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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;johnmilton, post: 3985768, member: 101855&quot;]If you are shopping for a U.S. coin which has a value of beyond say $500, finding a no problem piece raw can be a challenge. A lot of raw U.S. coins are raw for a reason. They have problems, sometimes well hidden, or at worst, they are counterfeits. </p><p><br /></p><p>There are a few dealers on the show circuit, who sell raw U.S. coins, who have quite a selection. I don’t know if they have website because I seldom look at their inventory or buy from them. Their grading can be a bit lose. When I have looked at their material, personal examination is really required. </p><p><br /></p><p>If you are buying less expensive items, raw can make sense, BUT be forewarned that the Chinese have made counterfeits of many common date coins in “circulated” grades. There seems to be almost no limit to the fake coins that they have made. They can retail for as little as $20 to $30, and they have even made some cheaper coins. They have made many “circulated” fake Morgan Dollars for most all of the dates plus some dates that ever existed, like 1903-CC. Lots of this stuff as cropped up at flea markets. </p><p><br /></p><p>Buying raw cheap coins is not a safe as it used to be. It’s sad, but that’s where the hobby is today. </p><p><br /></p><p>As for foreign and ancient coins, raw still predominates. The same is true for U.S. tokens, although more and more of the expensive pieces are certified. This is especially true if they are Choice to Gem Mint State.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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