But just because a coin is problem free does not mean it is among the very best. There are two categories of coins - problem coins and problem free coins - not raw and slabbed. Now not all problem free coins are slabbed. But all problem coins are not slabbed, at least in a general sense for we all know there are exceptions to that rule. But for the most part the statement is true. So what I am saying is that you cannot compare problem free coins to problem coins. Just doesn't work.
No I'm not saying they never ever make a mistake but I would definitely be more confident in their grading vs. any other TPG and think they're as good as your going to get from a TPG.
For me, the TPG opinion has a value and I'm willing to pay something over what I would pay for the same coin raw. I think it makes the coin easier to resell and I try to keep in mind that I probably won't be the one selling. When my kids, who are not collectors, go to sell the coins someday, I don't want some dealer telling them the MS64 coin is really XF. An NGC or PCGS slab with a grade on it will make the negotiation a little easier for them. I realize that everyone is in a different situation, but that is mine.
I'm with ya. My line of thinking was not about individuals per se, but rather tendencies within a population.
I agree with you. Also I had a coin dealer tell me a coin was MS62 and it came back from PCGS as MS64. He had no reason to reduce the grade because all I was doing was having him submit the coin. Looks to me like grading is really subjective and two opinions never seem to be the same.
Grading is subjective, at least to a point. However, for many coins, if you have knowledgeable people give grading opinions, they will agree on the grade a very high % of the time.
ummm not necessarily. If the coin in plastic as you say, is from a prominent collector/collection, there will always be a premium attached to it.
........there are people that will buy the slabbed coin before a raw coin, in many instances because they DON'T know how to grade and 'trust' completely the tpg's conclusion. and let's face it, there are MANY collectors that sell to other collectors that think the same, especially new collectors that think they're wisely investing in coins.