First let me say that I try to buy slabbed PCGS coins for my collection and really like their products and website. My question I quess is since the prices on the slabbed coins continues to rise at what point are you going overboard with buying any certain coin? Do you think that the market for slabbed coins will always remain high due to the consumers wanting reliable pre graded coins that are guaranteed authentic ? I realize that some will say BUY THE COIN not the slabb but you are really buying into both right? The slabbed coin will always command a higher price than the raw coins but can you look into the future to see a good investment or possibly a profit after buying the slabbed coin over the raw coin? The PCGS coins provide a safety net for collectors who dont care to learn about certain coins and those like me who love to study grading and coin history but frankly feel unsure about determining grades and spotting fakes in types such as Morgans, Peace and others. Some slabbed coins are listed very high but will fetch far less on the market due to the amount of coins slabbed of that same date or type. So do you now have to cherry pick through the world of slabbed coins and look at the ever changing population reports as more coins are continued to be graded and slabbed? I know thats more than one question but I was wondering what everyones thoughts were on the topic. Do you buy just slabbed coins? only raw coins? or do you mix your collection with the best coins for the money regardless? Thanks for any and all replies Chad.
I'm kind of the opposite. I don't buy slabbed coins because I am filling up Intercept Shield albums. I try and understand the grading so I can get a decent gut check about value and grade. Still have a lot to learn on that point though. I also put a lot of faith in to my local coin dealer as to what he sells in raw condition. I have even thought about buying slabbed and then cracking them open for the I.S., but decided against that. I feel you pay somewhat of a premium for the certification, which for most of the moderns (non keys) is not worth it. Eventually when I venture outside of my strategy for collecting coins such as more expensive ones I will buy slabbed, but not right now.
No they don't, that is a myth. But let me explain. The only time that a slabbed coin will sell for more than a raw coin is when you are selling to an unknowledgeable buyer. Sell your coins to a knowledgeable buyer and you'll get the same price - raw or slabbed. Yes you do. For one thing grading standards change, what was once a 64 may well be a 65 today. And if your coin is in a 64 slab today then you will only get 65 money if you sell to a knowledgeable buyer. You see, knowledge is the key in this hobby for both buyers and sellers. If you don't have the knowledge then you lose no matter if the coin is slabbed or not. And if you have the knowledge you win, slabbed or not.
