Do you normally buy raw coins, or slabbed coins, or some mix of the two?

SkyMan

Just wondering, do you normally buy raw coins, or slabbed coins, or some mix of the two?

My buying is kind of bimodal. I'm having a LOT of fun doing old fashioned coin collecting... e.g. buying raw coins and filling albums with them. For coins $200 and under I prefer buying them raw. Of the coins that I buy, roughly 85%, in total numbers, fall in this under $200 range.

I'm also perfectly happy to buy slabbed coins in this under $200 range if they have "the look" I'm looking for, it's just that I'll crack them out afterwards to put them in my Dansco(s). Roughly 10% of the coins I've bought in the last year, by number, have been these sort.

Finally, for my more valuable purchases, essentially anything over $200, I do buy them slabbed (and keep them slabbed unless I think I can upgrade them). Roughly 5% of the coins, by total number, that I've bought in the last year are these sort. Even though they are only 5% of the coins by number that I've bought, they represent roughly 75% of the money that I've spent on coins in the last year.

So, how about you? Do you buy only raw coins, only slabbed coins, or some sort of mix?...

nankraut

Even though it restricts availability somewhat, I have purchased nothing but PCGS graded coins for the past 10 years or so. Since none of my heirs are numismatists, I figure it will be much easier for them to dispose of my holdings after I've gone to Heaven.

Baley

Both raw and slabbed, and the holder literally doesn't matter to me. The coin and the price, that's it.

Purfrock

I buy more raw now than I did five or ten years ago. I still have a fair amount of slabbed coins, but I find it easier to find the coin I like, and at the right price, outside of a slab. Having said that, I only collect early copper. I don't think slabs carry the same importance among many EACers.

SamByrd

most coins I buy are PCGS slabs 75% the rest are lesser slabs or raw.

Jinx86

mostly raw coins which in turn I have certified by PCGS. I'd rather buy "deals" based on my knowledge of grading than for someone else to profit from me being too lazy to know how to grade.

pennyannie

Right now I do not care as I am working on a date set of circulated cap bust halves. I crack them out regardless.

TwoSides2aCoin

My accountant says I spent 6 million in 7 years. 99% has been on raw coins....approximately. Don't be stupid like me. I just sent another ten grand worth of raw coins to PCGS last month.
Who cares ? Few local buyers exist (albeit dealers ) but thousands of local sellers are busy selling. They must think eBay sucks ( most of the profits ) too. USPS makes most of the money on 3 oz items. Oh , and I don't even like 75% of the coins I buy. Yet, the numbers don't lie. People like raw and cheap. Sue me if I'm wrong.

jtlee321

I'll buy both. I like to look for good deals. I find a lot more deals on raw coins than I do for slabbed. The slabbed coins I like are the small white ANACS earlier versions and old fattie no line NGC. It feels to me that a lot of the old PCGS stuff has been picked over pretty well. But honestly I buy the coin and not the holder, but my attention is drawn first to the two I mentioned.

lablover

So, how about you? Do you buy only raw coins, only slabbed coins, or some sort of mix?...

Yes...

rainbowlover1

Me personally .., both

lkenefic

The great majority of coins I buy are raw. Even if I buy slabbed, I crack them and put them in my books. THE exceptions have been key dates that I either buy raw and have certified, or just buy certified to begin with. Its a lot easier when you go to sell a set not to haggle that the 1914D is actually authentic. ..or whatever...

lcoopie

mostly slabbed

DollarAfterDollar

I buy raw coins I think are underpriced for their grade then ship them either here or across the street (depending on what it is) but will buy an occasional slabbed coin usually one I wish to keep for myself.

OKbustchaser

I would buy all raw if I could. Since other people insist on slabbing them though I end up buying mostly slabbed any more.

Of course, they all magically turn into raw coins once they arrive at their new home.

mannie gray

Mostly raw, although I will buy slabbed coins from any company if I like the coin and the price.
When buying slabbed coins, I try to visualize the now slabbed coin in its former 2x2 holder and ask myself "Is it worth it?"
The grade on the holder is secondary to the price tag.

silverpop

raw coins is what i buy

mannie gray

@Baley said:
Both raw and slabbed, and the holder literally doesn't matter to me. The coin and the price, that's it.

So, I'm with Baley on this one.

golden

I only buy PCGS.

SanctionII

Mostly raw.

Walkerfan

Only PCGS or NGC coins now.

TopographicOceans

Though I used to buy a mix, now I want my collection 100% PCGS for consistency.
So now I buy 90% PCGS and 10% NGC (that I cross over to PCGS)

Type2

Both raw, graded I try not to buy NGC it needs to be a very nice coin for me to bite.

mt_msla

Mostly PCGS slabs, whatever slab version ... ogh, doily, rattler, blue, current, etc. And then I like to get old ANA and ANACS. Been looking for an NGC black but haven't found one yet.

RockyMtnProspector

Both. I'm one of those that as I've gotten more confident in my grading abilities I actually subscribe to the old adage of buying the coin, not the holder. If I like it in PCGS, NGC, or raw in a flip or 2x2, I'll buy it. While I like CAC coins, not all CAC coins are appealing to me. I like the old ANACS white holders, but I've found some good bargains on quality coins sitting in plain sight in a yellow ANACS holder too, and easily crossed and stickered the coins because the coin in the holder (not the holder) was telling me all I needed to know.

Boosibri

After living overseas I have become much more comfortable with my ability to confidently buy raw coins.

sparky64

About 75% slabbed at the moment.
From online auctions.

The only selection of raw coins I get to see anymore are at a small auction house, every 2 to 3 months.
I'd like to get a look at more raw coins but my opportunities seem limited these days.
Especially since my favorite B&M closed a few years ago.

oih82w8

The greater majority are PCGS holders.

ms70

Pretty much only slabbed. On rare occasion I'll find something raw in an antique shop but then I send it to be slabbed.

ricko

I buy both slabbed and raw.. depends on the coin. Since there are no coin shops or shows in this area, I have been buying coins from the BST or contacts from forum members - and always have been happy with those coins. I have purchased a couple of raw coins from the antique shops here, but not many since most are horrendously overpriced.
Cheers, RickO

jonruns

Only PCGS and preferably with CAC approval..

lkenefic

As others have said.... at the last show I went to, I past up some very nice slabbed coins in deference to a raw one that has decent eye appeal for the grade and was favorably priced. The slabbed coins were just above what I wanted to pay...

Cougar1978

PCGS nowadays.

Kccoin

50/50 here. Slabs for the long run, raw for albums and fun

justcollecting

I buy mostly raw coins for my Dansco albums. For the key dates I buy them slabbed, I don't want to spend a lot of money on a counterfeit. I then put a coin in the Dansco for that key. I get more enjoyment going threw raw coins, you never know when you might find a variety that someone missed.

libertydude

Raw from the mints. Slabbed elsewhere.

Would love to buy raw, but not educated enough in spotting counterfeits

nwcoast

About 90% raw and one out of ten slabbed.

crazyhounddog

We've met at coins shows more than a couple of time so you know how I operate. I love to use my skills when buying coins so raw works for me. In fact I very much enjoy the thrill of finding buffalo nickel's raw for the picking. I also will purchase coins graded and have been know to pay up for the eye appeal. I always have had a hard time leaving Andy's table along with Todds " Blue Vet", "Pony Express", Glen's table. I could list many more but you get the idea. I guess I better mention, Macintosh and his boys along with the Penny Lady, Charmy. Searching the floor for coins is one of the things in life I love to do. But, I have also made many friends over the years that share the same interest in the hobby that I do. But great question, Sky. I guess it's kinda 50/50.

Rodebaugh

All the coins I gather worth a darn (for my personal sets) start out in or end up in PCGS plastic.

clarkbar04

Mostly raw but will buy slabbed if I have to have it.

asheland

I prefer PCGS or NGC coins, but will certainly buy raw if I like the coin and the price is right.

TwoSides2aCoin

Oops

Cougar1978

I buy slabbed. I might buy raw G-Vg Barber halves below bid close to melt I pick off sometimes off the bay if up early on Sunday's. I will then price at bid plus 50 pct / some sell - fun.