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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,256 |
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New Member
United States
15 Posts |
Hi again, I feel kinda stupid asking so many questions, but if I'm ever going to learn I guess I have to. So here it is. If buying say Morgan or Peace dollars, is it better to purchase slabbed and graded coins like ANACS, NGC, or are coins that are in those cardboard holders with fine to very fine type grades a better deal? I prefer slabbed coins because of the holder but other than that is there an advantage to those over the others? Thanks again, there sure is a lot of info to try suck in. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1267 Posts |
For those new to the hobby, I always recommend buying a couple of slabbed examples first. That way you get an idea of how to grade and learn what unmessed with coins look like. When you become more comfortable within your series you can start to consider raw if that appeals to you. JMHO.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
I am with hadleydog on this one, I always recommend new collectors to stick with PCGS/NGC/ANACS until they feel comfortable grading for themself then they can judge for themself what they think the coin in the cardboard 2x2 or bottom feeder slab really grades and pay accordingly
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7123 Posts |
I think its best to learn first ,,a little bit of time spent in the books before purchasing can go along ways toward not getting burned .
you know this hobby is really about 75% study and 25% buying coins and adding to your collection at least in the first several years .
if the percentages are reversed then that will produce its own set of problems eventually even if buying slabbed examples .
I suggest buy a few books first and then after getting some knowledge then start looking for coins utilizing that knowledge slabbed if that what you like or raw if thats what you like .
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New Member
 United States
15 Posts |
That makes sense. I had planned on a couple of books to help me answer my questions anyway since I have so many. Thanks! So far other than a 1909 Lincoln Penny and a 1959 Franklin half all my coins are slabbed and graded. I figure it'll take some time learning what to look for. Thanks for the suggestions! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
812 Posts |
It depends what your coin collecting interests are. If you are collecting $1000+ key dates or coins whose value depends on them being MS-70 (or 69 or whatever), purchasing slabbed coins is very wise. If you are filling a Lincoln Cent album, I recommend that you purchase them raw. Slabbed coins are easier to sell for better prices and they do provide a degree of protection. I collect "classic" circulated coins and being able to touch the coins in my collection is an important element of the enjoyment for me. It would bother me if I were the first to touch them, but they've all been touched before. They are pieces of history. I do occasionally buy slabbed coins, but they don't stay in their plastic cases for very long. |
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New Member
United States
15 Posts |
Thanks Bilbo, Thats a perspective I hadn't considered before. It's kinda like owning an antique knife and wondering who owned it over the years, where it's been, that kinda thing, as apposed to buying a custom built one of a kind that just sits in the case and only comes out with gloves on. You've givin me a new way of approaching my collection. Oddly enough it is very similar to my other collections, what to collect, how, and for what purpose. As much as I'd like to have one of everything, thats most certainly not realistic. Now I just need to narrow my list and (the hard part) stick to it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1130 Posts |
Until you can tell the difference between original and cleaned/altered and also grade from pictures, stick with certified coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2443 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
61 Posts |
Hi.... Unless you are buying low grade coins for a date/MM set I would say buy slabbed coins. But, DO NOT (except in rare instances), pay much higher prices than current Trends prices. Buy the coin...not the slab. Advantage of slabs is: (1) coin protection, (2) About 98% of slabbed coins are graded properly, and (3) future ease of resale if you have to sell the coin. Just my humble opinion......  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
666 Posts |
Don't think anyone mentioned here yet, but there are only certain Graders that are worth considering otherwise the grade on the slab is meaningless. PCGS, NGC, ANACS, PCI... those are good ones... all the others in my book are trash.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6326 Posts |
goldman1.....Everything has already been said perfectly of course ! Some good educational books:Official RedBook for all U.S. CoinsRedbook Morgan Dollars Quote:The 2nd edition contains updated pricing information and a new chapter on Silver Dollar Patterns. Author Q. David Bowers, dean of American numismatic writers, gives readers an in-depth look at Morgan dollars in the first of a series of specialized Red Books. Dave introduces you to the people involved and takes you to the places where these popular coins were struck. Every date and mintmark combination is addressed individually with collecting tips, mintage figures, market values, population reports, rarity, varieties and striking characteristics. This book is a must for any Morgan dollar collector. Illustrated, 288 pages, softbound." Cherrypickers Guide Quote: CherryPickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties of U.S. Coins 4th ed. Vol II/Stanton-Fivaz (Spiral) Redbook United States Type Coins ... Quote:
The book lists coins that have traditionally been considered as major types. A "type" is defined by having its own distinct elements of design.
In all, there are nearly 200 named coin types. Every single coin type has genuinely valuable information for the numismatist. A full page is devoted to most coin types
Quote:Official ANA Grading Standards 6th Ed./ANA (Spiral) After being out of print for over 2 years, and thousands of requests later, ANA has finally revised the Official ANA Grading Standards book. With 350+ pages, this book defines grading standards for each U.S. series from 1793 to the present and features easy-to-follow text and photographs. The book includes a 16-page full color section that identifies techniques used in addition to the grade number to use when adding to your collection. The ANA Grading Guide is considered to be a "must have" for both the beginning and experienced coin collector.
Edited by eaglefoot
09/03/2008 4:51 pm
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,256 |
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Posted 08/21/2008 12:38 pm
