So I'm an Apple user and there's nothing that I've found in my hours of inter-webs scouring that functions as a free coin management tool for Mac, especially not one that updates with current prices, compiles reports, and has web 2.0 features. So I hopped on the opportunity to try NGC's revamped Collection Manager software. So far I like it a lot. The only problem I have with it so far is this: I'm on a very low college student's budget and although I prefer nicer coins, it often means that I can only afford less desirable specimens of many types (one's that have some cleaning, discoloration, corrosion, etc). And while I'm fine with that, the software automatically populated the "Guide Value" field of the coin with a Numismedia price. This makes it look like I've gotten killer deals on some coins when the disparity between my purchase price and the Numismedia value is calculated. Plus it makes my coin collection overall look way more valuable than it is. Anyone else experience this phenomenon, even say with something like error coins that might bring in a premium over instead of a discount of Numismedia values?
I ran into this problem with a Hungarian coin I bought. I found an "Owner Estimate" field that lets me say what I think the coin is worth. It doesn't seem to appear in the reports, but I was able to add the column to the collection manager page. I like seeing how what I think the coin is worth compares to the guide prices.
I think you will find that even with a nice NGC or PCGS graded coin that it will look like you got some killer deals. While I find it okay with respect to relative values, it isn't that useful when pricing a specific coin.
Yeah I've been using the Owner Estimate column. But the way I've been using it is as a percentage. For example, if I feel the estimate is accurate I use 1.00, if I think that a detracting feature draws away 20% of its value, I use 0.80. And while this still leaves me doing some calculations by hand, it allows for the fluctuation of Numismedia values. I can always sort by Owner Estimate and only have to do a few calculations that way. Has anyone else had a problem with the values non populating for lower grade or proof coins? I have a 1901-s Barber half that won't populate and several proof coins that won't find values if they're below PF65...
Send a PM to Dena Skeffington addressing your concerns. She has always been very helpful with me, and you will get a response much faster than posting a question in "Ask NGC". Chris
is Dena Skeffington a user on CT or on NGC forums? if the latter, for some reason my login info won't work to get me into their forums, I've sent a message to tech support about it but haven't heard back...
Dena is an employee of NGC, and she is working on fine-tuning the Collection Manager program. She will need your NGC username to get a handle on your problem. Since you don't have access to the NGC forums right now, send me a PM with your actual name, NGC username and e-mail address and I'll forward it on to Dena so she can contact you. Chris
