question on PCGS online price quide

with that reply. Although I personally believe that the value of the + intermediate grade is somewhat silly given the subjective nature of grading to begin with ....





They are neither of those ... keep in mind that the PCGS price guide is just one of many 'guides' out there and by no means the definitive answer to the market value of a coin.

Other 'guides' could include the Red Book, Numismedia FMV, CDN (greysheet) and past auction prices. None of these 'guides' will match each other ... but an examination of multiple sources should enable the buyer or seller to establish a reasonable starting point for fair negotiations.

That said ... all bets are off when considering a truly quality coin with high demand/appeal ... in these cases the ultimate selling price might be many multiples (5x to 10x) of the 'guide' price ... as a specific example ...

Check out this 1918 Illinois (Lincoln) half dollar that is currently available in a Heritage auction ... note that the Numismedia FMV 'guide' for this coin in MS66 is $830 ... check out the current bid.


http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleN...8&lotNo=3816

Bottom line ... all guides are just that ... guides. True value is based on whatever someone is willing to pay.

David

Edited for spllegning

I think the eleven grades are fine- so long as the grading companies get it right. There is a huge difference in appeal between an MS-65 and an MS-67 or MS-68 coin. It's visible, real, and obvious. I think the problem most people have is that the bands get narrower and narrower for certain coins when big money is involved.

For instance an MS-67 or MS-68 sacagawea is easy to "make" - but unless you are an insider you'll never "make" such high grades submitting raw coins if the top pop grades are high dollar.