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Replies: 11 / Views: 337 |
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Valued Member
United States
55 Posts |
Hello, esteemed coin collectors!
I've recently come to realize how valuable coin protection is. With shame, I admit that even my rarest coins had been raw until I bought some cardboard protective slabs; while I'm glad to protect some, I'm drowning in extra materials. What benefits are conferred from slabbing some less rare coins? Certainly it is protected against wear, but is there also increased value? Do buyers typically prefer slabbed or unslabbed? Any other recommendations regarding preservation or sellability would be appreciated :)
Thanks, all
RB
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Valued Member
United States
287 Posts |
Well, not to sound needy but if you decide you don't want or need any of them I am extremely willing to receive your excess. I really enjoy collecting but am not able to afford any on my budget even as inexpensive as people say they are. I am using paper towels and ziplock bags right now.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
37690 Posts |
FYI: you can not buy/sell/trade until reaching a certain amount of posts. Please read the rules. John1 
( I'm no pro, it's just my humble opinion ) Searched 5+ Million Cents Since 1971
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2743 Posts |
The term "slabbed" is not used with cardboard 2x2s. Those are not slabs. They are holders. You should put all your wanted coins in them if you're a new collector. They do not increase the value of the coin whatsoever. Getting a coin slabbed means spending a good amount of money to be able to send it to a TPG, such as PCGS, NGC, or ANACs, and getting a grade back.
"Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get." - Forrest Gump The concept of maturity is complex. While one's capacity to be mature can be correlated with age, someone's overall maturity and respect for life is not. Maturity is formed through experience and perception. Human progress can only be achieved through trial and error.
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Valued Member
United States
185 Posts |
If I understand what you mean by cardboard slabs, I think you mean 2x2s. The white squares with clear holes that you staple over your coins... If so, a coin in a 2x2 still counts as a "raw" coin. It is only a "slabbed" coin once it gets sent to a TPG and graded and nigh permanently encased in plastic. In terms of increased value, a 2x2 won't change a coin's value, and even a TPG slab just improves your odds of getting the right price for a coin's grade, it doesn't increase its value. However, having your coins in 2x2s will help prevent wear or damage and that can be super important in maintaining value
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Bedrock of the Community

United States
14859 Posts |
If what you want to do is sell your coins then yes , they should be in at least 2x2 cardboard holders . Bringing a key coin to a dealer with no holder at all is not very sensible . 
Proud Member of The Black Sheep Squadron ! In Memory of Fallen Black Sheep Mates .
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1723 Posts |
I agree, all your coins should at the very least be in cardboard 2x2 holders unless they are just random coins of no value (you just think they look pretty) or just over stock junk coins as some would call it. As a beginner I would stay away from trying to "slab" your coins by a TPG (Third party grading company). Unless you're referring to empty slabs that you can purchase to put your coins in. Even with those, they DO protect your coins well however it will not increase your value and take up a lot more space depending on the size of your collection.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
9571 Posts |
I'll just add to be sure and use a flat clinch stapler or flatten the staples with a small pair of pliers after the fact. and  to the CCF!
1883-O Nut
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Moderator

United States
95801 Posts |
 to the Community!
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
4004 Posts |
You can buy hard plastic cases for coins, if you want even more protection. Many companies offer them. Here in Canada, square hard plastic capsules from Lighthouse are popular. They cost quite a bit more than 2x2s and take up more space, though.
I put my 2x2 in plastic sheets for organizing and displaying, and that gives more protection, too.
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Valued Member
United States
55 Posts |
  Thanks for all the replies, and especially giving me a definitive "slabbed" definition! I'll be keeping these protective cases for now and keep on the lookout for coins which may require a bit more protection. I appreciate the warm welcome :) RB
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New Member
United States
30 Posts |
I prefer the clear 2x2's stored in appropriate boxes for accessibility for grading and fondling ... no accidental scratches with staples either.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 337 |
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