Would Like To Get My First Coin Graded. But $$$$$?

If you simply like the feel of a slab in your hands and the look of the them, here are a few of my homemade ones. Can do whatever I care with for the label. I use these for coins that might hold enough value to need better protection than a 2x2, but economically it may not make sense to submit them either. Obviously, I am only looking to impress myself, as I have no plans on selling these anytime ever. These are great for heirloom coins that hold a little value but I can let the kiddoes hold them and hear sorties without stressing too much.

If you are looking for more than a staple type 2x2 you can use an Air-Tite capsule. They also have plastic 2x2's and generic plastic slabs.
John1

Very soon I will put on the market the slabs on the photo at 1.5$ with choice of the inner by denomination. The second mini slab fit for the moment only from 1C to halves (this it is adjustable. We work to do in normal slab dimensions and the slabs cartable at 15$ for 36 slabs or only pages at 2.5$ each. everything is free PVC and ready for vacuum and ultrasonic seal.

A quick lesson in buying coins. It is extremely rare to find a seller who tells the honest truth in listings. They will mix up buzz words to fool the inexperienced.

'Choice gem uncirculated pq blast white mint luster' blah blah blah

High quality pictures is all you have to go by, period. Even this rule is difficult as even good large clear photos take education and experience to determine what is hiding in those photos.

Too much glare or light, looks shinny and new! Nope, hiding scratches and nicks.

Contrast turned up, so much detail! Nope, something hiding in the shadows.

All sorts of tricks. Once you start buying some coins and start comparing them to the photos when you have the coin in hand you will start to recognize what type of photos you can 'mostly' rely on.

Btw, an honest listing will list uncirculated coins in these categories:
BU/uncirculated = low mint state
Choice = mid mint state up to MS65
Gem = ms66 or above.

Now how many Gems do you see listed? What percentage are actual gems? Can we even get to 1%? Probably not.

Good luck, have fun, and use this site as I have for the past decade! It's a great site and hobby!

Be careful with those ebay wheat rolls too! I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on them. Now I have tons of worthless wheats and a few ok ones that need upgrading. They were fun but for the money, I just should have boaght the individual coins I wanted for much less.

You mentioned some key phrases that tell me you're going in the right direction...
Glad you came here...
fun...
happy...
But, that's the worst I've done so far as I learn...

Keep coming back...have fun...it'll make you happy as you learn.

Looking fwd to your many posts!
smat

Awww thanks so much!!!! That was very kind :) And yes, it's a really fun hobby even if I know absolutely nothing! lol. It's a whole new world to investigate!!!! I now feel like every single coin in my possession is a piece of treasure. It's fascinating! Have a great day! :)

@New: Grad what it is 3x the value of buy + grad fees. The rest go by private sell.