The other day I was searching for a 1885-S Morgan dollar that was in my price range. I found one that was a slabbed PCGS XF-45. While I was doing some research trying to find out if it was a good price I discovered that on Numismeadia Fair Market Value guide it went from XF-40 to AU-50. I have a Greysheet but it is a year old and lately I have been using the Numismedia guide anyhow. I checked the Coin World price guide link that is on Coin Talk and they are the same way. Do I just split the difference between XF-45 and AU-50? Is there a way to put a value on a XF-45 1885-S slabbed Morgan? Thanks,
When it comes down to a specific coin it gets to the point of I want it at that price or I'll just keep looking. Guides are like a ticket to the show they don't guarantee you will like it or not. There are just too many variables, eye appeal, the sellers ask price, the listers photo ability, is it big bucks to you or chump change, and last but not least how often does it come available. Other factors some time come into play also like listing and shipping fess and final value or buyer fees. I know I had to take many of these items into account when I listed mine.
I understand what you are saying LindeDad. I like to use the guides to give me an idea if I am overpaying for a coin first then take in the things you mentioned. I just don't know why they would skip the XF-45 grade price.
My very old price guide listed AU-50 at about $120 and EF-40 at about $60. I wouldn't take the midpoint ( current). Regress it to a 40. You can't list all grades in a guide, skipping 45 seems a logical one to omit, IMO. Call it XF+ or whatever and you get the + 5 points.
