Have Proofs, Where to begin?

ProofRon,

I would advise to learn all that you can about grading Business Strike and Proof Coins. Grade every coin in every Proof and Mint Set that you have, insuring that you lean a little on the conservative side so as to not overgrade and catalog each coin and grade on a spreadsheet. Make sure to number each set with a stick on price sticker or similar sticker to keep track of the coins. On the spreadsheet you want to create a denomination at the top then set number and value down the side. In the individual blocks, place the grade for coin under the denomination and out from the correct number for the set. Once you have completed the grading and the spreadsheet, you will then be able to see which are the higher graded coins and if there are several high grade coins within one particular set. Using a good (true) value guide such as the CoinValues magazine or you could use PCGS' Price Guide as long as you remember that they are a little high on most coins, you want to price each and every coin on the spreadsheet and place the price within the same black as the grade. In this way, you will be able to total the values for each set to the right and compare those values to the current value of each intact Proof or Mint Set. If there are a few Proof or Mint Sets that have coins with a total value which is much higher than the value of the intact sets, then these might be the ones you would want to break up and send them in to a TPG for grading and certification. Note: You must weigh the expected return against what you paid for the sets and the total cost of sending the coins in for grading and certification, before you make a decision.

Good luck and happy grading!


Frank

 

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Frank
I hope you said that joking?....because saying that CoinValues is a true value guide is pretty much a joke.
In most cases I think they are just as bad as PCGS price guide---the best true price guide is ended online auctions...and then as always the Gray Sheet

Speedy

 

Frank- Are not a Mathematician by any chance? I am, and I have done almost exactly what you suggested.
Bought several grading books and magnifiers, purchased several bags of coins and visited dealers to learn to grade, developed an Excel spreadsheet that contains PCGS and Numismedia prices and Heritage realized prices, and info on what certification numbers and grades I receive from TPG's. I've sent in some complete proof sets for grading, and have cracked out some with specific coins that seemed to have good value.
I've tried to follow most of the good advice I've received on this forum- my problem now is with the TPG's not grading any of my coins at the PR70 level, although I cannot find anything wrong with them.

 

I am learning that the hard way, but I'm beginning to understand some of the resentment collector's feel towards TPG's who grade low to get re-submissions.

GDJMSP-
As an aside- I notice that you use the "PF70" grade, and the Red Book uses "PF" for proof coins, whereas
PCGS and Heritage use "PR" for proof grades. I couldn't find anything in the ANA Grading Standards book other than their using the term "Proof-xx". So- are "PF" and "PR" interchangeable?

 

PF and PR are interchangeable----also UCAM and DCAM are the same.

Speedy