After a couple of months of practice on
IHC coins in this forum and elsewhere, I feel fairly confident when grading circulated coins. At least I seem to be in the ballpark with the other graders who post here. However, it is a different story with mint state. No longer looking at wear, the differences in grades are a lot more subtle. Part of my lack of confidence is that a mistake in grade, depending on the coin, can get a lot more costly. Also I buy mostly from online auctions which can further complicate grading.
I realize that one solution is to buy certified coins. However, I am not a fan of slabs and have never bought a slabbed coin. I buy only raw coins because I have that uncontrollable urge to fill those holes in my Dansco. I guess the only exception will be when I get those key dates, and even then with great reluctance will I buy a slabbed coin.
This leaves me in a dilemma, and as a result I am extremely conservative in grading when buying any mint state coins. I am sure that I have missed out on some good buys because I am underbidding, but my motto is 'its better to be safe than sorry'. So far this strategy has served me well but I was just wondering if anyone else is in the same boat.
Posted 08/12/2011 6:30 pm
