Question for the Lincoln Folks

erwindoc

Considering starting this set(wheats only) once I complete another project. How accurate is the pcgs guide for grades in the MS64-66 red only? What is the best resource for pricing other than auction trends?

sawyerjosh

I like Numismedia and additionally you can compare the NGC and PCGS price guides too. I find PCGS to be a bit in the high side often.

MsMorrisine

auction trends are the best source of pricing because they are actual prices paid.

why think something is better than a list of prices paid???

ThePennyLady

The price guides and auction results are a useful guide; however, keep in mind that when it comes to auction prices, you have no idea about the quality of the piece sold. Just because the holder states a certain grade does not mean that coin is particularly attractive which would reflect in the auction price. Same goes for an especially nice, eye appealing (or in the case of copper, the more red the more value the coin will have) - auction prices will be higher for these coins so in my opinion, you cannot use just one source for determining price or value.

Coppercolor

You'll get more experienced answers than mine, but with a moderate amount of experience I would estimate normal coins for the grade trade in the vicinity of 70% of the price guide and it takes a great looking coin that's all there to reach the full PCGS list price in the 64-66 range. This can all go out the window if you're talking top pops.

Steve

<< <i>You'll get more experienced answers than mine, but with a moderate amount of experience I would estimate normal coins for the grade trade in the vicinity of 70% of the price guide and it takes a great looking coin that's all there to reach the full PCGS list price in the 64-66 range. This can all go out the window if you're talking top pops. >>



That 30% spread probably represents the difference between wholesale (seller) price and retail (buyer) price generally. The PCGS price guide is a retail guide intended to provide buyers with a "top" price for a coin in the grade indicated. The seller of the coin, whether he be a dealer or another collector is obviously interested in getting the most for the coin he is selling. So he will bargin down from the PCGS price to a lower price HE is willing to sell the coin at. That amount might be anywhere. If it falls below the 70% figure mentioned above, then the buyer should be aware that the coin may NOT be truly worth the retail value PCGS says it is graded at. JMHO. Steve

lusterlover

<< <i>The price guides and auction results are a useful guide; however, keep in mind that when it comes to auction prices, you have no idea about the quality of the piece sold. Just because the holder states a certain grade does not mean that coin is particularly attractive which would reflect in the auction price. Same goes for an especially nice, eye appealing (or in the case of copper, the more red the more value the coin will have) - auction prices will be higher for these coins so in my opinion, you cannot use just one source for determining price or value. >>



I would listen to the woman who is a professional Lincoln dealer...but that's just my opinion.

What she's also not saying is that many of the PQ red Lincolns never see the showroom window or auction houses. They are in high demand and move quickly at strong prices (above guide). You need to develop some relationships to get a crack at these.

Coppercolor

<< <i>

<< <i>You'll get more experienced answers than mine, but with a moderate amount of experience I would estimate normal coins for the grade trade in the vicinity of 70% of the price guide and it takes a great looking coin that's all there to reach the full PCGS list price in the 64-66 range. This can all go out the window if you're talking top pops. >>



That 30% spread probably represents the difference between wholesale (seller) price and retail (buyer) price generally. The PCGS price guide is a retail guide intended to provide buyers with a "top" price for a coin in the grade indicated. The seller of the coin, whether he be a dealer or another collector is obviously interested in getting the most for the coin he is selling. So he will bargin down from the PCGS price to a lower price HE is willing to sell the coin at. That amount might be anywhere. If it falls below the 70% figure mentioned above, then the buyer should be aware that the coin may NOT be truly worth the retail value PCGS says it is graded at. JMHO. Steve >>



That sounds about right. And I was relaying my experiences rather than rules of the trade. I made quite a few red lincolns one grade below top pops when I broke up my roll collection. Sold them. And most brought about 70% of PCGS price at auction, some went full boat and the at least several that had a chance at high upside with upgrades sold above retail and pros worked on them.