When To Certify A Coin?

The retail value needs to be at least $100 to justify slabbing a coin.
John1

Short answer... never.

I used to think $250 would be a minimum, but then figured if I am spending $250 on a little metal disc shouldn't I educate myself to the point where I know what it is I'm buying - without paying a stranger to do think for me?

I also prefer my coins accessible to handle, rather than be encased in a plastic coffin.

I disagree.
My level is at least $200.
People tend to forget S&H and considering that they are generally shipped Registered both ways that's a big added cost.

And I see 4 reasons for getting coins slabbed; this is my high to low priority order.
1. Authentication - is the coin what it appears to be; not a fake or counterfeit.
2. Originality - has the coin been cleaned or altered
3. Grade
4. Conservation - avoiding environmental impacts but there are other as good or better ways to do this.

Actually there is sometimes a 5th reason.
5. Sentimentality - in memory of a person that was close to you.

It was an S/CC before it was slabbed as well, so that isn't a reason except it does make it easier to sell to someone that doesn't really know what he is buying, but who CAN read slabs.

I agree. I doubt I would ever send a coin off to be certified.

However, buying a certified coin for the right price (the value of the coin only) is totally okay.

As for the s/cc there is a remnant "c" to the right of the "s" that is the removed CC from the San Francisco mint die back in 1875. The second photograph shows it but there is also a bag mark that partially obscures it. That is why I had it certified.