Help educate a Darksider.....

newbiecollector

I am asking a convoluted but serious question from my stand point as a Darkside coin collector.

This question comes from reading many posts on this forum and still remaining confused.

First, and foremost, I think I must say that I collect only what I find to be eye appealing to me. Of course, I feel proud if others appreciate it too.

What I can not understand is the "hyper" grading of US coins and the very serious interest in it. I am not saying it is wrong, I am not trying to critise it but, I find it confusing. From a collector stand point.

If it is based on having coin collections as an investment or appreciation value item then, I am sorry I think that is not "collecting".

It is actually betond me to be able to understand the principle of having such a huge grading system when, if you collect what you like, a number ain't gonna make any difference.

I hope you can take my most likely poorly stated post as a real and true question. I just do not understand why it is necessary to have a such finite and arbitray method to appreciate a coin.

Thanks for at least reading my qusetion.

cladking

The condition I collect coins in is often dependent on what coins they are. Obviously
collectors always prefer the best possible, but in some cases that will be circulated.
In other cases the best possible may be limited to what the collector can afford.

I collect most world coins and often these series will be in high grade circs because the
coins look good and the price is attractive. In US moderns I collect in any grade and some
of my coins are circ. I am more concerned with upgrading these coins largely because
they are often available in better conditions. There has been more interest in acquiring
US coins in high grades and there are likely to be many more reasons.

newbiecollector

cladking

Thanks for the reply. I am still sorry to say I can not understand the hyper grading. You sound as if you "like" a coin then it is for you. In my way I call that eye appealing, to me.

ccrdragon

I think I understand your question as this:
'Why all of the hype for a 1 point difference in the grading scale'?

My answer would be that the true collector can see the beauty in a coin w/o the hype of 66 vs 67, etc. The 'collector' appreciates the beauty of the coin for the simple beauty of the coin - and not the number on the slab. I do not buy coins or replace coins in my collection just because a coin with a higher grade becomes available. I have to see the coin and compare it to the one that I already have and IF it jumps out and says 'I am the one', then I will replace the one that I have. I have several coins in my collection where I have chosen one with a lower grade on a slab (or that was raw) because the eye-appeal and attraction of the 'lesser' coin was way beyond that of the one with the higher grade on the plastic.

I also collect Darkside copper and I have noticed that the 'game' is not nearly as rampant over there.

For what it's worth, I don't pretend to understand the numbers game either. I think partially it must be a money thing because of the differences between prices/grades in the higher MS ranges, but I also think that a large part of it is testosterone ladden bragging rights - i.e. 'I have the most coins with the highest numbers on the plastic, so NANA NANA NANA NA!'.

I hear a lot about the registry sets causing this phenomenon, but I am willing to bet that this attitude existed long before the registry sets came into existence. My supposition is that the registry sets were driven by the need for competition and bragging rights and not the other way 'round (as many people on this board claim).

Just my two cents worth and I hope that I have shed a little light on your question.

newbiecollector

Geeezzzzzz ccrdragon.... Thanks a lot for your reply. I can only add two comments:

1. I wish I could say things that clearly when I type

2. And most important..... GET OVER TO THE DARSIDE!! coin appreciation for the coin and beauty..

shirohniichan

I simply ask myself if the coin is worth the minor bump in grade.

For example, if all MS-66's for a certain coin at the $100 price level look ugly and MS-67's at $200 look beautiful, I'll shell out the extra $100 so I can own the coin I like. If I find an MS-66 for $100 that looks better than every MS-67 I've ever seen for $110, I'll take the MS-66.

UncleJoe

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

For my type sets there is nothing nicer than a 19th century coin in a no problem Fine condition.

To think that this coin ciculated as it was intended without being dinged, scratched or mutilated is fascinating to me and to most people that view my collection.

Joe.

newbiecollector

UncleJoe..... I go with that!!

And you don't even need a multi-point grading system to tell you that you like it!!

prooflike

I don't buy a coin because of it's grade, but because of it's look.

But... A one point difference in grade can be very significant, see below, the top coin is MS64, the bottom MS65.

The one point jumps can be significant, IMO especially between Choice and Gem (64/65). Of course there are great 64s and dog 65s, but in general, I wanted to point out that a one point jump can be significant.

Try this link and look at the coins as they go from 62 to 68

Askari

An excellent link, Prooflike! What would enhance it would be to point out with each coin what makes it the grade it is.

merz2

newbie
I think it is trying to have the very best one,that drives the grading.I know I cheer when I'm proven right by someone whose opinions are respected.Most of us like our coins,or they wouldn't be part of our collections.To have professionals agree with us,is IMHO why!!!!

FC57Coins

Wayne:

As I see it, the evolution of the convoluted grading system is the result of collectors and dealers not being able to arrive at a reasonable understanding of what price to pay for an uncirculated coin of say MS62 quality as opposed to a coin of MS67 quality. So you always hear the argument that a coin is better than BU but not quite Gem, or perhaps that it's one of a kind. I'm perfectly happy with the current system because it allows those new to the field to become at least aware of rarity and availability of the coins they're interested in at various levels of uncirculated condition. Principally, I think that it boils down to the fact that there is a lot of money riding on some of these coins. Do you fork out $100 or $1000 for a coin that you like - and then, if you need to sell it - what are you genuinely holding in your hand. Granted - this is a perverse way to look at collecting and you're right in your statement that Darkside coins do offer a greater variety of artistic coins that are absolutely stunning - and for those who enjoy pure numismatic esthetics that's great. For myself, I enjoy the tie it has to our history. I just got probably one of the ugliest (esthetically) coins ever made in the US, however, its tie to the American Revolution, and the hours of enjoyment that I'll get from reading and researching this period of history makes it worthwhile for me.

Frank

newbiecollector

Thanks folks...... It just proved to me, once again, that is pays to ask!!.....