Reply to Thread

Message:: [QUOTE="Insider, post: 21332271, member: 24314"]Cherd, posted: "True... But, the perceived value in TPG slabs is that they provide a sense of security for collectors that do not have the expertise to determine authenticity, doctoring, or grade for themselves (they are paying for someone else's expertise)."  Very true and you get what you pay for.  No But's allowed.  You have to make the choice for yourself.  "Of course, putting in the years worth of effort and time required to become an expert yourself would be the best case scenario for avoiding pitfalls. [Absolutely true] However, most people do not have the time and/or desire to do this. People just want to collect coins and know that they are getting that for which they paid." On several occasions, a wise old man told me: "Whatever you do, do it right."  That means each of us has some choices to make. BTW, I never was in favor of a coin grading service although I worked at the first one - INSAB in Washington, DC. "Heck, if we were all experts, then there would be no need for TPGs in the first place!" Perhaps, but authentication is a different bird. "The coin is what you are buying, not the slab. But, it is important that the integrity of TPG slabs are not completely demolished by criminals." It's not going to happen, especially if the plastic used is made in China. <img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie2" alt=";)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />[/QUOTE]