Any premium for a common date Morgan in a PCGS rattler with a low serial number?
seanq
Posts: 8,865 ✭✭✭✭✭
I was in a flea market yesterday and saw an 1881-S Morgan graded MS65 in a rattler with a serial number starting with 117. Doing a little research tonight, I believe this would have been a generation 1.2 slab, which on its own doesn't sound too scarce. Knowing that the first serial numbers issued by PCGS started with 108, I assume that would make this coin one of the first 10K graded.
Based strictly on the date and grade, the coin was a fair amount overpriced, but I am curious now if the low serial number holder adds any value. The market is near my daughter, and I already warned her I might send her back on a buying errand if it sounds worth the effort.
EDIT TO ADD since the serial number is 7 digits, not 6, I think I was off by a factor of 10, and this would be among the first 100K graded. Feeling less special by the moment.
Thanks,
Sean Reynolds
"Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
Comments
I don't pay extra for them, but I noticed folks on ebay are starting to make a big deal out of 109-110 numbers.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Assuming this old post is accurate, PCGS did not issue consecutive cert numbers.
IOW, based on this information, I do not believe it is possible to conclude 'one of the first X graded' from a cert number.
All rattlers have a premium nowadays. The 108 (white label and later) have the largest premiums. The 109 have started getting into the $500+ range for common coins. The 110 are still modest (I saw one Franklin recently bring about $160). Everything after that is just normal rattler premium.
Don’t have any rattlers - sold them off decades ago. Could not stand how they rotated in the holders. But a fan of CACG Witter Brick coins.