Rule of thumb for FMW of ungradable coins?

oneor11

How does one determine the fair market value on ungradable (corrosion, bent, damaged, etc.) coins? If I would look back 20 or so years, a large cent with some corrosion on it would make a great addition for a collector like me. However, as I re-enter the hobby now (20 years later) and have a better understanding of the landscape, it seems everything hinges on a gradable number. There were a few pieces I see that I like...some large cents with AU details that I wouldn't be able to afford in an AU graded state. After all, I look at it as a coin that was struck in 1795 in the infancy of the mint...that's amazing in itself, and it has some corrosion that detracts less from the coin in my opinion than some other wear and tear evident in an AG or G. I just don't know what makes financial sense. Also, can you place ungradable coins in a registry set? If so, how does that work?

I can't believe I'm asking since I generally associate the financial value of the coin to be related only to what the owner's passion and love for it determines it to be.

THanks for the help.

Jacob

RYK

There are no rules. It depends a lot on the severity of the problem(s), the attractiveness of the coin, and the demand/scarcity of the coin in question. If we are talking about an expensive coin, you are working in an area of high illiquidity.

oneor11

Thanks for the help.