Provenance and checkpoints
In numismatics as in philately, Provenienz matters as much as the coin or stamp itself. Read the lot description: Schätzpreis, Limit or Ausruf, mentions of signiert or Gebrauchsspuren, and request the Zustandsbericht where available. Check authenticity, condition, restorations, signs of cleaning and, for coins, the stated metal and weight. A vaguely described lot resells poorly. Compare several auctions before bidding, as descriptions vary widely. Also consider the Nachverkauf: an unsold lot may remain available after the auction, sometimes at the starting price.
Fees, VAT and resale right
At German art auction houses, buyer's fees often range from 25 to 33%, and German VAT of 19% is added depending on the regime: VAT on top, VAT included or Differenzbesteuerung. On certain works, the resale right (Folgerecht) may apply. On liquidation platforms, fees are generally 15 to 20%. The price shown by Bidorado includes buyer's fees and VAT where known. An EU business with a valid intra-community VAT number can often buy without German VAT by providing proof of transport, depending on the seller. Read each seller's terms before bidding.
Bidding, collection or delivery
Sales are held in the room with live online bidding, or online for a limited time. An absentee bid remains possible if you cannot follow the auction. Many lots are for collection on site (nur Abholung); other sellers ship within Germany or the EU. For valuable coins and stamps, an export licence may be required outside the EU. Between Germany and another EU country, no customs duty applies; only delivery outside the EU (Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway) incurs import duties and VAT. An auction generally offers neither guarantee nor right of withdrawal.