Please forgive this amateur but I'm new to U.S. collecting and this is my first forum. It seems to me that if you want to get your $$$ out of a slabbed coin you've got to go with PCGS and pay the extra bucks. Another first impression is that ICG is the collector's grader but dealers are more prone to seeling you these than buying them. I've been studying the auctions of Heritage and don't see any ICG. What's the deal?
Hello, Ken. Welcome to CoinTalk. If you're an amateur, you're not alone. I've been collecting coins since the mid-60's and haven't turned pro yet. I don't really have much to say about investing in coins, because I don't, well, invest in coins. I guess you could say that I invest in the hobby of coin collecting. So far my investment has paid off big time. Anyway, I just wanted to make you feel welcome here, and let you know that we look forward to having you join in our discussions. Jody
Howdy Ken - Welcome to the Forum !! There are many who think the same thing you do about coins slabbed by PCGS. Problem is - there are very nearly as many more who do not. And their numbers are increasing steadily. But to each his own. Just remember - those extra bucks you shell out now - may be the bucks you lose tomorrow. As for Heritage not selling coins slabbed by ICG - sure they do. I've purchased coins slabbed by ICG from Heritage for almost 4 years now. If you do a search of the Auction Archives for ICG - you'll find pages and pages of them.
Hi Ken and welcome to the forum. I sell on eBay and, from what I've seen, PCGS and NGC seem to bring the best money. I have seen some ANACS and ICG sell well also. Any coins slabbed by the other companies that are out there do not necessarily command a premium and some would do much better broken out of their slabs. It all comes down to, "You get what you pay for." JMHO
It's not that strange really. Morgans are one of the easiest to find coins there is - even key dates. Most collectors know this. So when they see a coin they want and someone else is already bidding - they just pass and wait for the next one. It makes little sense to get into a bidding war and drive the price up for a coin you know you will be able to find next week or next month at a cheaper price - because the other guy got his last week
