At what point do you decide to get a coin professionally graded? I have quite a few I think I should get graded but how do you decide when it is time? Is it perceived value or another factor?
When it’s value exceeds the sum of the cost of the coin and the cost of grading. Pretty straightforward if you ask me. The complication comes in knowing how to grade the coin yourself and being objectionable so you are not gambling or sending in junk.
It depends on the type of coin, what it will grade and overall appeal and condition. Most modern issues need to be a MS-66 or higher. Welcome to CT.
Any time you want for your own pleasure. That is, assuming you don't care about the cost to get it graded ( the value the slabbing adds to it ) and if you plan on selling it, the price you can get for it. Sometimes, the cost to get it graded/slabbed is far greater than the value of the coin after grading/slabbed. And values will change over time. At least grading costs you can guesstimate from their price charts.
Lots of variables, but many times coins valued less than $150 are not worth certifying. It's tough to recapture the grading fees on lower value stuff when you go to sell.
A lot of commentary puts PCGS and NGC as the top two, followed by ANACS and ICG in a second tier. Outside of those four, forget it.
Age old dilemma that I myself have difficulty answering. Look at the populations and compare them to what's already been graded and take a shot I guess. PCGS is supposed to be top, followed by NGC, then ANACS. Opinions are like...you know.
First, what is the reason you want to get them graded? Coins that are heavily counterfeited might benefit to prove authenticity. Higher grade coins with big price difference between grades would be another. Other than that there may not be much of a reason to.
You got that right! If you're in doubt on a coin, get it graded or if you're selling and you want to get top dollar, get it graded. I've spent money before on stuff I didn't even have to get graded, I just added them to the package. We live and learn.