Maybe it's just me but there does not seem to be many old slabbed coins on eBay. I'm looking (not buying) at seated/capped/barber halves and quarters, but in some instances there are only a few coins unless you want expensive higher grade Anyone else notice this? Yet coins on TT seems to be plentiful.
My theory is most older circulated coins have been cleaned according to TPG’er standards, so few make their grade. Since most of the TPG’er rejects have great eye appeal, I collect mostly raw older coins.
I have noticed it. I have noticed the really nice slabs going for $500-$1,000 and even $3,000-$9,000.
Most serious capped bust half collectors scorn slabbed halves. It impedes inspection and study of the whole coin. That is why you don't see many slabbed, in any grade. Can't speak for the rest. Guy
Ebay is where most of the slab rejects get sold in the older coins. like slabs or not the better no problem coins mostly get slabbed. it's the only way to get full value for them. I won't buy better grade 1800s coins from the 'bay raw, learned that lesson. in hand live at shop or show is different.
The likely reason for this is that most classic silver that is not worth all that much (under $200 or so) is nearly as liquid raw as it is in a holder. Therefore, coins that are easier to grade, such as circulated pieces, do not benefit as much from certification. Additionally, it is more difficult to recover or justify the sunken cost of certification since the price of a nice raw vs. a nice certified classic coin might be minimal.
