Today is the first time I've really been presented the option of buying a CAC-certified coin. I understand the purpose behind the CAC sticker, but I'm curious if that justifies an increased premium on the coin? The coin in question (1945-D Mercury, MS66 FB) generally retails for ~$51.50 (an average of Heritage hammer prices over the past few months), while the dealer is asking $65. Does the CAC justify this much of a markup? If so, what is generally the maximum markup you'll pay for a CAC-certified coin?
CAC grade verified coins usually do command a premium . How much of a premium depends upon a few factors. With regards to the coin you purchased there should be nothing more than a " Slight " Premium , if any. Personally , I have paid premiums of a hundred to a couple of hundred dollars . In your case, is it worth the $13.50 to be assured that the assigned grade by the TPG assures that the coin is fully and accurately graded ? It's good insurance in today's market where many of the coins graded by TPG's are either over-graded or in another way a problem coin. Remember , think of this premium as a one time INSURANCE expenditure . A photo of the coin would be helpful here as well.
Well it is not true that all CAC certified coins command a premium. I have seen several that have commanded a premium and were worth it - but it was the coin, not the CAC sticker in my opinion. Just check out pricing on heritage - for CAC coins. Plus I bought one CAC certified coin from a dealer that was less than other dealers - that coin was a nice one also. Plus - not knocking CAC, but a few coins I have seen I did not think deserved little green beans. Anyway look at the coin, is the coin worth the premium? PS - I have seen several CAC coins command 30% to 50% more than the same grade non-cac coins. And I honestly believe they were worth it.
If you can tell with absolute certainty that any coin is graded 100% accurately , than you have no need of CAC. If you can't, well than there is a price to be paid for that service.
When I buy coins, if they are PCGS Secure or CAC, they are those things. I don't go out of my way to pay the premium. They don't do it for me.
I think it is worth $10 to $15 extra for the sticker. However, I also think it is worth paying $30 for the most common of coins slabbed by PCGS or NGC because thats about what it costs for the service excluding bulk submitted Moderns. I prefer $20 and like $10 too - Free is the best price!
Here is a recent purchase I made, and I certainly didn't mind paying a premium to have the added professional grade verification. The total number of CAC verified examples of this issue, in this grade is exactly 1 with under 6 in all higher grades. The premium I paid for this coin I considered the best possible insurance available against any dealer or individual who may suggest that the coin is of a lessor grade. The Photos as most times, don't adequately capture the real beauty this piece exhibits. The fields are absolutely mirror like . As a matter of fact , I could easily see this coin at two grades up . Stunning.
It is one of the best PRF. examples I've seen . If it weren't for the very very slight weakness on the reverse in a star , I would say it deserves a step up for sure.
I won't pay a premium because a coin has a CAC sticker. I will pay a premium for a nice coin which meets my grading criteria. Not all CAC coins do this and I have seen many unattractively toned coins with CAC stickers LOL. They are essentially a marketing tool for a pool of dealers / investors who do big ticket material where the markups are rather high.
