I have some Silver Eagles from various years from 1986 forward. Should I get any of these years graded and slabbed? I am not necessarily interested in turning these over and will likely keep them. I have done some reading on slabbing modern coins but wanted some current viewpoints here. thx
I think more information about the coins would be in order. Are they uncirculated or proofs? What specific dates are they? Where did you get them---original mint packaging, or raw coins from dealer. More info needed on what condition they are, and what dates, as some are more valuable than others.
In my opinion, No. Chances are, whether they are proofs or bullion coins, you can buy them already slabbed MS/PF 69 for less or very near what it cost for grading and your original purchase price. Unless you think that they have a shot at MS/Pf 70, or unless you are talking about 2006 rev proof, 2011 rp, 2011 s, 1995 w.
"Should" you? 99% of the time, no. "Could" you? Of course, but if you have had and enjoyed them raw, why slab now? There are a few select dates that would offer a good return if they grade out 70, but unless they do you will most likely be wasting money. While it may be nice to have ASEs slabbed, the fact is that in many cases when it comes time to sell, the premiums just are not there. ASE collectors aside, many view these are bullion regardless of what is on a slab.
I agree with books for the most part. The exception would be if one had a desirable date with low mintage, in very high Proof. The2006 P reverse proof is worth slabbing for sure, financially. Same goes for the 1994 proof. My general feeling is that the uncirculated coins are only bullion, and some of the proofs have comparatively low mintages, making them slab worthy due to demand in high grades. Yes, they can be bought slabbed, but that market can be more pricey.
I would say no to grading. There really is no point in getting them graded if they're for your own collection. To me the only reasons to grade them is if you're trying for a registry set. And even then I'm not sure if PCGS or NGC has one for bullion. The other reason is if you're selling them and even then, graded bullion unless MS70 won't carry a premium.
I'm not a big fan of getting bullion coins graded. I can't tell the difference between MS69 and MS70 outside of a slab, so I don't see the point in paying a premium for a coin just because the number on the plastic is higher by one.
The proofs are not merely "bullion." They are collectable and have numismatic value. It is up to each individual as to what to do with the coins. Several dates are worth quite a bit--not only the 95W.
