Not all of Stack's reserve bids are "high". You can definitely get some great deals. It is the consignors, not Stack's, who set the reserves. Count me as a fan. The complaint about Stack's slow service is true, but they have thousands of orders to ship after an auction. The other big collectibles auctions firms are not much faster.

I am bidding in today's Stack's coin auction. If history repeats itself, some desirable items will be had at bargain wholesale prices, but others will realize retail on steroids. That is the fun of a Stack's auction. I believe that Stack's Bowers is owned by a corporate giant that also owns several other coin firms, such as Teletrade and Spectrum. Thus, Stack's Bowers is probably more financially stable than are most firms in this tough industry.

I have been dealing with Stack's Bowers since they first started. I have generally been satisfied. My main gripes are high reserve bids and their distrust that forces me wait up to two months to receive my auction purchases after my check clears. The other auction firms with whom I deal ship my winnings before they even receive my checks!