Is it the COST of the PLASTIC or the VALUE of the PLASTIC?

relayer

Just for fun I took some coins at random using prices from the NumisMedia Price Gudie and the PCGS Price Guide to compare a raw coin price to a PCGS price.

This was a totally non-scientific study, and makes the (false) assumption that both prices guides reflect the fair market value.

Before I got bored doing it and learned everything I planned on (which was nothing) , I collected this information...

Date Coin Grade FMV PCGS Difference
1857 Flying Eagle Cent MS60 $275.00 $265.00 $(10.00)
1860 Indian Head Cent MS60 $125.00 $120.00 $(5.00)
1909-S Lincoln Cent BN MS60 $150.00 $185.00 $35.00
1909-S Lincoln Cent BN MS66 $630.00 $315.00 $(315.00)
1964 Kennedy 50c MS60 $2.00 $2.63 $0.63
1964 Kennedy 50c MS67 $660.00 $900.00 $240.00
1914-D Buffalo 5c MS60 $240.00 $235.00 $(5.00)
1916 Mercury 10c MS60 $29.00 $24.00 $(5.00)
1916 Mercury 10c MS66 $180.00 $196.00 $16.00
1965 Washington 25c MS67 $450.00 $650.00 $200.00

One day I think I'll download both complete guides and some other sources and write a program to analyize all coins at all grades (and post the results here). If any one can post other on-line price guides they would like to see included, please post the links here and I'll include them in the study. Also please add your confidence level in the accuracy of the site, say on a scale from 1-10 with 10 being best.

kieferscoins

PCGS accuracy: 3

Cameron Kiefer

DHeath

That's an interesting comparison. Someday, someone will compile auction data from all sources and publish a monthly price guide that truly reflects the market. I guess grey and blue sheets come closest.