TPG “traps” for the collector.
TommyType
Posts: 4,586 ✭✭✭✭✭
It occurs to me reading some other threads that there are money-pits, or traps, that your average collector can get caught up in surrounding the TPG aspect of the hobby. And to one extent or another, we all can fall into them to our own detriment.
I’m not saying any of the “Games” are BAD. They have all been proven to improve VALUE at times. So, if you are selling, there may be a compelling reason to “Play” one or more of the “Games”. It might even be advisable for a seller, dealer, or flipper!
It’s just that for coins you intend to keep and enjoy, they can become a drain on time and money, yet they don’t REALLY improve your coins or your collection.
So, which of the following have gotten a hold of you? Did you get involved to your own detriment, (financially or enjoyment wise)? And are you sorry you did?
1) The Grading Game:
“You feel compelled to get your raw coins graded.”
2) The Upgrade Game:
“You just can’t help yourself seeking TPG grading upgrades.”
3) The + Game: (Closely related to the Upgrade Game),
“You just can’t help yourself from seeking the +”.
4) The Cross-Over Game:
“You can’t help yourself from getting your coins into the perceived highest quality TPG holder.”
5) The Registry Game: (Closely related to the Grading and Cross-Over Games, and even the + and Upgrade Games, if you really are competing),
“You can’t stop yourself from getting your coins into your registry set by Grading or Cross-Over, or improving your Registry by Upgrade.”
6) The CAC game:
“You can’t stop yourself from testing your coins in the CAC system.”
(Did I miss any?)
.....
My answers:
1) No. Not just for the grading alone. (See later).
2) No. I’ll let perceived undergraded coins linger in their existing holder. The coin is the coin, regardless of grade.
3) No. Don’t care about the +. Seems like a gimmick.
4) No. I don’t really have a TPG preference, for grading alone. (See below).
5) Yes! I really would like to have my collection detailed in a single Registry....preferably, the PCGS Registry. It’s not because I’m really competing....just because I’d like to be able to present my entire collection in one place. I have graded and crossed coins for only Registry purposes, and have plans to do more of it. But, I’m not sure it is worth the time and money, really. I can’t say I REGRET it yet, but I have slapped myself on the wrist as I do it. 
6) No. I have not yet attempted to CAC any coins. But I might be persuaded if I were selling a special coin.
Finally, I wonder if there will ever be a,
“7) The CAC Registry Game:”
“CAC institutes their own CAC only Registry, or the other TPG’s start improving scores based on CAC status”.
There would be more money to be made from collectors, I’m sure.
Comments
none of the above, see i'm a simple collector who buys whatever gets his notice, slabbed or raw doesn't matter to me
Wish I had that purity.
Maybe we need to start an order of monks dedicated to the "purity of collecting". We could take an oath, and chant.
I actually don't participate in the Registry. But I admit there is a certain beauty in seeing a collection entombed (yes I said "entombed") in the same company's holders, so...
I practice 1, 4 and 6 as well as, at times, 2, but not because I feel compelled to. Rather, I only do this when the increase in value justifies the outlay.
And, I disagree with your premise--that they really don't improve your coins or your collection. For example, PCGS graded coins (with CAC stickers, perhaps), offer a guarantee of authenticity, physical protection and, more importantly, generally provide an increased return when selling. So it does improve my collection.
Tom
I agree....and I alluded to the benefit in my post.
I just think one COULD get wrapped around the axel submitting multiple times for some wished for result, or suddenly hating a coin because it didn't CAC, or passing on coins because they happened to be in the wrong holder, or are "maxed out". And all the while, spending money on something that is only tangentially related to the hobby you chose and enjoy. Those are the traps.
CAC registry, what's a great idea. Let the down grade game starts for beans. Will this stop grade inflation?
I bet many coins won't get downgraded so that C coin beans will appear
Very interesting thread. For the series I collect, I see the game in play at times.
On a couple of occasions, I have been an underbidder on a couple of decent coins. In itself, that isn't a big deal. I get a little discouraged when I see the same coin on eBay shortly after sitting at a ridiculous ask, or upgraded (also with ridiculous ask)
You could say 2, 3, and 5 would be in play in my instance. I cannot be upset with those looking to add value and make a living. Maybe I should just bid more next time
NO X 6 - all 6. I buy, and enjoy, coins that I like.... I do not do any of those listed pursuits...Hmmmm... now that I think of it.... I wonder how many of my slabs would upgrade??
Yep, I still don't care....Cheers, RickO
I'll add that unless I miss my guess, ...IF... the volume of submissions to CAC dropped, the same avarice that infected TPGs would even get into the holy man's plans and .....C coins will be stickered as well as anything else.
Might take a few more years of swigging the Koolaid, but it will happen.
"Gradeflation" won't be isolated to grades alone.
To avoid most of this, learn how to grade. Find a mentor. Have someone you trust who knows more than you do look at a potential purchase. Don't stretch for a coin unless you're sure you won't see another one like it for a good five years. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to send everything in for regrading / stickering before selling.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."