back and look through them to see if there are any pre 40 rolls. Or a 55 D roll just to see.
There use to be a short term prison back east that used nonviolent inmates to sort the year and mm as "work duty" for the prison boss who resold them to dealers at much higher prices. Such a dealer offered to me at a even higher price and I passed. 1963 I think. Jim
Don't bother, I have all the ones worth salvaging.. lol. Seriously though, I would have bought them at that price just for the adventure.. I'm used to being disappointed. I have gallons of them hoarded.
As CRH enthusiasts know, the thrill of the hunt is what drives them. Finding stuff is the cherry-on-top. The price here is reasonable and the opportunity to find a variety of two improved. The fun factor is worth it in my opinion.
