Cracking Slabs... A Better Look Inside

Ronyahski

I spent tonight cracking out some coins for upgrade. Picked only the top few out of many that were the best candidates. Haven't done that in a long time, and while I was holding the raw coins in my hand for examination, I was reminded that I haven't seen much of my collection outside of a slab. Almost all acquisitions for the past few years have been slabs out of auctions, and all of my collection is in plastic. It was nice to seem them up close and in person.

I was also reminded that there is a difference in viewing these coins in your hand vs. behind a slab of plastic. Some of those minor scratches in the fields were a little more noticeable; some luster popped a little more, some a little less; some color stood out a little more, some a little less. And after, I wasn't as sure about some of my lock upgrades.

Two lessons (re)learned for me. One, the TPGs have an advantage when grading coins, as they view coins raw. Two, when grading through slabs, ask yourself how you think that may be affecting your take on the coin.

Buy the coin, and remember, it's in plastic.

Baley

Thanks for a good post, I've noticed the same things you mention about coins "out" of their plastic (although I don't resubmit for higher grades, I just put 'em in my albums) One other thing about slabs is they obscure the edge, and sometimes the edge is "interesting", such as lettered edge coins, or other coins that may look like lock upgrades but have a bit of a rim bump or scrape that you can't see until it's too late.

michael

a fantastic thread

i find that pcgs holders are better to show off killer luster and color better than other services holders

michael

dthigpen

<< <i>a fantastic thread

i find that pcgs holders are better to show off killer luster and color better than other services holders

michael >>



I disagree, I prefer NGC holder to display such attributes. Of course, such things are in the eye of the holder I suppose, so to each their own

saintguru

Baley...I don't think they pay much attention to the edges...just an observation.

dthigpen

They definately will ding you points for worn down lettered edges on capped bust halves

saintguru

Thig...;et me be more specific...I am so "tunnel-visioned" because I only think of high-grade Saints! With those a small rim nick or two won't agffect grade. I have seen many very rare ms66's with edge hits. You are correct in your statement, you liberal-militarist!!

dthigpen

So saintguru, are you going to 'find' a holed St. Gaudens Double Eagle for me to buy from you or what?

saintguru

You got the wrong guy. I only buy what I can keep forever, and that is a VERY small number of coins...46 to be exact, but they pack a punch. No vest-pocket dealer here.

dorkkarl

sadly, there are many people who believe they are "collectors" - & have no clue what coin looks like outside a piece of plastic.

oh well.

K S

saintguru

RIGHT...and if we buy slabbed coins we are charlatans, right?

dthigpen

<< <i>RIGHT...and if we buy slabbed coins we are charlatans, right? >>



Correct. Get with the program, already.

SethChandler

That recently happened to me. Most of my coins are raw, but the better ones are all slabbed. I recently cracked out one of my High Relief Saints. That has to be one of the most exciting coins to hold raw in your hands......it is hard to believe that these coins were used as "money".

saintguru

Seth...not to be contrary, but they were very, very rarely used at all. That's why they halted mining at 11M coins. The banks didn't want them because they would not stack. There are a few that circulated, but most went to "keeoers". Interestingly enough, very few Saints at all were circulated. They were mostly held by the Fed and the Mints and used for trade-payments. I'd guess that less than 1% actually circulated.