To Be or Not To Be....with pictures
Tortuga
Posts: 220 ✭
When Hamlet uttered those immortal words, the one thing that I am certain about is that he wasn't thinking about collecting coins. Yet, after reading the numerous posts concerning Laura's latest Hot Topics issue (which I read before it was pulled), I cannot help but think of Hamlet's solioquy substituted with the words, "To Plus or Not To Plus -- that is the question..." and, it seems, we are definitely not in short supply of questions regarding this new service. All the questions and comments regarding grading scale (42 or 43 vs. 70pt system with binary flag), premium quality, eye appeal, CAC, star holders, and technical grade are, IMHO, attempts to get a handle on the most basic question of "How the heck can I get my coin in a Secure Plus holder with a Plus?" No, you say, I don't want it without the Plus, thank you very much. Well, you'll probably have to wait a while until you see enough Plus holdered coins to discern what (in the grader's eyes) constitutes a Plus coin. Even then, if you're like me, you'll probably be left scratching your head. I say that because I have just seen images of the awesome Simpson Collections that were submitted for Secure Plus (Trueviews are online), and there were more than a few gorgeous coins that did not have a plus that left me wondering, why not? Conversely, there were coins that had a Plus that left me wondering, why?
Why and why not, indeed! And so it is with Laura and maybe many of us here on the boards. We don't want to send in a coin, pay our hard earned money, and be left with a Secure holdered coin without the Plus. Is that a bad thing? Probably not. I don't see a Secure coin without the Plus being less (and hence, less valuable) than the grade that is stated on the holder. In addition, the laser fingerprinting of coins will help the hobby to rid us of coin docs who seek to deceive us. A very good thing, in my opinion.
Lest we forget, coin grading is done by humans and, thus, is hardly an exact science. To be sure, they are experts at what they do having seen thousands upon thousands of coins at all grade levels. Still, they are subject to "the thousand natural shocks that flesh is heir to".
For example, if I were a grader and had hastily eaten El Grande Burrito Especial from the local lunch wagon, chances are probably good that, as my stomach churned, your coin might receive a grade of say 66.6 instead of 66.7 (thereby removing it from Plus contention). On the other hand, if my wife had graciously packed my lunch that day with my favorite corned beef on rye with mustard, lettuce, tomato, and pickle, and she kissed me goodbye with a twinkle in her eye, I would say that chances are good that your coin might receive the 66.7 or 66.8 that it justly deserves. Bottom line, be happy with your coins. If you like your coins, then that is what matters most. It is nice, as a bonus, to have others comment positively on your coins, and agree with you that it is wondrous in its own right. Others have posted coins seeking advice from forum members as to their thoughts on whether their coins are Secure Plus worthy. Not a bad idea, considering the wide breadth of knowledge and experience represented by the many members of this forum.
I have coins in my collection that I am very happy with, and none of them have a bean or a plus. I may or may not submit coins for Secure Plus grading in the future. As for now, I would like to submit some coins to this forum for an official "yeah, I like it" thumbs up or "pass" thumbs down. Comments are welcomed.
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and probably your coins.
Those are numismatic eye candy in anyone's book. I also have wondered how the marketplace will eventually balance out all the modfiers and combinations of modifiers, but now and always, coins like the ones you have posted will remain objects of art, especially as they are presented with such crisp photography.
Drunner
I don't care what sticker, * , + or googly eye symbol someone wants to put or not put on those holders.
They are obvious numismatic gems and no modifiers can change or undo their beauty.
What you choose to do with them is up to you and that decision wouldn't change my opinion of those coins or of you.
Best of luck with them & continue to enjoy them as part of this hobby...
"Bongo hurtles along the rain soaked highway of life on underinflated bald retread tires."
~Wayne
Thanks for the kind words all. However, credit for the photography goes to Todd at Bluccphotos.com. He does a wonderful job as you can see.
Jim
When a man who is honestly mistaken hears the truth, he will either quit being mistaken or cease to be honest....Abraham Lincoln
Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.....Mark Twain