Do You Collect Coins Or Plastic Slabs?

I collect coins, and don't currently possess any slabs. I'd rather learn to grade myself than trust someone I've never met to do it for me.

That being said, I will likely purchase some key date coins in slabs, because they will be easier to sell should I ever decide to upgrade.

I would never buy a coin that I did not like regardless of what slab it was in or what grade a TPG assigned. That being said, I would however by a coin I liked regardless of the slab it is in. I used to despise slabs but I have recently come around and now most of the coins I purchase are housed in PCGS slabs. This is because one day I will be gone, and my children or wife will have the task of assessing my collection. Having the coin certified and graded will make it easier on them.

For lower end coins and/or coins purchased to fill holes in albums, I definitely prefer raw coins to slabbed. This includes some rather pricy Seated Liberty dollars, $20 gold pieces, etc.

As I've moved up to buying more expensive coins that are not part of specific sets, primarily as investments, I have only purchased slabbed coins from reputable dealers. This is partially to ensure authenticity (as much as possible) and partially to make the coins easier to sell down the road, if necessary (whether by me, my wife or our son).

I never buy a coin just for the slab, however. I've seen plenty of high grade slabbed coins that just look awful to me, due to spotting, drab toning, etc., and I'll only get a slabbed coin if its one I would be proud to own without the slab. As I said, the slab just adds a bit of security when buying more expensive coins.

If you want, you can see my current collection of slabbed coins here.

Yeah, my way of saying it is "I collect coins not plastic junk".

I really hope this silly trend fades quickly.

Well said!

2 Truths:

1.)It is not a silly trend that is going to end ever .......TPGs are now an integral part of collecting

2.) You will buy/own a slabbed coin in your collecting future. It is easy when buying $20-$50 coins, to say "I hate slabs and will never buy a slabbed coin, I would rather learn to grade myself." But the reality is, no matter how good you think you are, neither you nor I nor anyone else is going to drop $1000+ on a 1889cc, 1893s, 1909s vdb , 1877 IHC .... etc without it being slabbed. Not because we don't trust ourselves, but because evryone else is going to want a second opinion.

I must also state that in 90 years, people will REALLY care about the difference in your ms69 and ms70. Slabs.

Hahahhaaaaa.....