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Why do you "slab" or "not slab" your coins?....
DIMEMAN
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Personally I want all my coins slabbed for the following reasons in order of importance.
1) Security for my family. No one else in my family knows or cares anything about coins. So to keep them from losing their a$$ at a B&M I have a number written down for my wife to call and it will all be taken care of by the auction house. That gives me peace of mind.
2) I like having my sets in the Registry for me and all others to see. I'm not a big high roller, but like to play the Registry game and it is a wonderful way to keep track of my collection.
3) Protection - I think slabs are the BEST way to store coins over flips and coin books.
The ONLY con to me is the money used for slabs could be used to buy more coins.
But everything good has it's cost.
What are your reasons?
1) Security for my family. No one else in my family knows or cares anything about coins. So to keep them from losing their a$$ at a B&M I have a number written down for my wife to call and it will all be taken care of by the auction house. That gives me peace of mind.
2) I like having my sets in the Registry for me and all others to see. I'm not a big high roller, but like to play the Registry game and it is a wonderful way to keep track of my collection.
3) Protection - I think slabs are the BEST way to store coins over flips and coin books.
The ONLY con to me is the money used for slabs could be used to buy more coins.
But everything good has it's cost.What are your reasons?
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I have thought about taking advantage of some of the specials on ANACS, though $100 for some coins thrown in hard plastic or 1 or more new ancient acquisitions...I opt for more ancients
Now some of my U.S. coins that I have bought in slabs I do keep. Only time I cracked a coin out was a ancient. It just isnt right.
I should also be clear that I collect rare and relatively obscure world coins, many of which are somewhat crudely manufactured. Because the TPGs don't have as much experience with these coins, they appear to be unsure of what should be net-graded, and their grading is more erratic than it is with US Mint issues.
Finally, I am currently collecting one series in NGC holders and three series in PCGS holders, so I am not pointing fingers at anyone in particular.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
A few reasons...
Easy to keep track of my inventory
Coins are preserved the best in a slab
Coins look best(IMO)in a PCGS slab
When it`s time to resell, PCGS slabs bring the most return back for your coin
As for your thoughts on the grading fees to get coins into a slab, I agree. That`s why I`ve been buying the coin IN the holder for quite a while and letting someone else foot the bill for me
As for your avitar, well...
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
-- So I can show 'em to non-coin folks without fear of being dropped and ruined.
-- It gives me examples of how PCGS grades my series, so I can learn and become more confident when buying raw coins.
I have some raw sets, too: 7070, Barber dimes, Franklin halves, etc., and a Capital holder seated type set. It's all good!
LeeBone, did that Eagle get paid a bounty to do that?
SLAB - when I decide to sell, will probably slab some of them.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
1. Protection
2. For future resale in case I am gone, it will be a lot easier for heirs to sell them at a fair price.
World Collection
British Collection
German States Collection
I began assembling my reference collection of half dimes long before the advent of TPG's and slabbing.
If a coin is in a slab, it cannot be properly studied.
If a coin is in a slab, it cannot be weighed.
If a coin is in a slab, it's diameter cannot be measured.
If a coin is in a slab, it's specific gravity cannot be measured, to aid in determining authenticity.
If a coin is in a slab, one cannot count the reeds.
If a coin is in a slab, it cannot be properly photographed.
I do not need to rely on another's opinion to determine the grade of my coins.
I would certainly not want to rely on any third party grading service to properly attribute my coins.
In short, most of the things that are important to me in my study of half dimes would not be possible if they were in slabs. Perhaps, when and if I ever sell my collection, I might consider slabbing them; I do acknowledge that having your coins slabbed by a reputable TPG is an aid to marketability. Until then, they are all free from plastic encumbrances, available to be studied and appreciated.
<< <i>Meaning no offense to our gracious hosts, not one of my half dimes is presently in a slab. Many were purchased in slabs, but were soon freed from their plastic tombs, then studied, measured, weighed, and placed in my own holders. My reasons are as follows:
I began assembling my reference collection of half dimes long before the advent of TPG's and slabbing.
If a coin is in a slab, it cannot be properly studied.
If a coin is in a slab, it cannot be weighed.
If a coin is in a slab, it's diameter cannot be measured.
If a coin is in a slab, it's specific gravity cannot be measured, to aid in determining authenticity.
If a coin is in a slab, one cannot count the reeds.
If a coin is in a slab, it cannot be properly photographed.
I do not need to rely on another's opinion to determine the grade of my coins.
I would certainly not want to rely on any third party grading service to properly attribute my coins.
In short, most of the things that are important to me in my study of half dimes would not be possible if they were in slabs. Perhaps, when and if I ever sell my collection, I might consider slabbing them; I do acknowledge that having your coins slabbed by a reputable TPG is an aid to marketability. Until then, they are all free from plastic encumbrances, available to be studied and appreciated. >>
Agreed
More important pieces are slabbed like my scarface, hot lips, and 1878 Vam 44 (not in a slab but will be soon.)
I will PCGS slab or cross over into PCGS slabs in the future when it comes time to sell or establish an estate.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
1) If you are selling it is best, in most cases, to have the coin certified.
2) For storage purposes.
3) A far less reason, IMO, than the above is the registry thing...but obviously you can't be involved unless the coin is slabbed.
jom
merse
To those that prefer to crack out and/or keep raw. I understand your points given, but I have a what if. What if something happened to you and your family had to deal with the sale of your coins. Would they know what they had and what they were worth??? This is what is nice about the Registry.....it would provide both what you had and a value.
Honestly my joy of collecting has gone down as I accumulate PCGS boxes full of coins. I much prefer to look at Dansco albums full of coins, but with all the fakes and with a plan of some day selling my coins i have decided slabs are the best way to go.
Although to keep up my interest I am now building a Dansco set of raw seated halfs in G-F condition
Who better to attribute our coins then Dr. Wiles not to mention $7 per coin is a little cheaper then $24 per coin plus we get then all attributed, no "minor variety" written on the labels.
When the time comes to get rid of a coin, if the buyer insists on a package, the Coin can go back into a package.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
1-35%
2-5%
3-60%
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<< <i>I do it because HRH said to "have fun with your coins" and plastic keeps them dry when we bathe together
When the time comes to get rid of a coin, if the buyer insists on a package, the Coin can go back into a package."
Very, very well stated.
As to Dimeman's question about what my heirs would do with my collection if something were to happen to me, I try to prepare for that eventuality, especially after experiencing open heart surgery a couple of years ago. I have an elaborate database which contains detailed information about attributions and other pertinent numismatic information for each and every half dime in my collection, but it also contains detailed information about what I paid for each coin, when I purchased it, and from whom, plus current pricing information. Each coin is identified by a unique accession number, written on the holder, identifying the coin to both the computer and to anyone studying them. [All 1800 Draped Bust half dimes may look alike to the uninitiated, but their relative values can vary considerably according to die marriage]. Like many of you here, no one else in my family has an interest in nor knowledge of coins. But they can all search a database, and therefore are armed with all of the information they would need to sell the collection if needed. I have also given them a list of trusted friends they can contact in the hobby to assist them in the orderly sale of the collection.
This, to me, is infinitely better than merely relying on plastic slabs for my heir's security. Armed with that database, any one of my five (adult) children becomes an instant 'expert' on half dimes, and has all of the detailed information they would need for the orderly disposition of the collection. Hopefully they will never need to use it, but if they do, I have given them the information they need.
<< <i>Personally I want all my coins slabbed for the following reasons in order of importance.
1) Security for my family. No one else in my family knows or cares anything about coins. So to keep them from losing their a$$ at a B&M I have a number written down for my wife to call and it will all be taken care of by the auction house. That gives me peace of mind.
2) I like having my sets in the Registry for me and all others to see. I'm not a big high roller, but like to play the Registry game and it is a wonderful way to keep track of my collection.
3) Protection - I think slabs are the BEST way to store coins over flips and coin books.
... >>
offline for **serious **family issues
As far as the registry I have never been interested......
I give away money. I collect money.
I don’t love money . I do love the Lord God.
<< <i>Personally I want all my coins slabbed for the following reasons in order of importance.
1) Security for my family. No one else in my family knows or cares anything about coins. So to keep them from losing their a$$ at a B&M I have a number written down for my wife to call and it will all be taken care of by the auction house. That gives me peace of mind.
2) I like having my sets in the Registry for me and all others to see. I'm not a big high roller, but like to play the Registry game and it is a wonderful way to keep track of my collection.
3) Protection - I think slabs are the BEST way to store coins over flips and coin books.
The ONLY con to me is the money used for slabs could be used to buy more coins.
What are your reasons? >>
I agree with all of your reasons, except that I don't see the Registry as a motivating force for me (although I agree that it can be convenient to trace coins in your collection, the same can be accomplished with an Excel spreadsheet or another software package).
My Complete PROOF Lincoln Cent with Major Varieties(1909-2015)Set Registry
The majority of my coins are raw. My more recent and more costly aquisitions are for the most part slabbed. I like the security of slabbed coins for some pieces.
Warning...(long-winded and perhaps too personal musings to follow)
This discussion is very timely for me in that I am currently in the process of purchasing a MS 34-s Peace dollar which is slabbed in an old green PCGS holder... I am torn between my desire to complete my MS set by CRACKING this coin out and adding it to my beloved Dansco album, or by keeping it slabbed and separate as I've done with some of my more recent Morgan aquisitions....when all along my intention had been to crack them. When it comes right down to it, I can't "pull the trigger".
One of the motivating factors in my joining this board was to expand my knowledge of the process of submission and grading. Mostly because it offers greater safety and security down the road when my collection is to be liquidated by my survivors who don't know squat about coins and how to sell them.
I recently had a consult with a very experienced and trustworthy dealer with the intent of breaking up my sets for submission and grading. He really whittled it down beautifully to minimize the percentage of "genuine" results, and helped select the coins which would offer the most effective benefit of slab vs non slab when evaluating sales prospects. I was excited about having them graded and at the same time dreading the dismantling of my sets.
I LOVE my Dansco albums!!!! I love the presentation!! The lay-out of the coins side by side for comparison... I LOVE the heavy feel of the silly things...And, I love my family and I don't want themto be taken advantage of if they go and try to sell my collection.
So we decided on a compromise. Instead of breaking up my albums and grading them now, what I'm likely going to do is make a list of the specific coins that NEED to be graded and slabbed before they're sold. And if I 'check out' and my survivors are left holding the bag, they have specific instructions as to what process to follow so they realize the most return on the sales, and who they can trust to assist them with the process. I know this will be more work for them..... But, gee whiz, maybe I'll live long enough to liquidate my own collection???? And in the mean time, i can continue to enjoy my Albums, and my mixed odd-ball assortment of slabbed coins that I've purchased.
Sorry that I'm rambling on about this, it's just that it's hitting so close to home that my inner conflicts on this issue are playing out for all to see in the hopes that it'll solidify my chaotic thought processes, and maybe even help focus my rambling collection. I can hope anyways.... Thanks for the ear and the therapy couch.
Happy, humble, honored and proud recipient of the “You Suck” award 10/22/2014
<< <i>But if a coin is in a PCGS slab, its authenticity not only HAS been determined, it's guaranteed. >>
It kind of shocks me that the "authenticity guarantee" doesn't come up more often when talking about why you slab your coins. This to me is the #1 reason I want my coins slabbed with all the counterfeiting going on, and some of it getting pretty good I might add.
<< <i>Simple answer is that:
The majority of my coins are raw. My more recent and more costly aquisitions are for the most part slabbed. I like the security of slabbed coins for some pieces.
Warning...(long-winded and perhaps too personal musings to follow)
This discussion is very timely for me in that I am currently in the process of purchasing a MS 34-s Peace dollar which is slabbed in an old green PCGS holder... I am torn between my desire to complete my MS set by CRACKING this coin out and adding it to my beloved Dansco album, or by keeping it slabbed and separate as I've done with some of my more recent Morgan aquisitions....when all along my intention had been to crack them. When it comes right down to it, I can't "pull the trigger".
One of the motivating factors in my joining this board was to expand my knowledge of the process of submission and grading. Mostly because it offers greater safety and security down the road when my collection is to be liquidated by my survivors who don't know squat about coins and how to sell them.
I recently had a consult with a very experienced and trustworthy dealer with the intent of breaking up my sets for submission and grading. He really whittled it down beautifully to minimize the percentage of "genuine" results, and helped select the coins which would offer the most effective benefit of slab vs non slab when evaluating sales prospects. I was excited about having them graded and at the same time dreading the dismantling of my sets.
I LOVE my Dansco albums!!!! I love the presentation!! The lay-out of the coins side by side for comparison... I LOVE the heavy feel of the silly things...And, I love my family and I don't want themto be taken advantage of if they go and try to sell my collection.
So we decided on a compromise. Instead of breaking up my albums and grading them now, what I'm likely going to do is make a list of the specific coins that NEED to be graded and slabbed before they're sold. And if I 'check out' and my survivors are left holding the bag, they have specific instructions as to what process to follow so they realize the most return on the sales, and who they can trust to assist them with the process. I know this will be more work for them..... But, gee whiz, maybe I'll live long enough to liquidate my own collection???? And in the mean time, i can continue to enjoy my Albums, and my mixed odd-ball assortment of slabbed coins that I've purchased.
Sorry that I'm rambling on about this, it's just that it's hitting so close to home that my inner conflicts on this issue are playing out for all to see in the hopes that it'll solidify my chaotic thought processes, and maybe even help focus my rambling collection. I can hope anyways.... Thanks for the ear and the therapy couch.
Why not use one of the Eagle slab albums? They are pretty good and allow you to see the coins together ( at least nine at a time). Its a good compromise especially for Peace dollars which is not a large series.
<< <i>
<< <i>But if a coin is in a PCGS slab, its authenticity not only HAS been determined, it's guaranteed. >>
It kind of shocks me that the "authenticity guarantee" doesn't come up more often when talking about why you slab your coins. This to me is the #1 reason I want my coins slabbed with all the counterfeiting going on, and some of it getting pretty good I might add. >>
It depends on what you collect. I collect U.S. gold coins and in this series there are a lot of counterfeit coins and the authenticity guarantee that a top tier slab provides is quite important and it makes these coins far more easy to sell if the need to sell ever arises. If you collect moderns, the grade guarantee is usually more important than the authenticity guarantee.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Coins like this have never been babied from day 1, and won't turn to rubbish if someone puts a fingerprint on it or, heaven forbid! drops it. Nothing can happen to them by being out of a slab (which often accompany the coins before being opened; I do like to buy coins in slabs. they just don't tend to STAY in slabs) that they haven't experienced by being change for people going about their business when our country was young, and then being bought and sold and who knows what for about a century. I save the tags from the slabs, and keep the receipts, but not necessarily right next to the coin. My family knows what to do if they have to do it.
Though I do have some high grade common coins in slabs that need the slab grade and protection for the value and would get wrecked if they were touched
Each of my most favorite low grade very rare coins has a unique history that is right there in that little coin, how could I not be part of it by holding it during the 40 or 50 years it will be with me?
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
<< <i>My answer about wanting to experience the coin (handle, store in album and carry like a book, look closely without plastic, photograph same, weigh, measure, count reeds/examine edge lettering, group and stack for fun and photos, hand to someone, and occasionally, (for certain cleaned coins) carry in pockets or store in tiny paper envelope, etc etc, would be very VERY different if I didn't primarily collect 200 year old coins in grades like "good" and "very good" and "fine details, holed" because they are so rare in any condition that they're the best i can afford. When I said in another thread that I like my coins like I like my ladies... one of those rare busty classic beauties, been around the block, raw and dirty in a nice way, and able to take a certain amount of reasonable handling without suffering, i meant
Coins like this have never been babied from day 1, and won't turn to rubbish if someone puts a fingerprint on it or, heaven forbid! drops it. Nothing can happen to them by being out of a slab (which often accompany the coins before being opened; I do like to buy coins in slabs. they just don't tend to STAY in slabs) that they haven't experienced by being change for people going about their business when our country was young, and then being bought and sold and who knows what for about a century. I save the tags from the slabs, and keep the receipts, but not necessarily right next to the coin. My family knows what to do if they have to do it.
Though I do have some high grade common coins in slabs that need the slab grade and protection for the value and would get wrecked if they were touched
Each of my most favorite low grade very rare coins has a unique history that is right there in that little coin, how could I not be part of it by holding it during the 40 or 50 years it will be with me? >>
I like your thought processes Baley, and thank you all for your thoughtful responses. This thread has been exactly what I needed to put my conflicts and confusion on this issue to rest and this whole matter into perspective! Cheers
Happy, humble, honored and proud recipient of the “You Suck” award 10/22/2014
<< <i>But if a coin is in a PCGS slab, its authenticity not only HAS been determined, it's guaranteed. >>
Micro s.
Eric
<< <i>To those that prefer to crack out and/or keep raw. I understand your points given, but I have a what if. What if something happened to you and your family had to deal with the sale of your coins. Would they know what they had and what they were worth??? This is what is nice about the Registry.....it would provide both what you had and a value. >>
Also if not slabbed how many sets of fingers would touch, how many pocket pieces, etc... could happen
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
The Ikes started out in an old Whitman Bookshelf album and got moved to CoinWorld holders for consistency. I am now in the process of upgrading all my Ikes to PCGS slabbed coins (purchased in slabs already; not submitting any coins).
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
I slab what I want to sell (in general).
I keep most of what I want to keep in the OGP as, I think, it looks much better.