For those that might have a scarce slab in their collection and not even know it or see a slab at a coin store/show at a normal price, here are some to be on the lookout for so that you don't leave any money on the table. This list is not exhaustive but it is a good starting point. And please feel free to share or ask about any other slabs. 1) PCGS rattler with a 108 or 109 cert (and possibly 110) ~first example is higher than typical based on it being the 17th coin graded but even later 108 slabs go for over $1k...the 109 are $300-$500+...the 110 might be catching on with one sale of $160 recently 2) PCGS regency ~these are easier to tell as the holder is different than most others...most coins in this slab are 5 Lirot coins from Israel that were from the Danny Kaye Estate (like pictured below)....any US coin will go for more than the below example 3) NGC black 1.0, NGC white 2.0 & 2.1 ~2.1 is the one with the foil embossed on the insert as opposed to the outside of the plastic (otherwise they are pretty similar and both go for a large premium) 4) Anacs small white holder (mainly for common coins, especially something like a Silver Eagle)...better dates and coins with a higher guide value have not attained much of a premium yet...if you see an 81-S Morgan in MS 63 for the same price as a new PCGS holder (say $95 or lower), then it will likely sell for more in this Anacs holder ~the below example is on the high end (of auction results) but there is a strong demand for proof Silver Eagles in these holders...bullion Eagles also do well...definitely pick these up if the price is a small premium to melt
Three of my favorite valuable "off-brands" are Accugrade, Blanchard and Numex. My photo: Not my photos:
Nice write-up. Helps people get familiar with the idea of collectible slabs. I really like it when a numismatic coin is in a collectible slab and has a CAC sticker. I own a few that meet that criteria, but nothing too crazy.
I've got a pair of ACGs (59d and 60p quarters) 3 1st gen pcgs but not even close to the 108/9s (615,714,810) 2 NGC fatties (which I don't think were mentioned) and 5-6 anacs soapbars (I do love those slabs same size as the acgs) and one PCI but I'll keep this in mind if I ever sell
Some nice slabs! ACG slabs have many versions; be on the lookout for the fractional graded examples (I have seen only two) and the misspelled slab (Accurade instead of Accugrade). Photos are below (all have moved on to new homes years ago). https://www.cointalk.com/threads/the-ultra-rare-accurade-slab-now-population-of-2.281788/
For Blanchard, look for the sample slabs. They are tricky as they do not have the word sample and appear like normal slabs but are considered samples and are worth at least $100 each (and maybe more as I have not tracked them in a year or so). Examples are in the links below. Some say Numex slabs that have the letters "XXX" in the middle of the cert number are samples but then there is a thread that says there are too many of these (and with different coins) to make them all samples. https://www.coincommunity.com/sample-slabs/blanchard-sample-slabs.asp
Those are some fun slabs to have! The NGC fatties have a premium but the premiums tend to more modest for anything after the 2.0s. Some other generations to look out for are the 3.0 and the 8.0. The 3.0 had a small premium when I checked last year but appears to be gaining now. The 8.0 has been talked about for a few years now (because of the short production window) but the premiums have not exploded yet.
almost forgot "Paramount" slabs, blue, green, black and red(65+) i got a pair of reds and 1 black but too lazy too take new pics so you get the one i got handy lol found another pic not all Paramount slabs are redfield but quite a few are
That's a very nice combo of coin, slab, and sticker! Gold (sticker) on gold (coin) is the ultimate combo for the massive premiums (regardless of the slab...although an older slab will help increase the premium even higher).
Interesting! Thanks for the update. Here is my only old holder. I only have the seller's pictures from when I bought it. It is in Maine, or else I would take better ones to post here. I really like how small it is.
Another bonus is the low serial number. 3 digits is where the big premium is (for a common coin) but 4 is not common either.
I have always bought the older slabs because of the higher grading standards. I still think that is why they have a premium, under who's leadership were the coins graded.