Getting coins graded... (whats the point?)

Being the Green horn collector I am, is there a real benefit to getting coins graded? The reason I ask is because I got a 1943-D Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar and a 1943-P Silver Nickel and was curious about if I should have them graded? Similarly when SHOULD I have a coin graded and what can I expect said grading to cost? Let alone who to go to to get grading done.

 

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Start by posting in here VERY GOOD images of both sides of your coins.
It should be easy for many of us to say "yes" or "no".
At that point if the answer is "yes" then someone can answer the rest of you post.

 

Unless the coin you want graded is of exceptional quality, don't waste your money. For that matter, are you able to determine coins of exceptional quality? I mean no snark or disrespect but there are many folks unable to find their bottom without a flashlight, and I ain't sayin' that you can or not, but before you entertain the thought of getting something graded you better be able to grade yourself. Otherwise........ya want it graded? Buy it graded.........

 

Good advice @ Green 18 , you can pick up lots of graded coins for less then the cost of grading at the top grades. I picked up 10 of the silver quarters that have cities and places on them for 5 bucks each in a lot buy at an auction. I was really happy with that deal . Just have to be always searching for those deals . I think you have to buy some kind of membership in order to get a price break on grading . Others will know more then me on this subject. Happy to have you here @ JimmyMcBritish on Coin Talk . Dillan

 

A rule of thumb, followed by myself and others, is if the coin is valued at $200 or more, then it should be graded. But that doesn't mean you should have it graded if the MS66 graded coin is $200, and your coin would grade an AU55.

So learning the basics of grading, coupled with the basics of valuation, and you'll 'know' if you should have a coin graded or not.

 

So then something like my SBA would be like VF-35 or EF 40?

 

Certainly not something that should be sent in for grading.

 

Well yeah, i mean its only worth like... Well a dollar. Just trying to get my bearings. The 1943-D Walking Liberty Silver Half Dollar and a 1943-P Silver Nickel haven't arrived yet so I cant post pictures.

 

When you do get them, you can start threads in the US Coin forum titled "1943-D Walking Liberty half dollar for grading" or something similar. You'll get more replies that way, as many of our grading experts look for threads that have titles like that.

 

Both very collectable coins. But not worth considering getting them certified unless they are very nice uncirculated examples.
A primary reason to certify your coins is if you are looking to sell an expensive coin, it gives a potential buyer more assurance that a coin is properly graded and authentic, thus it may sell more quickly and for a better price.

 

I only send a coin in to grade if it will increase what I can sell it by by at LEAST the cost of the grading. And I have to be pretty darn sure of that, or I just keep it raw.

 

Whats the general cost to get a coin graded?

 

It's like $15 to $20 to get it graded. When that number becomes more than 10 percent of the value of a coin it starts making it an undesirable proposition.

 

Also, be aware that depending on the coin you may get nowhere near what the listed value is in the price guide if/when you sell, even if it is graded.

 

I been a collector since way before anyone ever heard of a TPG. And I rather enjoy holding the history in my hands. That said, I also know my kids and grandkids are going to have to liquidate this stuff when I leave this party. I went about inventorying what I felt would carry an intrinsic value of about $300.00 or more and sent those pieces for grading. Only so my heirs could liquidate without too much fuss..... There is a whole religion that has developed around the TPG's. Grading a piece simply for gradings sake is foolish and a waste of hard earned money.

 

...or heirs?

Depending on the kids, could be either I guess....

 

Ha!! No more posts before coffee!!

 

Shipping and fees can make it way more expensive if you are only sending in 1-2 coins especially. If you send in a bulk order you can get it down to around that range but sending in 1-2 coins is expensive. Especially if you send to PCGS, I sent them 1 World coin and it ended up costing around $80-90 when we were done with my shipping, their shipping, grading fees, handling fee. Of course there are less expensive options like ICG and ANACS but I'm guessing it's a similar situation there where only sending in a coin or two gets pricey.

In general, non-expert graders, waste so much money on grading that they could use towards buying other coins.

 

Not worth it

 

Another advantage of TPG grading isn't the grading as such, but the authentication. Many (most?) collectors are better at grading than authentication. It's one thing to be off a step or two in grade; altogether different matter to miss a fake. And some fakes are really good.

As pointed-out by others, the coin has to be worth grading. However, sometimes "worth" goes beyond market value. For example, a coin may have sentimental value, and getting it graded can be satisfying even though purely economic considerations say don't do it.

Cal