Has anyone ever given up on getting coins graded?

caveat emptor

 

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That's exactly why I stick to slabbed coins. I think one thing that hasn't been mentioned enough is that so many coins are bought and sold online with photos. I feel somewhat comfortable evaluating raw coins in hand but do not trust my abilities looking at photos. And I think that many people more knowledgeable than I would say the same thing.

 

It's safer to buy, and easier to sell graded coins that have been slabbed by a top tier TPGS. Many, (if not most) coins are bought/sold using only pictures online, so I think it's very helpful to have a professional opinion, whether buying, or selling, regardless of your level of expertise IMHO.

 

I bought a coin once while completely trusting the holder from bad pictures. I was disappointed. Always try to evaluate a coin in hand first if you are unsure from pictures.

 

If the pictures are bad I usually pass even if the coin is slabbed. There are enough coins available on line that I go for the best of both worlds, good photos plus a slab.

 

Sellers who use horrible, careless photos always get a pass from me.

 

If the coin has enough value, or if you are looking to sell I can see it, but just to own? I just joined NGC 39.00...(Could have bought over 2 ounces of silver), with that money... started to submit...but that was going to be another 64.00 on top of the 39.00....All for an MS coin with a value of maybe 200.00...Nevermind...I'll just admire my ungraded finds!

 

If you're an ANA member you don't have to join NGC to submit coins; just fill out a form.

 

I see from some of the comments that some of you have made and would say that you have not tried any of the services offered. You will never know if the water is wet or cold unless you go for a swim. I have been a member of A.N.A. , P.C.G.S. , N.G.C. for many years. They are all very worthwhile and worth the cost. No I don't always agree with them, and I have my favorite. Off the soapbox for now.
Old Coin Dawg

 

Such services require knowledge in order to be used wisely. Unfortunately, many involved in this hobby do not yet possess it, or simply refuse to make the necessary effort to acquire it, which means joining isn't a smart move for everyone.

Just because they may be worthwhile for you, sir, doesn't necessarily mean they will be the same for the next guy. The TPGs do not exist for collector benefit, but are for-profit businesses more than happy to take a submitter's money without offering anything of comparable or fair value in return. The TPGs are really nothing more than tools, and as with any tool, is most valuable in the hands of one who genuinely knows how to use it.

 

I agree with the foregoing, times two. Just one correction on your reply, John. Change "professionals" to "monkeys." These guys aren't "grading," they're monkeying around. Why do you think ANA changed from condition grading to monkey grading? They knew these emerging TPGs were monkeys, so they made "grading" easier for them. Now all they have to do is look at something for five seconds and decide how eye appealing it is. A monkey can do that job...

 

No. That isn't all they're doing and no a monkey couldn't do that job. You don't have to like them but it would be nice if you would at least not spread false information

 

Stick it in your...ear.

 

You are correct Books B4 Coins about no two people are the same. I was only speaking for myself and offering an opinion. Its out there and you can do what you want with it, when I turn it loose I don't own it anymore. The TPGs are like everything else in "it for the buck" what we have to do is make the buck stop here. They (TPGs) offer a service that's what they sell along with plastic holders. Remember buyer beware.

 

Lets play nice now