I realize certified coins take out alot of the guess work versus raw,but doesnt also take away some of the fun of collecting coins?which way should I go?:headbang:
You should not feel bound to be either a slabs or raw guy , buy what you like, learn as much as you can, even the experts disagree, I heard the tpgs use three graders to arrive at a consensus, if it were all cut and dried they would only need one. Grading is subjective to an extent, much more than other things, with math 2 and 2 makes four, but with grading, issues such as weak strikes, for certain mints and certain years kind of throws some of the standards down. I like the raw coins because I have more leeway of how to store them, plus I can put the books I buy to use in attributing them, but with some things especially the higher price tag things, a slab would ease concerns- especially of counterfeits.
You're going to get a lot of opinions on this one Jay. Some folks will tell you to protect yourself against scammers and counterfeiters by purchasing only "slabbed" coins. To be certain, they've got a point, but I'm of the opinion that you can purchase some very nice coins "raw". Just got to be careful who you're buyin' from. I would say that if you do buy "raw" to only do it from reputable dealers. Stay away from flea markets and pawn shops till you are experienced enough in your ability to recognize the fakes, and believe me, there's lots of them out there. IMHO, nothing beats looking at a coin "up close and personal". Don't mean that I don't own a few "slabbys" though......
I purchasing alot of older US pre-1900 coins raw since they're readily available, you can get some at a great deal, and there's way more selection than slabbed coins (in my grade/price range). For mintstate coins, I will only buy them slabbed since I feel more comfortable knowing it's exact grade when buying. It's hard tell the difference between MS66 and 67, or 66 and 65, and people will always have their own grade opinions. Also, slabs protect my minstate specimens from toning, and any other damage a raw coin may experience.
If you are a new collector than buy graded coins from NGC or PCGS, especially if you are collecting older coins. Some people will disagree with what I say, but I stand by it. Slabs offer a sense of protection to newer collectors, and even some of the older ones. When you buy a coin in a slab from NGC or PCGS, you know you have a legit coin that if pretty darn close to the grade it says on the label. Graded coins are easier to sell and you will have a lot less of a chance of getting ripped off. BUT . . . . . . . always remember to "buy the coin not the slab", meaning buy a coin you like in a slab versus buying what is written on the slab. There have been many threads on this topic so search them to get other opinions. LouieLot
Jay, I agree wholeheartedly. Buying slabs does take a lot of fun out of buying new coins. But as a relative newby, I have been disappointed a time or two when buying raw coins - especially over the internet (mostly ebay). I have purchased several cleaned coins, overgraded coins ect. Untill I learn more, I now purchase only slabs - unless the coin is under $100 or so. The coins I cherish the most are the ones I bought raw, then slabbed myself. I like patting myself on the back for a job well done, but there are just too many risks.
This topic, as you might imagine, has been hashed out many times. You might find this thread of help in the FAQ section: http://www.cointalk.com/t1626/
I would strongly suggest that you get certified coins for pre-1930. A lot of those coins have that light cleaning thing that can hide under natural toning. Many (most?) older coins have been cleaned at one time or another (and some still find their way into slabs, but far fewer than raw ones). Ask yourself "why is this coin not slabbed?" before buying it. There may be a good answer (maybe it is a $20 coin and not worth slabbing).
Would strongly suggest Certified, Especially in the coin market there are so Many coins that are being copied by the Chinese and every tom, Dick and Harry you dont know whats real and whats not! And there getting really serious about it to, Making the coins exacting including The weight, You use to be able to weigh a coin to see if its real not anymore!! Just did a thread on Mpc on the paper money thread alot of people could Not spot the fake, very disturbing ;(
thank all of you for your experience and time to post.Ive been collecting a little over a year. I feel pretty good about my knowledge as it relates to what I collect.Im tring to get a good mix of coins I like and some profit down the road for my or my son. :eat:
