Do you guys use books, software, or websites to determine the value of your coins? I just took a look at this website: http://www.pcgs.com/prices/PriceGuideDetail.aspx?c=112 If I go by this, a 2001p Quarter is worth 6 bucks, doesn't quite seem accurate. I'm glad they have the newer stuff up there, but I had 4 quarters in my pocket after lunch.. and if I go by this website my 4 post 1900 quarters are worth about 20 bucks. Maybe it's because of my newness to grading, but this seems a little off. Anybody have any great websites or resources other than books? -DJ
Don't use the PCGS site for determining values. They are referring to slabbed coins, which I assume take into consideration the high cost of the plastic tomb. I'm sure Doug can chime in with a link to the resource page on this site that has some more accurate pricing charts. Guy~
first off since i havent yet seen you on the forums, id like too say welcome, second on too your question, the PCGS website is overgraded (pardon the pun) but that price guide is not at all accurate, I usually take a good 30-40% off of what they say when buying or selling. the redbook is definently your best bet as too what the most current prices are for all us coins. and on too your quarters, in a graded slab of ms63 you might get that but most common circ quarters/coinage is no where near ms63 (Uncirculated). hope this helps.
The Numismedia guide is usually a bit more reasonable than the PCGS guide, but I prefer to look at actual sales on ebay and teletrade/heritage for a better idea.
Thanks for your help JMC, and it's good to be here. Everyone has been super helpful. I've seen a few others mention the high grading that PCGS does, and it always leads me back to the question.. are these guys grading higher or are others grading lower. If I could get a higher value for my coins just by going to them, you would think there'd be some sort of standard to it.. or there should be. I'm mainly looking for a quick reference that I can look up coins to see if they're worth trying to grade. -DJ
Thanks man, this really helps.. or at least it'll keep me busy for a while until I have more questions.. -DJ
thedjsavage, Determining the valve of any coin is a very subjective process. The best way that I can describe this process is to use the analogy " one man's garbage is another man's treasure" meaning that the coin is only worth what someone will pay for it. Althrough the hobby has standards to determine the grade of a coin, it is these standard that I feel are subjective and are only as accurate as the person giving it. With that said, I and most people that I have talk to use the Whitman Red Book.
www.coinarchives.com I prefer to do the research myself - I don't trust priceguides. (Note: not sure how effective it is for American coins)
Utilize all the tools in the box. The redbook, greysheet, heritage/teletrade, online sites, etc. are all good sources. If purchasing raw coins, I've found Coins magazine to be more accurate than Coin World's Coin Values magazine. At least, when it comes to actual dollars across the table. Many dealers price their coins at Coin Values mag prices, but sell 15% under. Which, on average, is where Coins mag is at. However, if you look at four diff sources, you will likely find four diff prices for a specific coin in a specific grade.
When I use The REDBOOK or COIN VALUES MAG or any other price guides, I use this formula to buy on eBay mostly. THEIR price divided by 2 + (%10. or %15, up to %20) if it's a very nice coin, or something I really like or just feel it a fair price. For example: the reference book says it's worth $100. I divide that in half, = $50 the add %10 ($5); %15 is ($7.50); and %20 is ($10). That means I'd bid or buy the coin for $55 if it's an OK coin I want; $57.50 if I really want it: and $60 for a piece I really want or need. Of course I'll pay more for an exceptional coin or a great deal proposed. Bruce
