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What does 'Collector Grade' mean
ElKevvo
Posts: 4,062 ✭✭✭✭✭
I was perusing a dealers website a few minutes ago and noticed that on several of the coins they referred to them as 'collector grade' in the context of 'a high end collector grade' coin or 'a nice collector grade coin perfect for a type set'. The grades on the coins ranged from low AU to MS and all were at least several hundred dollars apiece.
I do see this term used on other sites...does it really mean something such as a presumed sweet spot combining grade/price or just 'Numismatic Fluff' designed to fill out a description?
K
I do see this term used on other sites...does it really mean something such as a presumed sweet spot combining grade/price or just 'Numismatic Fluff' designed to fill out a description?
K
ANA LM
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I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors.
I should have noted that all of the coins on the site labeled as such were top two TPG graded.
K
<< <i>Understood, however, for me that is the connotation of "collector grade" or "nice collector coin" as used in most ads -- a problem waiting to be sold to the unwary. >>
<< <i>I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>
So let's combine these two thoughts for a follow-up question.
Does the largest group of collectors prefer to buy problem coins - cleaned or otherwise inferior - because they are cheaper?
Empty Nest Collection
Matt’s Mattes
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
<< <i>Non Investor Grade! >>
Haha that's what I was thinking as well. For those of us who aren't good enough to invest in coins and can only collect them...
<< <i>So, what does "average circulated" mean in dealer ads? >>
AG-G
60 years into this hobby and I'm still working on my Lincoln set!
In Morgans, investor grade is MS65 and higher. Collector grade would be lower than that
<< <i>
<< <i>Understood, however, for me that is the connotation of "collector grade" or "nice collector coin" as used in most ads -- a problem waiting to be sold to the unwary. >>
<< <i>I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>
So let's combine these two thoughts for a follow-up question.
Does the largest group of collectors prefer to buy problem coins - cleaned or otherwise inferior - because they are cheaper? >>
Unfortunately, yes (and I have heard this from many dealers over the years).
Some of the time, collectors just think that they are getting a sweet deal, without stopping to realize that there is no numismatic Santa Claus.
This overly price-conscious approach to acquiring coins is a key reason why 95+% of coin collectors lose money when they sell their coin collections (or their heirs do).
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
<< <i>
<< <i>Non Investor Grade! >>
Haha that's what I was thinking as well. For those of us who aren't good enough to invest in coins and can only collect them... >>
Well it's true as Collector Grade stops at MS64.
Ken
The name is LEE!
<< <i>Collector grade is a coin that is toooooo high priced for me. Widgets do it IMO.
Ken >>
Widgets would fall under "Dreckateer Grade"!
<< <i>So............it appears as if everybody has their own opinion of what "collector grade" means? >>
Of course.
Did you really expect anything different?
<< <i>I'd like to think it's the "presumed sweet spot combining grade/price".
I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>
I think this is a spot on definition
to me it means, "it's weak, but at least you'll have an example"
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
<< <i>
<< <i>I'd like to think it's the "presumed sweet spot combining grade/price".
I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>
I think this is a spot on definition >>
I agree, too.
I might rewrite it as: "Affordable to most collectors, presentable condition, often mid-grade for the issue (ie. Good for a Chain Cent, XF for a seated quarter, MS-64 for an 84-CC Morgan, etc.)." I would also add that it is not "investment grade".
<< <i>lcoopie - can I quote you on that?
>>
yes, it means nothing
<< <i>
<< <i>lcoopie - can I quote you on that?
>>
yes, it means nothing >>
Ahhh...
things that I can see...
Just fluff. Buy the coin not the type.
bob
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I'd like to think it's the "presumed sweet spot combining grade/price".
I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>
I think this is a spot on definition >>
I agree, too.
I might rewrite it as: "Affordable to most collectors, presentable condition, often mid-grade for the issue (ie. Good for a Chain Cent, XF for a seated quarter, MS-64 for an 84-CC Morgan, etc.)." I would also add that it is not "investment grade". >>
Completely agree here.
Stewart Huckaby
mailto:stewarth@HA.com
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