So I decided to buy my first graded coin today. Here's what it was. http://www.ebay.com/itm/180961051618?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649#ht_500wt_1203 Did I do OK on the buy? And do you guys prefer to buy graded coins or raw coins?
Ok, you did great, even with shipping, and I like the look of uncirc graded coins and their protection, but cost over melt, I bought a 1960 franklin ms-65, over paid, 30$, I wanted to flip it, now I just want to get my money back out of it to buy my third raw ase
I don't think it's too bad of a purchase, I mean it is a common coin but in a nice holder, old green PCGS, for under $15 yes! And I do prefer to buy slabbed coins
Theres a difference in what he bought and what you bought, he bought a proof, you bought a business strike from the sounds of it, modern proofs usually go for less than their business strike counterpart (in higher grades, 67,68,69). Not a bad price though and a green holder to boot, for the question, I prefer coins unslabbed.
Ahh, a proof in an old green holder, very nice. Careful, they are very addictive. Here is one of my recent proof green holders.
This may sound silly, but that is actually a highly desirable PCGS holder. Not only is it an OGH (old green holder), but it is also of the generation that has an outer plastic ring around the holder and it is the last generation that does not state PCGS on the front of the insert. You paid less than 2x melt, you will be fine.
This may sound mean, but it is fortunate that the plastic is worth more than the coin. I don't know anybody who is seeking a PR64 Franklin Half Dollar. @ the OP, forgive me for saying this, but it appears that you simply wanted to buy a graded coin for as cheap as you possibly could. For about $50, you could have purchased a PCGS PR67 CAMEO. The difference in quality between a PR64 and PR67 CAMEO is staggering. To me this coin is essentially silver bullion.
Here is how I would think of it: if this is a part of a larger thing you are doing (like a PCGS slabbed set of proof Franklins) I'd say good going- if it is just picking something up for no reason well not so good. I'd say focus buying on a larger goal. For example right now I like Ikes.
I think you did okay. But I don't believe in the "buy the best" meme. That made sense 50 years ago when there were fewer grades, smaller price differences between grades and big differences in the appearences between different grades. Today you have many grades (and more on the way) big price differences between grades and differences in appearences between grades that are so well hidden, it takes the amazing psychic powers of TPGs to find them.
