The Goals and Philosophy of Thomas Bush Numismatics-
Hello and welcome to my website. As the sole owner and only employee of Thomas Bush Numismatics you can be assured that you are always dealing with someone who cares about your satisfaction. My background is not that of a professional numismatist, but rather as a scientist. I have earned degrees in chemistry and biology and a PhD in molecular biology, which was followed by many years of experience in industry and academia. It was during this time that my deep interest in coinage was rekindled and in 1995 I began sharing a table at small, local shows. Over the years I have attended many auctions and larger shows, performed pre-lot screening for others, handled consignments, liquidated collections, contributed to the ANA monthly magazine Numismatist, written multiple articles for Coin Values magazine and have tried to be a positive and educational influence on the PCGS and NGC coin boards where I go by the user name of TomB. Currently, I have expanded my presence in numismatics in an attempt to help others obtain coinage that is consistent with what I value within the hobby-industry.
While I generally try to help collectors obtain cool numismatic related materials, there are some aspects of the hobby-industry that do not mesh well with my goals or strengths and would be better left for others. I should not be looked upon as a source of financial advice; I am not the best person to choose if you need someone to fly around the United States to view auction materials from coast-to-coast; I do not have the financial resources to obtain million dollar coinage or collections; and I will not knowingly buy or sell coinage with intentionally and significantly manipulated surfaces. No doubt there are other areas of the hobby-industry that can be serviced better through various dealers.
However, I endeavor to purchase coinage that makes me happy, satisfies my aesthetic requirements and represents what I believe to be very good value. In this respect I believe strongly that quality is what you value and in this instance that would mean original, attractive, problem-free coinage with superior eye appeal acquired at a fair price relative to the scarcity of the issue and difficulty to obtain in the desired grade range. There are times that I pay far more than what might be considered market value and other times that I will decline to handle an issue or example due to any number of factors. Ultimately, there is one major factor that influences the decision to list coins on this site and one principle that I attempt to adhere to-
* I will try to list coinage on this site only if the coinage would be welcome within my own collection.
* I attempt to treat others the way I would want to be treated.
Contact Information-
Thomas Bush Numismatics PO Box 2061 Pawcatuck, CT 06379
Orders are accepted by email or by private message via the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) coin discussion boards. The unique nature of numismatic inventory requires that orders be placed in good faith with an understanding and acceptance of the sales price and the ability to pay said price. Additionally, coins may be sold in person at shows.
PCGS and NGC certified coins are guaranteed authentic and execution of any guarantee associated with either certification company is strictly between the purchaser and the individual grading company.Non-certified coins are also guaranteed to be authentic United States Mint products.
Listed prices are based upon current market conditions, historical analysis and characteristics of the individual coin(s) in question.Listed prices include shipping and insurance within the United States unless otherwise specified. Payment is accepted in for the form of US Postal Service money order, bank check or money order, personal checks and credit card (via PayPal).Personal checks are accepted from known clients and may be accepted from others; however, shipment of inventory may be delayed until my bank indicates that payment has been made with good funds.Additionally, cash transactions may be carried out in person at shows. Timely payment (postmarked within one week if sent by mail or within three days of an order if by credit card) is expected and required. Inventory may be shipped on an “on approval” basis at the sole discretion of TB Numismatics. TB Numismatics retains title to all items until payment in good funds is received in full.
Numismatic items accepted in trade may be considered, but acceptance of such a method of payment will be at the sole discretion of TB Numismatics.The assigned value of any trade will be based upon a value agreed upon by TB Numismatics and the owner of such material.Offers to pay for inventory via trade should be made upon initial contact expressing interest in any listed item.
Numismatic inventory may be returned to TB Numismatics within seven (7) days of receipt for any reason provided that the inventory has not been altered or damaged in any manner, which includes but is not limited to damage to the coin itself or the PCGS or NGC holder that houses the coin. Inventory returned that has been paid for via credit card may have up to 3% of the purchase price retained by TB Numismatics as a fee in the event that such a fee is charged to TB Numismatics by any bank, credit card issuer or PayPal.Intent to return must be made within five (5) days of receipt of merchandise and must be mailed according to TB Numismatics method of shipping at the buyer’s expense.
Lay-a-way service is offered under certain circumstances and this service should be requested upon initial communication for any inventory item.Typically, 25% of the purchase price is required immediately followed by 25% payments by day 30, day 60 and day 90 after the service has been extended by TB Numismatics and accepted by both parties.The lay-a-way service requires that TB Numismatics maintain possession and title of the coin(s) until paid in full with good funds. A fee equal to 10% of the original purchase price will be assessed in the unlikely event that any lay-a-way service item is returned for refund, regardless of if payment has been made in full with good funds.
Disclaimer-
Although many areas of the coin market are amenable to third-party grading and authentication, such certification does not eliminate the inherent risks associated with the investment in, and grading of, coins. Grading is subjective in manner and grading standards have historically, and may again, fluctuate over time. Additionally, the various grading services may or may not adhere to the current ANA grading standards. As such, opinions as to the grade of a certified or uncertified coin may differ. Execution of any guarantee associated with a certification company is strictly between the purchaser and the individual grading company. NO OTHER REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE IS GIVEN EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.
