Gasp, gasp, gasp...yes, I'm still hyperventilating at the thought. My coin dealer, who I've known for several years, showed me Saturday a 1928 S MS 66 Merc dime with FSB graded by PCGS. He said that if I really wanted it, I could put it in lay-way, pay on it as I go. Naturally, he encouraged me to let him know as soon as possible for the coin may not be there for long. The coin is very attractive, and I must admit, I am very tempted. I have only three coins left in my Merc collection of at least F, being naturally the '16 D and the 42/1 varieties. Seeing as these probably won't be in my budget, I thought why not end the series with an example of perfection with a graded, FSB dime? Here's the problem though, I cannot for the life of me find the grading standards of the many popular coin companies out there in regards to Merc dimes. I checked PCGS, CAC, NGC, and ANACS without much avail. My concern is that each company may grade the dimes differently...may create a discrepencies in grade. Is this worry justifiable, or am I just being over precautious with my first officially graded coin? Is there a place where I can find common scheme that these graders use to grade the Merc Dimes? Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks. Brad P.S. Curious about my next series? I'm thinking either the TRADITIONAL Washington Quarter or the Ben Half...haven't decided yet...
Well, since 1996' the coin has really only appreciated about $600+/- $200. So idn, check appreciation rate, In total what would you pay. PCGS, or NGC?
Well - they might(not sure) all use the same standard to grade by, but each could see something different on the coin and grade it something different. CAC only certifies what grade is on the slab which the coin is in - did tpg get it right. Personally I think PCGS and NGC apply more rigorous standards to grading than ANACs. First - did you think the coin was graded accurately? Second - did you like it(Eye appeal)? Third - is the price acceptable to you without having buyers regret? I think if you can answer all those yes - go for it. Who knows maybe evently you will have a complete collection in that grade. Just my opinion.
Boy it sure would be nice if someone came up with a service to help beginning collectors figure out if a coin were good for the grade or not and help even the playing field between the top TPGs.
These may help the OP http://www.pcgs.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=5708 PCGS and FSB http://www.ngccoin.com/coin-grading-guide/Grading-Mercury-Dimes.aspx NGC comment Jim
I am sorry, but your post tripped my cynicism alarm. Are you telling us that you don't own a single slabbed coin, but your first one is going to be a $2,500 FB early Mercury Dime with a population of (40/7). Wouldn't it be more prudent if looking for perfection to go with a 1934-1945 MS68 FB, it would be cheaper. There is a 1941-S MS68 FB coming to auction in the September Long Beach Sale.
Anecdotally, grading standards and grading results for Mercury Dimes are all over the map. Because of that, there is no way I would buy what you are contemplating, or suggest that someone else buy the kind of coin you are writing about. Basically, you are a complete novice in the arena, mostly having bought raw F grade coins, walking into a high stakes poker game, going on the word of the grading company and the dealer. Prices on the top pop pieces can vary by as much as 300% depending on grading company and quality. At true auction, a low end example from one company might sell for 1/4 the price of a high end coin from another company. Where the coin you are looking at fits into that price range usually takes years of looking at such coins to get a good feel for. If the coin mentioned cost $2500, another option is to look for examples of the keys, either in lower grade, or discounted because of minor problems such as light cleaning.
Not sure what exactly you are asking, if you are asking about the different grading between say PCGS and NGC or other TPG's you are in pretty good hands with PCGS as coins in their slabs usually retain the highest re-sale value. Hence the grading is usually pretty good and consistent.
I'd wait until you know more about the series , if you are determined go to a lot of shows and look at as many '28-S coins in the grade you want , soon you will tell if it's high middle or low for the grade . rzage
Buying that high graded coin is a tall order (read expensive). I also think you should wait on this purchase until you have a better understanding of the higher graded coins in this series. IMO, You will be much more happy with any of the 1940-1945 Mercs in BU considering they are way less expensive and great coins to own and learn from. Bruce
PCGS coins might be more likely to bring the highest price when you sell them, but they are also likely to cost more in the first place. It's not just about the sales price, but the initial cost, as well.
