Is is Fun or Profit?

jimp · March 30, 2004 10:29AM

I keep reading how people buy raw, unslabbed coins or buy coins in non-mainstream slabs (ACG, PIC, Acutrade, etc.) and then try to have them cross over or upgraded into PCGS or NGC holders.

My question is, after all the disappointments, after all the body bags, after all the downgrades, time spent, is it worth it? What I mean is, when you think back of all the buys and sells, when the final tally is done, have you made money or lost money?

Was it all for profit, or just the thrill of the chase?

After playing the game myself, I've come to the conclusion--just buy nice looking PCGS coins.

Let's hear your story.

LucyBop · March 30, 2004 10:30AM

<< <i>My question is, after all the disappointments, after all the body bags, after all the downgrades, time spent, is it worth it? >>

If one has a eye for grading and knows what PCGs looks for in a given series for a given grade, the above will hardly ever happen.

Hedger · March 30, 2004 10:41AM

Mostly for me it's the thrill of the chase. I like to have fun with my collection but on the other hand, I want to hand down something very valueble and impressive to someone in the family (or perhaps not) that will appreciate the effort I put into it. I'd like to be remembered for my great collection and kindness. Hopefully that will be many, many years from now.

Russ · March 30, 2004 10:44AM

Much more fun to hunt them down and submit them than it is to buy them already graded. Besides, not everybody can afford to just buy the coins we need already PCGS graded.

Russ, NCNE

Goldfinger · March 30, 2004 10:52AM

A farmer struggling to keep his farm going hits the lottery. Naturally, he's thrilled. What are you going to do with the money? his neighbors ask. His answer: Are you kidding? Now I can afford to farm for 10 more years!

As a non-dealer, I think this about sums it up for most of us.

-Jay

Veep · March 30, 2004 10:59AM

For me, a coin show or auction is like a treasure hunt. I'm matching knowledge and wits against the masses and (usually) getting rewarded because I knew something that someone else didn't. Other times, its just having enough confidence to pull the trigger and buy something that someone else ALMOST bought. Pulling that trigger gets harder and harder as the dollars get higher and higher.

coppercoins · March 30, 2004 11:01AM

It's not for profit for me...it's for the enjoyment, learning, teaching, helping others. A community. The money I might or might not make is incidental.

Aethelred · March 30, 2004 11:15AM

There is something about buying a coin raw and sending it in, when you get the grade you wanted, or better, it is a real high!

It is the thrill of the hunt and the kill I guess!

merz2 · March 30, 2004 11:15AM

For me it has always been the thrill of the chase.That is fun to me.

08HALA20 · March 30, 2004 11:28AM

<< <i>Much more fun to hunt them down and submit them than it is to buy them already graded. Besides, not everybody can afford to just buy the coins we need already PCGS graded.

Russ, NCNE >>

I agree with Russ, The hunt is the best and if you can make some money that makes it easier.

Rookie Joe