The History of NumisBid

The first version of our on-line auction branded NumisBid in 2008. The updated version of NumisBid moving to a no-reserve model specialising in PCGS-graded coins in 2011. Integration of NumisBid with our on-line shop happened in 2014. The integration continued with NumisBid taking over as our main website in 2016. A move to a streamlined look started in 2017 and continued until 2022. Our move towards an on-line marketplace for coins with less regular auctions began in 2021 and saw a website update in 2022. In 2023 we began our rebrand towards a sand/birch colour scheme while continuing with our marketplace + auction model. Our 2025 rebrand of NumisBid saw the Blue Sheet integrated into the site and a move towards direct-listing auctions instead of our existing consignment model.

NumisBid's origins began in 2004 when Walter Eigner began selling coins on eBay in July of 2004. Within a short space of time, he built a strong and stable reputation on the platform. Leveraging this reputation for accurately graded coins, Walter built Walter Eigner On-Line Coin Auctions coin auctions in 2006 which was later rebranded as NumisBid in 2008 with a vision to create a low-commission marketplace for rare Australian coins with the same guarantees that you would get from any auction house or dealer.

In 2011, NumisBid migrated to a no-reserve auction model specialising in PCGS and NGC certified coins. This helped guarantee our vendors' coins would sell while achieving strong prices thanks to the certainty of quality afforded by third-party certification overcoming the main hurdle of grading from photos inherent to on-line coin trading.

In 2013, NumisBid incorporated as Walter Eigner Pty Ltd which in turn became a PCGS registered dealer. Over 50,000 coins have passed through NumisBid including key Australian rarities such as 1930 pennies in AU50, XF45, and VF35, an 1855 Half Sovereign in XF45, the finest known Roman 'I' 1864 Half Sovereign (PCGS MS63), the finest known 1881-S Half Sovereign (PCGS MS63), and the finest known 1935 proof penny and half penny pair (PCGS PR66RB and PR66RD respectively).

In 2014, NumisBid merged with the Walter Eigner Numismatics on-line shop, integrating the on-line shop as buy-it-now functionality in NumisBid.

In 2021, NumisBid moved towards a marketplace model where sellers can list their certified coins directly as long as the coins were stored with us.

In 2024, NumisBid moved to a direct listing model where approved sellers can list their coins directly on NumisBid without having to ship the coins to us further decreasing margins between buyers and sellers. Buyers are still protected from fake and misdescribed coins through a combination of strict seller approval and regular checks on listings by trained numismatists. Learn more about selling on NumisBid.

Thanks to the Wayback machine for the invaluable preview of past versions of our websites.