Slab Snob Metamorphosis

rickrman

Just an interesting observation from a relatively newbie collector. When I first started several years ago I thought "all slabs must be about the same". Then I got the PCGS "snob" affliction and collected only PCGS graded coins. Now I have realized "buy the coin, not the slab" is the ultimate "truth". The fact is, that a collector can get high quality coins in ANY slab if you just "buy what you like". The only reason I am imparting this wisdom is perhaps help other newbies avoid the long metamorphosis I have experienced. I also find it's fun to "gamble" on "junk" slabbed coins. An enterprising individual could go for cross-grading to PCGS and profit from the PCGS "snobs". A "TRUGRADE" 1964 ultra-deep cameo PR69 Kennedy half is still a very cool coin.

dorkkarl

<< <i>Now I have realized "buy the coin, not the slab" is the ultimate "truth" >>

well, it's not quite the "ultimate" truth, but it's closer than where you were.

the truth is: "if you like a coin, if you really really like it, the price does not matter" (nor does the slab, the seller, etc.)

but in the words of the jeffersons, your "movin on up"

K S

tradedollarnut

Just make sure that beautiful looking coin in the second tier slab will still look beautiful in the morning! Many companies are not as strict on altered surfaces or doctored coins as top two......

Zerbe

Be careful "going for the Platinum ", as you wade through the Bat Crap.

Russ

<< <i>A "TRUGRADE" 1964 ultra-deep cameo PR69 Kennedy half is still a very cool coin. >>



That is likely actually a PR67 cameo, so if you pick it up for $25 to $30, it's a good deal. If you pay anywhere near the value of a true 69DCAM, you'd be getting raped.

Russ, NCNE

Clankeye

<< <i>I also find it's fun to "gamble" on "junk" slabbed coins. >>



It is exactly that--a gamble, and I don't recommend it unless you absolutely can afford to loss the money. If you can afford it, then it's fun.

Too often this strategy ends in bitter tears and recriminations. And then a lot of people seem to want to blame the messenger rather than lay the responsibility squarely where it lies--with themselves.

I am not aiming that statement at you, rickrman. Just an observation from time spent here and other experiences in the hobby.

Clankeye

BillJones

If you do buy nice coins in "Brand X" slabs, make sure that you get a discount on them. I've found that "Brand X" slabs are not very marketable at the going prices for the coin inside. To get the right price you will have to crack the coin and send it in for grading. That will leave you open to all the good and bad stuff that can happen to you when you play "slab roulette."

Many coins that are in "Brand X" slabs are in those holders for a reason. Make sure you have determined what that reason might be, or you could get burned but good.

CLASSICS

if you wanted to gamble you would have more fun in vegas.you gamble in junk slabs your chances are you will end up getting stuck with just what you bought...junk coins in over graded junk slabs, and when it comes time to sell , you will have to find someone else who likes to gamble.......truegrade...didnt that grader use to grade coins for acg?...what does that tell you......no thanks...

ksteelheader

A "TRUGRADE" 1964 ultra-deep cameo PR69 Kennedy half is still a very cool coin. ....I have personally seen some of these. They would not even get a Cam at PCGS...........Ken

kieferscoins

Those junk slabs will be highly colectible one day.

Cameron Kiefer

Clankeye

<< <i>Those junk slabs will be highly colectible one day. >>



C'mon Cameron. Maybe some, but most of them will remain junk throughout their visit to this planet.

Clankeye

CLASSICS

<< <i>Those junk slabs will be highly colectible one day.

Cameron Kiefer >>

,..............if they are junk today, they will be junk tomorrow......hey weres my large pizza?

lordmarcovan

TDN speaks the truth.



<< <i>Just make sure that beautiful looking coin in the second tier slab will still look beautiful in the morning! Many companies are not as strict on altered surfaces or doctored coins as top two...... >>



My one gamble with an ACG slab was a Seated half I was sure they'd undergraded. They said EF45 and I knew it was an easy 53 or 55.

Cracked it out, sent it to ANACS, and guess what? I was right! It was an AU!

AU details, that is. They net graded it 'cause it had been cleaned and tooled.