Bidding War for an VRBS ROMA

[Victor]

I saw this auction on eBay and thought it was funny and sad. I have seen this type of stuff before and even been involved to a lesser degree. This coin is RIC VII Cyzicus 105 and though it is rated an r5 in RIC, it is nothing special. It is in decent condition and if you collected this type by RIC number, might bid this coin up a bit; but otherwise it seems like, at most, a $30 coin versus the $100 it sold for. It seems like a bidding war started though, with multiple bids by the same people...and one with very little feedback and probably less knowledge.The high bidder also bid multiple times, starting at 25 and bidding 5 more times up to 100.

[livingwater]

Unfortunately I have been emotionally swept up in a bidding war a few times and paid much more for a coin than it is worth.  Most have been very rare or EF.  I think my better buys I got below market value will balance out my foolish buys.  I collect more for enjoyment than investment, so as long as I don't overpay very often I'm happy.  Common worn coins do not appreciate much over time.  My nicer ones I assume will hold their value and appreciate some at least.  Ebay is a wild west where you can get good buys but for novice collectors they may pay several times over market value from greedy seller buy it now prices.