And that statement is exactly what it should be...no one owes anyone an explanation but to themselves. I had a Morgan silver dollar i sold it to John Call it was toned ,with a finger print in an NGC holder ms 65 *+ how it made a 65 was beyond me and then the *+ omg...it was like they didn't look at the coin at all...But just what was on the slab. And he made a few bucks on it too.
And a few just a point over an XF grade...yet eye appealing, color and wear even...yet others rely on a number on a slab. One of the biggest difference coin club could make for their members and the hobby is to have a speaker in the know..on how to grade raw coins..and teach a class ..on what a novice needs to see and understanding the science of grading.
I think one of the problems in buying raw coins these days are counterfeits out there. I may be wrong, but it appears to me is it worsened over the years. I am working on a small set that all will be slabbed. I have gotten a real self education that all slabs of the same coin, same grade, and same company are not equal.
So you know that there's counterfeit slabs also? So how do you sleep at night? LoL as I've seen slabs as fake as a $3 bill... do you know the difference between a real slab vs a counterfeit one? Just playing the devils advocate here.... As least if the coin is raw... it can be examined as well weighted...not so in a slab..you need to bust it out. My point not to put down but to enlighten you that perhasp you need and buy the book before the coin...or at least have the knowledge that one needs before jumping in the deep end of the pool. Buying slabs doesnt ensure you against a fake coin or slab.