Thoughts on Raw vs. Slabbed Mercs from Ebay

ChuckC

This question could also regard raw vs. slabbed coins in general. Also, this question is focused more on mint state coins.

Would you or has anyone ever bought a raw mercury dime on ebay with plans to have it slabbed? For instance, I've browsed through several auctions claiming "MS66++" "Full bands Gem BU" "Came from mint roll" and sure the photos look nice, but they are amateur at best. Even auctions with nicer close up pictures couldn't reveal other imperfections exposed under a mag. glass or different light. Maybe I answered my own question, but .... should I stick to slabbed mercs on ebay and go to coin shops/wait for the coins shows for raw? take a gamble with raw on ebay? Any recommended sellers of premium raw mercs?

The reason I've started this thread is b/c part of the fun in this hobby for me is seeing, handling, and inspecting raw coins before they become entombed in plastic. How nice would it be to pick up a merc for $20-$30 raw that ultimately grades ms67fb and auctions for $150 or ends up in my registry set? It's the risk factor that gets me going; buying slabbed coins is less involved = less exciting but still really fun.

magikbilly

Hi,
well, you can accomplish just about anything if you are in the right place at the right time, but I'd have to search long and hard to come up with a good reason to buy raw coins on eBay. I'd wait for a show....

Best,
Billy

nwcs

I think you can get away with it for most of the 1940s mercs. They are abundant in higher grades. But as you climb earlier in time, the necessity for slabs on ebay grows.

ChuckC

how bout the "Papa Tony's" 1940s mercs that this guy eagle.eye.eddie has for sale (past auctions reveal that these go for $12-$25)

edit: I just figured out that this guy resues photos!

link

Pennycase

I've only purchased one MS merc off of e-bay, and for the life of me can't remember who I bought it from, but, the title was " BU Gem Mercury" And that was it, with some pics, I paid 3 bucks for it, so I couldn't have gone wrong either way...I received the coin and was pleased to find it has ms-66 possibility, no toning, blast white, But, it wasn't FSB, which wasn't expected really.