Home U.S. Coin Forum

My opinion on CAC has undergone some change

13»

Comments

  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 16,328 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Morgan White said:

    @MFeld said:

    @Morgan White said:
    I never liked CAC. No one knows whether or not I like a coin better than me. Paying someone else to tell me whether or not I like a coin is a humiliation ritual.

    That said, in theory, it should have been something that helped collectors identify quality coins within the grade and weed out "messed with" coins that the TPG's started slabbing as "market acceptable". In reality, you get a set of biases like toning over white, or "dirty" gold over bright etc. that are about aesthetics not quality.

    And unfortunately, rather than CAC being a net positive for the average collector, it became a net positive for dealers and elite collectors who use a sticker as a measure of worth, rather than the coin itself, as this thread is attempting to point out.

    No one cared when the average Joe had to pay an extra $50 for a Morgan, but 20k starts to matter to the elites so we can actually have a serious discussion about it now instead of getting dog piled as an unsophisticated rube for not understanding how CAC works.

    If you never liked CAC for the reasons you stated above, it would seem that you wouldn’t like professional grading companies, either. As if CAC is guilty of telling you whether you like a coin and of causing the “average Joe” to have to pay extra money for coins, so do the grading companies, often to a much larger extent.

    TPG's served a useful purpose in that I've been around long enough to remember mail order BU's were often dipped AU's and TPG grading cleaned that up. TPG's went off the rails when they decided to start slabbing coins as "market acceptable", which is exactly what created the demand for CAC. Now, CAC has evolved into something where people are starting to see the gap again, as this thread indicates.

    You're right in this sense, in my area of collecting, which has always been high end circulated coins, VF-XF bust, seated, barbar etc., I don't need TPG's or CAC for any reason whatsoever. I had my complete F-XF seated quarter set in a Dansco including some crack outs. I started certifying them (and then upgrading some as already slabbed) to make them easier to sell because that's the reality of the market. It doesn't mean I like it.

    Bottom line here is that TPG's, CAC, and just about any system you can think of "drifts", "inflates", whatever you want to call it because people are always trying to profit from the gaps and margins. What you're seeing in this thread are the first signs of the "gaps" in the CAC system actually being acknowledged by someone that people will listen to without dismissing as an unsophisticated rube who "doesn't understand how the market works".

    Thank you for that thoughtful reply.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • blitzdudeblitzdude Posts: 7,565 ✭✭✭✭✭

    No dreck for me. RGDS!

    The whole worlds off its rocker, buy Gold™.
    BOOMIN!™
    Wooooha! Did someone just say it's officially "TACO™" Tuesday????
    Retiring at 55, what day is today? :sunglasses:

  • edwardjulioedwardjulio Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭✭✭

    All that "gutter" you have is dreck.

    End Systemic Elitism - It Takes All of Us
    ANA LM, LSCC, EAC, FUN

  • BarberianBarberian Posts: 4,643 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 22, 2026 5:41PM

    I like about 95% of CAC and CACG coins. At my first coin show in 30 years (FUN 2019), I wanted to look at some CAC stickered coins in-hand. I purchased an 1849-O SLH that was crusty and undoubtedly original. While not particularly attractive, I bought it for its screaming originality, and I still enjoy the coin.


    (photo by GFRC)
    .
    Over time, I bought more CAC coins and noticed some patterns to the coins that successfully sticker. One thing I noticed is they' will give crusty coins some leeway if they have a bit of corrosion on them. When looking through my collection recently for coins to grade, I came across an eBay coin I don't like because of a heavy crust including "white spots with black dots" that to me represents localized corrosion. I would have passed the coin over, but I thought of CAC and that quirk to their grading, chuckled to myself and sent it in to CACG. For me it was the perfect coin to test them on this corrosion issue that I obsess about. I laughed heartily when it straight-graded.
    .
    CACG VF20 - net graded IMO but still straight-graded.

    .
    One mistake I've made is I've purchased two CAC coins with which I wasn't exactly delighted. I trusted CAC over my own tastes and found out it is best to stick with my own preferences. CAC also didn't sticker some of my favorite coins for unknown reasons. They did sticker my best, IMO most-sticker able, midgrade SLH, which was a relief because I would have been turned off to CAC for good if they didn't. I realized a sticker rejection is not going to change how I feel about these coins. It had a greater effect on how I view CAC grading. Now I see the price premiums some dealers are putting on these coins and realize that some dealers are now gouging people wanting CAC coins.
    .
    PCGS AU53 - not CAC - still one of my favorites

    .
    1843 WB-35 PCGS XF45 - CAC (whew!)

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 40,336 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MFeld said:

    @gtstang said:
    You know, even though your opinion of cac has changed, the fact is nobody cares.

    I've posted about a coin several times that was originally sold by legend some years ago in pcgs , cac that end for thousands over price guide.
    The coin in question is very toned and has very deep scratches on both sides.
    The coin is currently in a new pcgs holder with a new cert number and new cac sticker and sold for thousands again over price guide.
    Again nobody cares that cac blessed it with such deep scratches.
    There are many great coins with cac, but look at the coin if you're laying out that much over guide.

    When someone says something such as “nobody cares…”, “everybody…”, “always…” or “never…” far more often than not, they’re wrong. And this is yet another example of that. If the coin is actually as you described, a lot of people would care.

    If the coin was as described, I'm surprised it would slab twice and sticker twice.

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 12,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:
    The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list. In truth collectors are not that smart, they are easily convinced to follow the herd if told to by the "right " influencer. This post cannot make that more clear, people have announced that they would buy any coin if Laura told them to buy, that is crazy.

    How can it be “overpaying” in a free market with widespread auction price discovery? Your personal willingness not to pay more has no bearing on the market value of CAC, toning, stars, color, provenance…

    There are two dealers I’d buy sight unseen from - because they consistently and only sell high quality material that aligns with my desired aesthetic. Neither is CAC exclusive and both sell coins at a premium because of their reputation for quality.

    :D You have it all wrong, it has nothing to do with what I will or will not pay. Everything can be manipulated or influenced, you remember the Hunt bros right? How many times have you seen a thread on a coin that set a record high only to sell for a significant haircut only a few months or a year later. According to your statement that cannot happen because of the widespread auction price discovery available that would include the record price auction data, yet it happens all the time. People allow their emotions and egos to control behaviors, especially true in auctions. Assume that I use a shill to sell five of the same coin for more than any recent auction history, that now becomes part of the widespread auction history that you use to determine your price. So you look at the history and see my inflated prices and assume you need to adjust your bids higher, you were just influenced to overpay due to inaccurate data.

    Even your comment that you would buy anything from two individuals is telling. You are not buying the coin you are buying the reputation; I'm not criticizing your actions just pointing out the facts. If that is working for you great no worries from my end, just not how I do things.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,647 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @tradedollarnut said:
    “You know, even though your opinion of cac has changed, the fact is nobody cares.”

    Absolutely incorrect. My opinion OF cac has not changed -they still do what they do on as consistent a basis as is reasonably achievable. My opinion ON cac has changed due to the effects that the market is assigning to what they do. It’s ridiculous that a B- coin is half the price of a B+ coin.

    It used to be a very nice continuum of value - at any given grade valuation was progressive:
    Ngc, PCGS, ngc with sticker, PCGS+, PCGS with sticker, PCGS + with sticker. Modify as you see fit but you could break the values down pretty smoothly. Sure, coins would double in price between grades in the same category, but you simply didn’t see a coin doubling in price between the top and bottom of just the B designation within the grade. Simply crazy IMO

    Sometimes crazy, sometimes not. Anyway, always good to keep an open mind and an eye for value.

    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
  • tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,580 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Excerpts from a Lauramail just now. I’ve cut out the parts that always got her banned.

    When I first saw the coin at ANA I passed. It was a knee jerk reaction. I went back and looked at 2X that day (and put it on hold). The coin haunted me so badly; the next AM I bought it. I rarely ever do that with a non cac coin. In hand it looks really nice and is very flashy.

    This 1883 TD was a rare coin that in my opinion was a near miss for CAC. I am considering listing coins like that, however they would be one in a million.

  • lermishlermish Posts: 4,560 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @tradedollarnut said:
    Excerpts from a Lauramail just now. I’ve cut out the parts that always got her banned.

    Where's the fun in that?😂

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

  • Project NumismaticsProject Numismatics Posts: 1,829 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:
    The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list. In truth collectors are not that smart, they are easily convinced to follow the herd if told to by the "right " influencer. This post cannot make that more clear, people have announced that they would buy any coin if Laura told them to buy, that is crazy.

    How can it be “overpaying” in a free market with widespread auction price discovery? Your personal willingness not to pay more has no bearing on the market value of CAC, toning, stars, color, provenance…

    There are two dealers I’d buy sight unseen from - because they consistently and only sell high quality material that aligns with my desired aesthetic. Neither is CAC exclusive and both sell coins at a premium because of their reputation for quality.

    :D You have it all wrong, it has nothing to do with what I will or will not pay. Everything can be manipulated or influenced, you remember the Hunt bros right? How many times have you seen a thread on a coin that set a record high only to sell for a significant haircut only a few months or a year later. According to your statement that cannot happen because of the widespread auction price discovery available that would include the record price auction data, yet it happens all the time. People allow their emotions and egos to control behaviors, especially true in auctions. Assume that I use a shill to sell five of the same coin for more than any recent auction history, that now becomes part of the widespread auction history that you use to determine your price. So you look at the history and see my inflated prices and assume you need to adjust your bids higher, you were just influenced to overpay due to inaccurate data.

    Even your comment that you would buy anything from two individuals is telling. You are not buying the coin you are buying the reputation; I'm not criticizing your actions just pointing out the facts. If that is working for you great no worries from my end, just not how I do things.

    You’re right, the whole market is just overpaying for eye appeal, CAC, toners. Guess we should all just stop buying nice coins and wait for prices to go down :D

  • dcarrdcarr Posts: 9,982 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:
    The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list. In truth collectors are not that smart, they are easily convinced to follow the herd if told to by the "right " influencer. This post cannot make that more clear, people have announced that they would buy any coin if Laura told them to buy, that is crazy.

    How can it be “overpaying” in a free market with widespread auction price discovery? Your personal willingness not to pay more has no bearing on the market value of CAC, toning, stars, color, provenance…

    There are two dealers I’d buy sight unseen from - because they consistently and only sell high quality material that aligns with my desired aesthetic. Neither is CAC exclusive and both sell coins at a premium because of their reputation for quality.

    :D You have it all wrong, it has nothing to do with what I will or will not pay. Everything can be manipulated or influenced, you remember the Hunt bros right? How many times have you seen a thread on a coin that set a record high only to sell for a significant haircut only a few months or a year later. According to your statement that cannot happen because of the widespread auction price discovery available that would include the record price auction data, yet it happens all the time. People allow their emotions and egos to control behaviors, especially true in auctions. Assume that I use a shill to sell five of the same coin for more than any recent auction history, that now becomes part of the widespread auction history that you use to determine your price. So you look at the history and see my inflated prices and assume you need to adjust your bids higher, you were just influenced to overpay due to inaccurate data.

    Even your comment that you would buy anything from two individuals is telling. You are not buying the coin you are buying the reputation; I'm not criticizing your actions just pointing out the facts. If that is working for you great no worries from my end, just not how I do things.

    .

    I think, in many cases, when a rare coin apparently sells for a high price and then appears at auction a year or so later at a lower price, the reason is that the owner bought it back the first time and let it go the second.

    .

  • dcarrdcarr Posts: 9,982 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Barberian said:
    1843 WB-35 PCGS VF45 - CAC (whew!)

    When I first glanced at your post, I did a double-take. No way is that coin a "VF".
    I checked the certification number to make sure I wasn't way off that it was actually graded XF45.

    PS:
    That is probably about the best XF45 Seated Liberty Half Dollar you could ever hope to find.

  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 16,328 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @dcarr said:

    @Barberian said:
    1843 WB-35 PCGS VF45 - CAC (whew!)

    When I first glanced at your post, I did a double-take. No way is that coin a "VF".
    I checked the certification number to make sure I wasn't way off that it was actually graded XF45.

    PS:
    That is probably about the best XF45 Seated Liberty Half Dollar you could ever hope to find.

    The best XF45 or the best VVF35?

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • dcarrdcarr Posts: 9,982 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 22, 2026 4:00PM

    Which should be worth more (assuming both have the same amount of detail showing):
    A. An original "crusty" coin that has a significant number of small bag-marks all over it.
    B. A mark-free coin that was "loved" a little too much and has a light cleaning or "dipping".

    Obviously, the market has spoken that the higher price goes to (A).
    And that is the direction that buyers and influencers (such as dealers, grading services, and CAC) have steered it.

    But if (B) was not polished and has decent luster remaining, AND the price is significantly lower, I would go with (B).

  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 16,328 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 22, 2026 4:31PM

    @dcarr said:
    Which should be worth more (assuming both have the same amount of detail showing):
    A. An original "crusty" coin that has a significant number of small bag-marks all over it.
    B. A mark-free coin that was "loved" a little too much and has a light cleaning or "dipping".

    Obviously, the market has spoken that the higher price goes to (A).
    And that is the direction that buyers and influencers (such as dealers, grading services, and CAC) have steered it.

    But if (B) was not polished and has decent luster remaining, AND the price is significantly lower, I would go with (B).

    Your descriptions are general enough such that the answer would have to be determined on a coin by coin basis. In many instances, your (dipped) coin B description could apply to a coin that stickers at CAC and sells at a premium, rather than a discount.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 12,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:
    The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list. In truth collectors are not that smart, they are easily convinced to follow the herd if told to by the "right " influencer. This post cannot make that more clear, people have announced that they would buy any coin if Laura told them to buy, that is crazy.

    How can it be “overpaying” in a free market with widespread auction price discovery? Your personal willingness not to pay more has no bearing on the market value of CAC, toning, stars, color, provenance…

    There are two dealers I’d buy sight unseen from - because they consistently and only sell high quality material that aligns with my desired aesthetic. Neither is CAC exclusive and both sell coins at a premium because of their reputation for quality.

    :D You have it all wrong, it has nothing to do with what I will or will not pay. Everything can be manipulated or influenced, you remember the Hunt bros right? How many times have you seen a thread on a coin that set a record high only to sell for a significant haircut only a few months or a year later. According to your statement that cannot happen because of the widespread auction price discovery available that would include the record price auction data, yet it happens all the time. People allow their emotions and egos to control behaviors, especially true in auctions. Assume that I use a shill to sell five of the same coin for more than any recent auction history, that now becomes part of the widespread auction history that you use to determine your price. So you look at the history and see my inflated prices and assume you need to adjust your bids higher, you were just influenced to overpay due to inaccurate data.

    Even your comment that you would buy anything from two individuals is telling. You are not buying the coin you are buying the reputation; I'm not criticizing your actions just pointing out the facts. If that is working for you great no worries from my end, just not how I do things.

    You’re right, the whole market is just overpaying for eye appeal, CAC, toners. Guess we should all just stop buying nice coins and wait for prices to go down :D

    :D I guess when you cannot comprehend or make a reasonable argument this is the gibberish I should expect from you. :D

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 12,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @dcarr said:
    I think, in many cases, when a rare coin apparently sells for a high price and then appears at auction a year or so later at a lower price, the reason is that the owner bought it back the first time and let it go the second.

    .

    Do you have any facts/data to support this claim, or just a feeling.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • Project NumismaticsProject Numismatics Posts: 1,829 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:
    The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list. In truth collectors are not that smart, they are easily convinced to follow the herd if told to by the "right " influencer. This post cannot make that more clear, people have announced that they would buy any coin if Laura told them to buy, that is crazy.

    How can it be “overpaying” in a free market with widespread auction price discovery? Your personal willingness not to pay more has no bearing on the market value of CAC, toning, stars, color, provenance…

    There are two dealers I’d buy sight unseen from - because they consistently and only sell high quality material that aligns with my desired aesthetic. Neither is CAC exclusive and both sell coins at a premium because of their reputation for quality.

    :D You have it all wrong, it has nothing to do with what I will or will not pay. Everything can be manipulated or influenced, you remember the Hunt bros right? How many times have you seen a thread on a coin that set a record high only to sell for a significant haircut only a few months or a year later. According to your statement that cannot happen because of the widespread auction price discovery available that would include the record price auction data, yet it happens all the time. People allow their emotions and egos to control behaviors, especially true in auctions. Assume that I use a shill to sell five of the same coin for more than any recent auction history, that now becomes part of the widespread auction history that you use to determine your price. So you look at the history and see my inflated prices and assume you need to adjust your bids higher, you were just influenced to overpay due to inaccurate data.

    Even your comment that you would buy anything from two individuals is telling. You are not buying the coin you are buying the reputation; I'm not criticizing your actions just pointing out the facts. If that is working for you great no worries from my end, just not how I do things.

    You’re right, the whole market is just overpaying for eye appeal, CAC, toners. Guess we should all just stop buying nice coins and wait for prices to go down :D

    :D I guess when you cannot comprehend or make a reasonable argument this is the gibberish I should expect from you. :D

    You didn’t make a cogent argument.

    You pointed to the early 80s silver bubble as if it’s relevant to CAC and toners consistently pricing higher. Metals markets are a completely different topic - maybe head over to the PM forum.

    Then you attacked my willingness to buy from 2 dealers - who have return and buyback policies and among the most respected in the industry. I never said I’d pay $1000 for a $500 coin, only that I’d buy a $500 coin for $500 sigh unseen.

    So yes, you got sarcasm because you didn’t present an articulate reasonable argument and dabbled in the personal attack.

  • dcarrdcarr Posts: 9,982 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:

    @dcarr said:
    I think, in many cases, when a rare coin apparently sells for a high price and then appears at auction a year or so later at a lower price, the reason is that the owner bought it back the first time and let it go the second.

    .

    Do you have any facts/data to support this claim, or just a feeling.

    .

    It seems to be the simplest and most logical explanation. But I have nothing else to base it on.

    .

  • World67World67 Posts: 13,088 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @dcarr said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @dcarr said:
    I think, in many cases, when a rare coin apparently sells for a high price and then appears at auction a year or so later at a lower price, the reason is that the owner bought it back the first time and let it go the second.

    .

    Do you have any facts/data to support this claim, or just a feeling.

    .

    It seems to be the simplest and most logical explanation. But I have nothing else to base it on.

    .

    Auctions razor.

  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 12,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Project Numismatics said:
    So yes, you got sarcasm because you didn’t present an articulate reasonable argument and dabbled in the personal attack.

    Yes because your first reply was so nice and friendly, stop with the victim card its pathetic.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 12,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @dcarr said:

    It seems to be the simplest and most logical explanation. But I have nothing else to base it on.

    .

    It seems odd to me that a seller would set a record price as a buyback rather than sell it for that record (or very near record) price only to sell for less shortly down the road. Not impossible but seems like a strange strategy to me.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 16,328 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:

    @dcarr said:

    It seems to be the simplest and most logical explanation. But I have nothing else to base it on.

    .

    It seems odd to me that a seller would set a record price as a buyback rather than sell it for that record (or very near record) price only to sell for less shortly down the road. Not impossible but seems like a strange strategy to me.

    That would seem odd to me, as well. Other possible reasons that a coin might sell for a high price and then again at a lower price a year later could include:
    The buyer having tried and failed at an upgrade, crossover or sticker
    or
    subsequently upgrading the coin and wanting to sell the duplicate
    or
    having buyer’s remorse
    or
    needing to raise funds
    or
    changing his collecting pursuits
    or
    having been the consignor and the coin not actually selling due to an undisclosed reserve.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • pursuitoflibertypursuitofliberty Posts: 7,720 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MFeld said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @dcarr said:

    It seems to be the simplest and most logical explanation. But I have nothing else to base it on.

    .

    It seems odd to me that a seller would set a record price as a buyback rather than sell it for that record (or very near record) price only to sell for less shortly down the road. Not impossible but seems like a strange strategy to me.

    That would seem odd to me, as well. Other possible reasons that a coin might sell for a high price and then again at a lower price a year later could include:
    The buyer having tried and failed at an upgrade, crossover or sticker
    or
    subsequently upgrading the coin and wanting to sell the duplicate
    or
    having buyer’s remorse
    or
    needing to raise funds
    or
    changing his collecting pursuits
    or
    having been the consignor and the coin not actually selling due to an undisclosed reserve.

    All of which tend to happen all the time.


    “We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”

    Todd - BHNC #242
  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 12,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MFeld said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @dcarr said:

    It seems to be the simplest and most logical explanation. But I have nothing else to base it on.

    .

    It seems odd to me that a seller would set a record price as a buyback rather than sell it for that record (or very near record) price only to sell for less shortly down the road. Not impossible but seems like a strange strategy to me.

    That would seem odd to me, as well. Other possible reasons that a coin might sell for a high price and then again at a lower price a year later could include:
    The buyer having tried and failed at an upgrade, crossover or sticker
    or
    subsequently upgrading the coin and wanting to sell the duplicate
    or
    having buyer’s remorse
    or
    needing to raise funds
    or
    changing his collecting pursuits
    or
    having been the consignor and the coin not actually selling due to an undisclosed reserve.

    All of those (except one) seem like excellent reasons why a second sale can be less than the first. Can you explain how an auction that fails to sell due to a reserve would be recorded as a sale? Would not the auction house record it as reserve not met vs as a sale and reported hammer price?

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • tradedollarnuttradedollarnut Posts: 20,580 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Well, since you ask:

    In the middle of covid I sold my early dollar set. Somehow a buyback on the 1799 MS66 got recorded as a sale. Thus forever ruining its value despite the extraordinary quality of the coin. Probably worth less than I paid for it almost 25 years ago

    So it happens

  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 12,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @tradedollarnut said:
    Well, since you ask:

    In the middle of covid I sold my early dollar set. Somehow a buyback on the 1799 MS66 got recorded as a sale. Thus forever ruining its value despite the extraordinary quality of the coin. Probably worth less than I paid for it almost 25 years ago

    So it happens

    Thank you for that real world example, a simple record keeping error does make sense.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 16,328 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:

    @tradedollarnut said:
    Well, since you ask:

    In the middle of covid I sold my early dollar set. Somehow a buyback on the 1799 MS66 got recorded as a sale. Thus forever ruining its value despite the extraordinary quality of the coin. Probably worth less than I paid for it almost 25 years ago

    So it happens

    Thank you for that real world example, a simple record keeping error does make sense.

    There are also instances of shilling, where a friend bids for the consignor and ends up winning the lot. The buyer (friend) pays, takes delivery of the coin, gets it back to the consignor and works things out to their mutual satisfaction. Eventually, the original consignor tries again.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • Project NumismaticsProject Numismatics Posts: 1,829 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 25, 2026 6:48AM

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:
    So yes, you got sarcasm because you didn’t present an articulate reasonable argument and dabbled in the personal attack.

    Yes because your first reply was so nice and friendly, stop with the victim card its pathetic.

    So help us understand why you think the entire market is overpaying for every CAC, toner and star out there? Random outlying auction results prove nothing - that’s most easily explained by 2 people getting carried away on any random coin. Where’s the data correlation showing nice coins are in a bubble?

  • CryptoCrypto Posts: 4,094 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I have never agreed with the whole premises that one auction result is the market baseline. Different outlets and issues all perform uniquely and every coin needs to be analyzed by its combo of attributes verse it's value to gauge opportunity. I agree with @TomB that since minus CAC has become a scarlet letter, buying even a solid value at premium retail is a risky proposition. Value isn't the price paid or the savings presented it is the cost vs the value.

    The better opportunity is buying the 40k coin at 39k vs buying the almost as nice coin 22k at 24k.

  • coastaljerseyguycoastaljerseyguy Posts: 2,037 ✭✭✭✭✭

    There's a lot of variables and individual considerations so nothing is absolute. I may like the 24K coin and it fits my budget. And in 10 years, maybe the 39K coin sells for $45K while the $24K coin sells for $32K. Lot of good discussion points above and these coins are way out of my price range :) . Getting the best has never been my quest, just getting something I like, & feel is original and worthy of the TPG grade that I can afford is good enough. If I break even when selling I'm happy since I enjoyed the hobby. For me, winning some auctions for a coin I wanted, even if its only 3 figures, was definitely exhilarating. I can imagine folks winning a $40K auction.

  • CoinobsessedCoinobsessed Posts: 143 ✭✭✭✭

    I am curious how collectors of certain series value CAC. I don’t think there is too much concern for early copper, colonials or territorial gold. I suppose when it comes to expensive coins some collectors only want PCGS CAC. I don’t know if the premiums are as extreme. Thoughts?

  • relicsncoinsrelicsncoins Posts: 8,231 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 25, 2026 4:06PM

    Those of you that are prolific buyers and sellers when you see a slab with no sticker do you assume it failed to meet standards or that it has never been submitted?

    Need a Barber Half with ANACS photo certificate. If you have one for sale please PM me. Current Ebay auctions
  • MFeldMFeld Posts: 16,328 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Coinobsessed said:
    I am curious how collectors of certain series value CAC. I don’t think there is too much concern for early copper, colonials or territorial gold. I suppose when it comes to expensive coins some collectors only want PCGS CAC. I don’t know if the premiums are as extreme. Thoughts?

    I’ve seen some extreme premiums for CAC Territorial Gold coins.

    Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.

  • coastaljerseyguycoastaljerseyguy Posts: 2,037 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @relicsncoins said:
    Those of you that are prolific buyers and sellers when you see a slab with no sticker do you assume it failed to meet standards or that it has never been submitted?

    Although neither of the above, sometimes I get an email from a seller and they list a bunch of expensive coins and all but 1 or 2 are without the sticker. Now you know it failed or the seller didn't feel worth the effort.

  • RampageRampage Posts: 9,624 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @DisneyFan said:

    @Rampage said:

    @DisneyFan said:

    @tradedollarnut said:
    Laura wouldn’t have bought it in the first place so the theoretical is moot

    Respectfully, I disagree. There is always the possibility that she and PCGS missed it.

    I sold an expensive PCGS coin through a Legend auction that was by submitted by Legend to CAC which failed. Everybody said it was a really nice coin. Legend did not know why it failed. After the auction I had the courage to ask JA why it failed. PVC.

    What if Albanese got it wrong, and Laura and PCGS were right? I do not know Albanese, but perhaps he is not as perfect as you may think. We are all human and we all make mistakes from time to time.

    Here's a notion...buy the coin and not the holder (or sticker).

    Question 7: What percentage of coins CAC reviews sticker?

    Answer 7: As of April 1, 2023, CAC has stickered approximately 43% of the coins received.

    Question 15: How many graders look at each coin?

    Answer 15: At least two graders look at each coin.

    Question 16: Does John Albanese look at every coin?

    Answer 16: Yes, John reviews each coin that comes in.

    Trying to figure out what that has to do with my response... Also, number 7 is nearly three years outdated. It is hardly a useful statistic anymore. It is an interesting statistic, but still outdated at this point.

  • coinbufcoinbuf Posts: 12,345 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:
    So yes, you got sarcasm because you didn’t present an articulate reasonable argument and dabbled in the personal attack.

    Yes because your first reply was so nice and friendly, stop with the victim card its pathetic.

    So help us understand why you think the entire market is overpaying for every CAC, toner and star out there? Random outlying auction results prove nothing - that’s most easily explained by 2 people getting carried away on any random coin. Where’s the data correlation showing nice coins are in a bubble?

    Dude are you ok? That is a serious question because your posts come off like someone with a problem. First I never said the entire market is overpaying, and no one in this entire thread has mentioned anything about a coin market bubble. You are letting your misplaced anger or some external force skew your perception of what I have written.

    To help your memory this is what I posted that seems to have triggered you:

    "The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list."

    Nowhere in there do I use the words "every", "entire market", or "bubble". Tell you what how about you create the data you want, go buy an NGC black holder, crack that coin out and put it in a shiny new PCGS holder and see if you can sell it for the same money at auction. And to sure not to have a random result do that with at least ten coins, some monster toners that you dip the color off, a few white label rattlers, some high end CAC coins, and throw in a couple of the Danny Kaye regency holders too. Do that and then come back with the results that prove me wrong, proof positive that the market is not willing to pay more for color, for holder, for CAC by showing your purchase prices and the auction results for those same ten coins in new PCGS holders. I look forward to your results.

    My Lincoln Registry
    My Collection of Old Holders

    Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
  • CryptoCrypto Posts: 4,094 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited February 26, 2026 10:07AM

    @MFeld said:

    @Coinobsessed said:
    I am curious how collectors of certain series value CAC. I don’t think there is too much concern for early copper, colonials or territorial gold. I suppose when it comes to expensive coins some collectors only want PCGS CAC. I don’t know if the premiums are as extreme. Thoughts?

    I’ve seen some extreme premiums for CAC Territorial Gold coins.

    true but that is because the baseline is very low for preservation most of the time so original color and all the magic JA looks for is inherently scarce. Where with Classic commemoratives where nice coins are a dime a dozen, the sticker is less prized.

    a question I always ponder is (using the Territorials), I suspect those rare choice examples would be costly regardless of sticker compared to the processed examples that were run though dealer channels for a century before patina perseveration was paramount; What actual premium was added by JA's blessing of said status. I don't really always know the answer to that when the spread gets so large at that range of the market.

  • Coin FinderCoin Finder Posts: 7,674 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I never assume a unstickered coin has been to CAC and not stickered to answer the question above... There are still a lot of great coins out there, even raw ones!! I have seen a lot of dreck also! But alas, I'm a nobody so it doesn't really matter. But I have bought coins others have passed on that did sticker also mostly federal coinage... I do not buy gold stickered coins becasue I think they are overpriced..

  • Project NumismaticsProject Numismatics Posts: 1,829 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:
    So yes, you got sarcasm because you didn’t present an articulate reasonable argument and dabbled in the personal attack.

    Yes because your first reply was so nice and friendly, stop with the victim card its pathetic.

    So help us understand why you think the entire market is overpaying for every CAC, toner and star out there? Random outlying auction results prove nothing - that’s most easily explained by 2 people getting carried away on any random coin. Where’s the data correlation showing nice coins are in a bubble?

    Dude are you ok? That is a serious question because your posts come off like someone with a problem. First I never said the entire market is overpaying, and no one in this entire thread has mentioned anything about a coin market bubble. You are letting your misplaced anger or some external force skew your perception of what I have written.

    To help your memory this is what I posted that seems to have triggered you:

    "The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list."

    Nowhere in there do I use the words "every", "entire market", or "bubble". Tell you what how about you create the data you want, go buy an NGC black holder, crack that coin out and put it in a shiny new PCGS holder and see if you can sell it for the same money at auction. And to sure not to have a random result do that with at least ten coins, some monster toners that you dip the color off, a few white label rattlers, some high end CAC coins, and throw in a couple of the Danny Kaye regency holders too. Do that and then come back with the results that prove me wrong, proof positive that the market is not willing to pay more for color, for holder, for CAC by showing your purchase prices and the auction results for those same ten coins in new PCGS holders. I look forward to your results.

    Crack out an 1893-S Morgan and run over it with a truck. Tell me your results.

    Cracking out coins, altering them and destroying the market value in the process doesn’t prove anyone overpaid.

  • jmlanzafjmlanzaf Posts: 40,336 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:
    So yes, you got sarcasm because you didn’t present an articulate reasonable argument and dabbled in the personal attack.

    Yes because your first reply was so nice and friendly, stop with the victim card its pathetic.

    So help us understand why you think the entire market is overpaying for every CAC, toner and star out there? Random outlying auction results prove nothing - that’s most easily explained by 2 people getting carried away on any random coin. Where’s the data correlation showing nice coins are in a bubble?

    Dude are you ok? That is a serious question because your posts come off like someone with a problem. First I never said the entire market is overpaying, and no one in this entire thread has mentioned anything about a coin market bubble. You are letting your misplaced anger or some external force skew your perception of what I have written.

    To help your memory this is what I posted that seems to have triggered you:

    "The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list."

    Nowhere in there do I use the words "every", "entire market", or "bubble". Tell you what how about you create the data you want, go buy an NGC black holder, crack that coin out and put it in a shiny new PCGS holder and see if you can sell it for the same money at auction. And to sure not to have a random result do that with at least ten coins, some monster toners that you dip the color off, a few white label rattlers, some high end CAC coins, and throw in a couple of the Danny Kaye regency holders too. Do that and then come back with the results that prove me wrong, proof positive that the market is not willing to pay more for color, for holder, for CAC by showing your purchase prices and the auction results for those same ten coins in new PCGS holders. I look forward to your results.

    Crack out an 1893-S Morgan and run over it with a truck. Tell me your results.

    Cracking out coins, altering them and destroying the market value in the process doesn’t prove anyone overpaid.

    Dipping it doesn't. Cracking it out of the holder or peeling off the label might indicate that it wasn't the coin that was determining the value

    All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.

  • Project NumismaticsProject Numismatics Posts: 1,829 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @jmlanzaf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:

    @coinbuf said:

    @Project Numismatics said:
    So yes, you got sarcasm because you didn’t present an articulate reasonable argument and dabbled in the personal attack.

    Yes because your first reply was so nice and friendly, stop with the victim card its pathetic.

    So help us understand why you think the entire market is overpaying for every CAC, toner and star out there? Random outlying auction results prove nothing - that’s most easily explained by 2 people getting carried away on any random coin. Where’s the data correlation showing nice coins are in a bubble?

    Dude are you ok? That is a serious question because your posts come off like someone with a problem. First I never said the entire market is overpaying, and no one in this entire thread has mentioned anything about a coin market bubble. You are letting your misplaced anger or some external force skew your perception of what I have written.

    To help your memory this is what I posted that seems to have triggered you:

    "The thrust of this entire post is ridiculous, collectors have been willing to overpay for the holder brand, for the color, for the plus, for the provenance, and on and on. That collectors are willing to pay more for the sticker is just another one to add on that list."

    Nowhere in there do I use the words "every", "entire market", or "bubble". Tell you what how about you create the data you want, go buy an NGC black holder, crack that coin out and put it in a shiny new PCGS holder and see if you can sell it for the same money at auction. And to sure not to have a random result do that with at least ten coins, some monster toners that you dip the color off, a few white label rattlers, some high end CAC coins, and throw in a couple of the Danny Kaye regency holders too. Do that and then come back with the results that prove me wrong, proof positive that the market is not willing to pay more for color, for holder, for CAC by showing your purchase prices and the auction results for those same ten coins in new PCGS holders. I look forward to your results.

    Crack out an 1893-S Morgan and run over it with a truck. Tell me your results.

    Cracking out coins, altering them and destroying the market value in the process doesn’t prove anyone overpaid.

    Dipping it doesn't. Cracking it out of the holder or peeling off the label might indicate that it wasn't the coin that was determining the value

    That still counts as an alteration to what was paid for. There is value in TPG opinions.

  • GoldFinger1969GoldFinger1969 Posts: 3,380 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @MEJ7070 said:
    Many of those writings have been abundantly clear: do not buy non stickered coins.

    Laura can afford to take that stance, given it appears she gets the bulk of her activity from the super-high echelon collectors. She can afford to sit on a CAC MS-66 Saint that retails for $15,000 while looking for a buyer because she can sell a couple of 6 or 7-figure CAC coins with nice premiums.

    The average LCS or dealer can't be that seletive. Just can't.

  • Desert MoonDesert Moon Posts: 6,244 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @tradedollarnut said:
    Excerpts from a Lauramail just now. I’ve cut out the parts that always got her banned.

    When I first saw the coin at ANA I passed. It was a knee jerk reaction. I went back and looked at 2X that day (and put it on hold). The coin haunted me so badly; the next AM I bought it. I rarely ever do that with a non cac coin. In hand it looks really nice and is very flashy.

    This 1883 TD was a rare coin that in my opinion was a near miss for CAC. I am considering listing coins like that, however they would be one in a million.

    What she said:

    My online coin store - https://desertmoonnm.com/
  • Cougar1978Cougar1978 Posts: 9,573 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited March 5, 2026 9:44PM

    I buy CACG coins from my table at shows usually material I consider has strong demand. Usually getting them 10 pct over CAC bid but some them slightly below CAC bid (vest pocket trader).

    Investor

Leave a Comment

BoldItalicStrikethroughOrdered listUnordered list
Emoji
Image
Align leftAlign centerAlign rightToggle HTML viewToggle full pageToggle lights
Drop image/file