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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Ed Zak, post: 10942, member: 824&quot;]<b>My rule for grading...</b></p><p><br /></p><p>1.)&nbsp; As stated, grade Only key dates...those with low mintage and/or super mint or proof strikes (like some proofed Silver Eagles) or those with a decent retail price.&nbsp; Your coins in question would be a waste of money.&nbsp; My rule of thumb is around $200 or plus for circulated coins as well as specific proofs or MS coins with nice luster and appearance.</p><p><br /></p><p>2.) Use only recognized grading services such as PCGS, NGC, ANACS or ICG (not necessarily in that order which opens up another discussion that will be debated till kingdom come).&nbsp; Keep in mind that for their lowest cost grading services (longest turn around), you will be looking at $15 to $30 for each coin to be graded...if they are graded!&nbsp; For instance, many graders will not touch cleaned coins.&nbsp; Is your coin worth it and would you be able to recover this costs if you had to sell it?</p><p><br /></p><p>3.)&nbsp; Ask yourself, why grade?&nbsp; Is it for investment possibilities?&nbsp; Is it because you like the look and presentation of a &quot;slab&quot;?&nbsp; You will always hear in this forum to buy the coin, never the slab.&nbsp; For protection of the coin, I like the fact that most slabs are sonically sealed.&nbsp; Not perfect, but they sure beat any other means to protect coins.&nbsp; I am partial to ICG&#039;s Intercept Shield in their slabs for the ultimate protection against bad atmospheric conditions and environment.&nbsp; But that is just me since I like my MS Lincolns to stay <span style="color: darkorange">RED</span> .</p><p><br /></p><p>4.)&nbsp; Prepare yourself for a grade that you do not expect.&nbsp; You send in coins hoping for that MS68 grade or better and you get them back at MS66.&nbsp; Now you have more money in the slab than what the coin is worth.</p><p><br /></p><p>Personally, I like to buy slabs at a &quot;deal&quot; where somebody else occured the certification costs.&nbsp; For instance, you buy a $20 raw pre-1965 coin for $30 certified by PCGS.&nbsp; Not bad since the certification of this coin was more than $10.&nbsp;&nbsp; Any bidders?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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