Recently I was interested in purchase a 1881-S PCGS MS63 Morgan in one of there so called "Rattler" cases. I didn't win. It when for a higher Prices. More in line with that of the coin being a MS64. What do you all think about this? I this common and I just don't know it? What there something different in PCGS's grading back then?
The standards were higher when they used them, but not for all coins. It is not guarenteed you'll get a higher grade if submitted for re-grading.
Yes it is a common belief that grading standards were tougher back then. Because of that most of the coins in those older holders, and not just the rattlers but the next few generations of slabs as well, have been picked over extensively for years now. And most experienced collectors would tell you that just about all of those coins in the older holders that were worthy of being submitted for an upgrade have already been picked out and resubmitted. And that most of those coins that still remain in those older holders are not worthy of being resubmitted. So paying a premium for them, is not such a good idea.
Personally I don't think they're grading standards have changed but I'm sure other's would disagree. The bottom line is the rattler slabs look cool because they're older. Also, when PCGS first started grading that's what they used so it is believed that some of the pioneers to PCGS sent in their Sunday best. I have one, no correction I have two. I won't sell them because they're not that high of grades. One is a Franklin Half and the other is a Peace Dollar, I think they're both MS63's.
Thanks. That does make sence. Althought @GDJMSP, with all of this hopla with gold and silver people are going out and sell there dead father's once prizes coins? Or not?
People can say whatever they want, but there is no way of knowing whether some upgrade-worthy gems are still housed in older PCGS holders. Yes, the coins that have been recycled through Teletrade, eBay, Heritage, Stacks, etc. have likely been onced-twiced-thriced-over. But, there are many coins that hit the market that have not seen the light of day for many years. I personally won't pay a premium for a coin dependent on the type or holder in which it resides. But, the reality of it is that many people do and will continue to do so for years to come. I would dare say that the percentage of coins in all generations of holders that may be undergraded by a point or so is probably pretty constant over time. Without good pictures, or (even better) seeing the coin in hand, a bid based on the plastic alone will likely be one you regret. If you want to know if a coin is worthy of the grade/price, the best way to tell is to look at the coin, not where it "lives".
My few old holders seem accurately graded. Unless the difference in value is large for a one grade bump, I wouldn't crack them out as these holders are quite collectable to some people.
I was wrong in my earlier post. One is a rattler and the other is simply an OGH, either way they still bring a higher than normal premium. Here's a couple of pics!! :thumb:
