Noticed Apmex also sell raw numismatic coins. For example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1892-CC-Mor...11?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item19e9d4e007 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Silver-Trad...45?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item20dd33fd21 http://www.ebay.com/itm/1879-CC-Mor...97?pt=Coins_US_Individual&hash=item19e9986015 Just to name a few. Who grades these coins, do they hire graders as TPG's do? Do you agree to their grading in the 3 links posted above? I think they're a great company with great reputation, was just wondering about the numismatics they sell. Anyone bought any?
Since they have multiple coins for sale I would request a picture of the actual coin they would send versus hoping I receive the stock photo coin
They have somebody on staff who does it. Could that person actually be a professional grader ? Yeah maybe, maybe not, but it doesn't really matter if they are or not. What you have to realize is that professional graders, when they work for somebody else, have to grade coins according to the standards set by their employers - not by their own standards. Do I agree with the grades assigned those 3 coins - 1 maybe, 2 definitely not.
Three graders are interviewing for a position with a big name dealer. The first grader walks into the office and the boss shows him a Morgan Dollar. "What grade is it?" The candidate says, "MS64." "MS64? Are you sure?" "Yes, absolutely sure, no doubt about it." "Thank you, don't call us, we'll call you." The second grader is shown the same dollar and says, "MS64, give or take a point." "Are you sure?" "Yes, quite sure - could be MS63 or 65, but somewhere around 64." "Thank you, don't call us, we'll call you." The third grader is shown the same coin. "What grade is it?" He looks around the office, draws the shades, turns off the light, leans into the boss and whispers, "What grade would you like it to be?" "When can you start?"
+1 I buy bullion from APMEX all the time, but I would never consider a numismatic, ungraded coin in which they are selling multiples. You never know what you are going to get.
