1. I use the Greysheet to put values on my coins in my half cent and large cent collection. That helps me put values on my coins by Variety Number which is important because that helps take into account rarity. 2. I use the Greysheet to determine how much I'll pay for new acquisitions. I know I can't buy at those prices but it's a starting point. Auction results will help me refine how much I'm willing to pay. 3. The Rarity Factor vs. Greysheet values: This is where it gets a bit dicey. For instance there are fifteen Newcomb varieties for 1845 Large Cents. And those fifteen 1845 Large Cents show variety numbers ranging from R-1 to R-6+ (Source: the Noyes books). But there is only one price line in the Greysheet. An R-6+ definitely has more value than an R-1. And I think the Greysheet value is for the lowest rarity. 4. Adjusting printed value for rarity? Auction results will help. Currently I'm operating under the opinion that R-1, R-2 and R-3 can be treated as having equal value. For higher R-numbers I estimate value based on any other information that I have and with (maybe) an added dose of desirability. How do YOU handle valuing under these sorts of conditions?
Use the EAC annual auction results. As a member, you receive the catalog and the auction results for each lot. Also, the asking price from the various specialty dealers like Tom Reynolds, Pierre Frick, McCawley, Vinton, Ellis, et.al. If you bid in some of the specialty auctions, you might receive the results of the overall auction.
