You see, I post a lot asking, you know, is this worth grading. But that is a real hassle and for some reason it now takes hours for pictures to load on CT. So I guess I just need to ask how do I know?
Just look at completed eBay sales and compare prices realized for coins similar to yours both slabbed and raw. If raw price + slabbing cost ≤ slabbed price then send it in. Of course there are other variables such as the likelihood of the coin grading cleanly. Also keep in mind the value of authentication for commonly counterfeited series such as Trade Dollars.
If the new, post-graded price is worth more than you paid for it, PLUS the fee for grading and shipping, then it's worth it. Otherwise, it's simply not. If you paid $100 for a coin, then $30 for grading, and the coin is still worth $100, you've just wasted time and money.
Personally, I think you need to spend more time learning how to grade coins. You might start by getting a book such as "ANA Grading Standards for United States Coins". It's one thing to post a photo of this coin or that coin and asking everyone what they think it will grade and what it is worth, but that is a far cry from determining the various grades from Poor to MS for any one series on your own. As long as you rely on others to do the work for you, you will learn very little. Chris
it would have to be a coin worth a least $100-1,000+. this is different for every coin collector. it would have to be worth more than the grading fee of $35-50+. you need to learn how to grade the coins you think you might want to be graded to be worth it. you would also need to learn what that coins graded values has been/is. this comes from a lot of experience looking a coins and their grades.
IMO there are a few valid reasons for getting a coin certified. (I vastly prefer the term "certified" to "graded," because every coin is graded, every time anyone who wants to buy it looks at it). The most obvious one is to increase the resale value of the coin over what you've put into it. Not only do certified coins tend to sell for more than raw coins, they tend to be easier to sell (more liquid). Professional authentication is another reason, also previously mentioned. But, there's also educational value in seeing a professional's opinion of the grade. Not to mention you also get a spiffy, protective holder that comes with a serial number (makes your coins potentially easier to identify in the unfortunate event they get stolen), and, if you go PCGS, you can get a nice picture done of the coin. It also obviates the need to get an appraisal of your collection done for insurance purposes, since every coin is individually "appraised," with a grade that can be cross referenced against auction prices and price guides. Take all these things into consideration before you decide whether spending the money is worthwhile to you.
Soren, the easiest way to get pictures on here is to upload them directly from your device. Figure out how to do that, then show us some of these coins you're wondering about. We'll tell you if they're worth grading, and explain why. Keep doing that, until you get the hang of it.
