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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,644 |
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Valued Member
United States
84 Posts |
I tried searching this on this forum, and couldn't find anything, so....
I'm curious how to know if a coin appraised or certified at a certain condition is actually authentic. For example if a coin is in a holder with a label that says it's MS-63, is there something on the label that can be cross examined to know that this rating was made by someone who is qualified. My concern is buying a coin labeled at a certain condition (and I'm not quite at the ability to distinguish from one level to the next), then taking it to a third party at any point, be it resale or trade, and have them tell me that it's a grade or two lower that what the label says. Anybody could recreate a label and say an MS-63 coin is an MS-64 or 65, and be able to fool all but those with a highly trained eye.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
 to CCF. Are you referring to one of the top three graders,PCGS,NGC and ANACS or just a coin in a 2x2 holder? If it's in a slabbed TPG holder the grade and authenticity should be fine. John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
United Arab Emirates
557 Posts |
to CCF Dusto5. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
Knowledge is power and I think the best way to make a potentially expensive purchase is to learn about it first. Research your particular coin here and other places to become familiar with the item. You will also learn that even the top tier grading services are fallible (PCGS, NCG, ANACS). You are correct that there are many questionable slabs out there so my best piece of advice would be to learn as much as you can prior to a purchase. Posting here is a great source of knowledge as well and I personally hold the opinions of this group as a whole above even the top slabbing service. |
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Valued Member
 United States
84 Posts |
Cool, thanks guys! I'm really getting into coins and silver, and want to make as few rookie mistakes as possible. I don't have ALOT of money to throw around, but what I do have I want to make count. I've been buying alot of Silver Eagles, but want to start getting into Morgans. Lots of key dates, lots of variation in value from one grade to the next.
What you are refering to as PCGS, NGC, and ANACS, these initials should be on the label somewhere?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
They are what a lot of people consider to be the most reputable third party grading services ( TPG). Pcgs.com, ngccoin.com and anacs.com. However, and I cannot stress this enough, learn your coins first and buy the coin, not the plastic. While these graders are pretty consistent, there could be other things going on with the coin that makes it less desirable. |
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Valued Member
United States
84 Posts |
OK, I'm seeing the initials of the grading entities now, cool. Thanks again.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
Dusto5...welcome to the Community. Just to emphasize what has already been said, learn about the coins first before you start buying expensive coins. With Morgan dollars there are a lot of things you need to look at besides the "number" on the slab (the plastic, sealed container that the TPG puts the coin in is called a slab). Color, toning, strike, "look" of the coin can all have a big impact on the value despite the number grade assigned. Look at lots of coins first, here, on other websites, on the TPG websites and especially in hand if you can get to a coin show near where you live. Morgans are a great coin to collect, possibly the most popular of all the US coins.Learn first and buy second. Remember also, in my humble opinion, a problem coin will always be a problem coin so do not be seduced if it has a lower price tag. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1704 Posts |
To CCF! I would recommend you invest in a copy of A Guide Book of Morgan silver dollars, A History and Price Guide by Q. David Bowers. It is published by Whitman Publishing. It details by year the information about strike characteristics and varieties plus more that is invaluable if you are going to collect the types of Morgan dollars you say you want to. Quote:Look at lots of coins first, here, on other websites, on the TPG websites and especially in hand if you can get to a coin show near where you live. Morgans are a great coin to collect, possibly the most popular of all the US coins. Learn first and buy second.  There is no better way to learn than hands on and attending coin shows will expose you to the greatest number of Morgans in one location you can see. Also, you will be able to ask questions of the dealers who specialize in these coins. Ed ANA LM-3175 |
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Pillar of the Community
861 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3755 Posts |
ICG is another TPG that the others tend to not mention. And most of these folks will poo poo it. But it IS a decent company. Otherwise, as mentioned, learn how to grade coins on your own. A handy book and worth every penny is this one... http://www.amazon.com/Official-Amer...p/0794819931That will go a long way towards teaching you what to look for regardless of what the grade on the slab is. |
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
ICG is perceived as perhaps a bit optimistic with their grading sometimes, but their ability to authenticate is absolutely not in question.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,644 |
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Posted 11/23/2012 11:38 am
