If you could get a Yellowstone collector's bullion coin either raw or NGC-graded SP69 for the same price, which would you choose? I usually prefer raw coins, but since this program has been subject to a fair number of imperfections already, maybe in a 69-grade I can get a coin without the nicks on the rim. I'm not sure what NGC's grading standards are in this regard though. If you would take the graded coin in the above case, would you still do it if the price was $70.00 more than the raw coin? Thanks for your thoughts.
For these coins since MS70's have been had out there a MS69 will likely always trade around melt value with a slight premium just like ASE's. The raw coin would definitely come with Mint Packaging I think, as where the graded coins may come without COA etc. which does make a difference to some people. Also storing these graded pucks takes up a lot of space, of course it's not like the mint packaging is not bulky so I guess it's about the same there. Also are you talking about buying off Ebay or actually in hand at a show? In hand then it is easy, whichever looks best. from Ebay I think the 69's have a chance of rim nicks etc too so you are probably 50/50 on what you will get, just know the coin you get will never be a 70. Also if buying from Ebay I would buy it from someone who has good feedback but is clearly buying to flip them for a profit, and not a dealer who is cherry picking them for themselves. That way if you decide to buy raw at least you have a chance at a 70.
Thanks, John. Here is the story: I puchased a Hot Springs from the Mint a few weeks ago. I was going to keep the coin, even though I didn't really like the design, etc. and I really don't like the national park. I was going to keep it merely because it was the beginning of the series. When I received the coin, it had the crease on the Hot Springs words, which was a deal-breaker for me. I sold the coin to Modern Coin Mart (which is located very close to me) for $330.00. So, I bought the Yellowstone coin. I really like both the design of the coin and the national park itself, so I had every intention of keeping it. When I received the coin, it had tiny nicks on the rim on both the obverse and the reverse. Again, the coin lost its appeal to me and I sold it to Modern Coin Mart for $350.00. I then learned they are selling the NGC 69-grade for $349.00, which is basically what they paid me for the raw coin. My thought was I was spending no extra money out-of-pocket and maybe I could upgrade to better quality. However, if it is possible NGC will deem the nicks permissible on a 69-grade, I really don't want that defect again. I'll just keep my set of 70-grade proof silver quarters (which are much nicer than the pucks anyway, even though they are much smaller) and my 68/69-grade bullion pucks and be happy with what I have. I really like the finish of the collector's version better than the bullion. It's a shame the Mint's quality control is so haphazard.
Well if MCM is close to you, will let you choose through them? I wouldn't see why not, ask to look at a few of them and see if they have the same problems that your coin did. If not then go ahead and get it!
I just sold a S Silver Yellowstone PF 70 Graded by NGC. It was a double. Had no idea this coin was so popular. It's the regular quarter not the 5 oz.
