This was posted in General - But I guess it really belongs here. I just purchased a 1913 Indian Quarter Eagle and after looking at many pictures of other ones I cant seem to see what I would call a protuding vein on the neck of the native america on the obv. am I missing something in those photos or is my coin a die crack ?? Also would anyone like to take a shot at a rough estimate as to the grade of this coin? I'm trying to get my legs on grading, but using books is not really helping. Feed back on what I'm looking at would be a great help. I'm guessing EF-40 There is still nice luster (not appearent in photo) in all of the recessed/protected areas. And another question - To grade and slab or not to grade and slab? that is the question. M.
Having this coin graded and slabbed is something only you can decide. If you plan to eventually sell the coin - then by all means have it slabbed. If you plan to keep the coin - then I see little need to do so as long as you place it in a quality, protective holder.
So the suggestion is.... Only have coins graded if you are into the hobby for investment purposes? or are you talking about this particular coin?
There are many arguments for and against slabbing coins. But in the end it is the individual collector who must decide. For one thing - slabbing coins provides the collector with a professional opinion of the coin's grade and establishes authenticity. And if you cannot do these things yourself - then slabbing is often wise. It also provides a very good measure of protection for the coin so that it may be handled and looked at by yourself and others. It would never be a good idea to allow another or a child to handle a coin that was not in a protective holder for if the coin were dropped it could easily be damaged. It could also be damaged by fingerprints. And - if you ever decide to sell the coin - it will be much easier to do so and you will receive full value if it is slabbed by a reputable company. You may not if it isn't. And with a very expensive coin it is, in my opinion, always a good idea to have the coin slabbed for all of the reasons I have listed above. Of course this dictates that you must define what is very expensive. To some collectors it may be $100 - to others it may be $5000. Or anyplace in between, above or below either of those figures. The argument against slabbing coins is one of the required expense to do so. This is assuming of course that a reputable grading company is chosen. It also - in some collector's words - entombs the coin in plastic and thus renders it less desirable in their opinion. Of course I could never see the logic in this statement for I see little difference between a slab and a con holder. So to me the only downside is the expense. So - in regard to your question about slabbing a coin for investment purposes only - I would say no. This is not the only time a coin should be slabbed. I believe the coin to be genuine, I also feel confident in the grade I mentioned. And to me - the coin's value is such that it would not require slabbing. Obviously - I am basing these opinions on a picture. That is seldom definitive. The comments I previously made were based on my own opinions and definitions. You must make the choice based on yours. That's the best I can explain it.
I agree with GDJMSP. When considering all the options of having coins slabbed or not, more often it is only for resale possibilities. Your particular coin while quite interesting really won't benefit from being certified. None of the major certification companies will make note about the die crack. It just doesn't fall into their varieties. While an interesting die crack may provide a little extra value to some collectors, it just doesn't command a hobby wide premium. Slabs offer some protection, but not enough to warrant the extra costs involved. A quality holder with proper storage will do the same.
