What does 'Collector Grade' mean

ElKevvo · April 30, 2010 3:37AM

I was perusing a dealers website a few minutes ago and noticed that on several of the coins they referred to them as 'collector grade' in the context of 'a high end collector grade' coin or 'a nice collector grade coin perfect for a type set'. The grades on the coins ranged from low AU to MS and all were at least several hundred dollars apiece.

I do see this term used on other sites...does it really mean something such as a presumed sweet spot combining grade/price or just 'Numismatic Fluff' designed to fill out a description?

K

RWB · April 30, 2010 3:41AM

Cleaned or otherwise inferior....

MidLifeCrisis · April 30, 2010 3:43AM

I'd like to think it's the "presumed sweet spot combining grade/price".

I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors.

ElKevvo · April 30, 2010 3:50AM

Cleaned or otherwise inferior....

I should have noted that all of the coins on the site labeled as such were top two TPG graded.

K

RWB · April 30, 2010 3:53AM

Understood, however, for me that is the connotation of "collector grade" or "nice collector coin" as used in most ads -- a problem waiting to be sold to the unwary.

MidLifeCrisis · April 30, 2010 4:04AM

<< Understood, however, for me that is the connotation of "collector grade" or "nice collector coin" as used in most ads -- a problem waiting to be sold to the unwary. >>

<< I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>

So let's combine these two thoughts for a follow-up question.

Does the largest group of collectors prefer to buy problem coins - cleaned or otherwise inferior - because they are cheaper?

dbcoin · April 30, 2010 4:06AM

For Morgans it refers to MS65 and better. I have seen this on a few sites.

renomedphys · April 30, 2010 4:09AM

Common affordable grade. Means G-VG for some coins, and 66 for others.

PerryHall · April 30, 2010 4:12AM

So, what does "average circulated" mean in dealer ads?

Broadstruck · April 30, 2010 4:15AM

Non Investor Grade!

speety · April 30, 2010 4:44AM

<< Non Investor Grade!

>>

Haha that's what I was thinking as well. For those of us who aren't good enough to invest in coins and can only collect them...

COALPORTER · April 30, 2010 4:45AM

Low end dealers use the term on coins that are out of the price range they are used to dealing in. For example, as shop near me only has coins in G to VF , so a AU55 would be "collector grade" to them.

droopyd · April 30, 2010 4:50AM

<< So, what does "average circulated" mean in dealer ads? >>

AG-G

dbcoin · April 30, 2010 5:03AM

I retract my answer. I read it as investor grade. I concur with the previous responders.

In Morgans, investor grade is MS65 and higher. Collector grade would be lower than that

Sonorandesertrat · April 30, 2010 5:07AM

<< 

<< Understood, however, for me that is the connotation of "collector grade" or "nice collector coin" as used in most ads -- a problem waiting to be sold to the unwary. >>

<< I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>

So let's combine these two thoughts for a follow-up question.

Does the largest group of collectors prefer to buy problem coins - cleaned or otherwise inferior - because they are cheaper? >>

Unfortunately, yes (and I have heard this from many dealers over the years).
Some of the time, collectors just think that they are getting a sweet deal, without stopping to realize that there is no numismatic Santa Claus.
This overly price-conscious approach to acquiring coins is a key reason why 95+% of coin collectors lose money when they sell their coin collections (or their heirs do).

Broadstruck · April 30, 2010 5:07AM

<< 

<< Non Investor Grade!

>>

Haha that's what I was thinking as well. For those of us who aren't good enough to invest in coins and can only collect them... >>

Well it's true as Collector Grade stops at MS64.

MadMonk · April 30, 2010 5:15AM

I would be disappointed if an ANA member dealer used that term. Levels of interpretation should be kept to published standards.

Fairlaneman · April 30, 2010 5:17AM

Collector grade is a coin that is toooooo high priced for me. Widgets do it IMO.

Ken

19Lyds · April 30, 2010 5:18AM

So............it appears as if everybody has their own opinion of what "collector grade" means?

Broadstruck · April 30, 2010 5:20AM

<< Collector grade is a coin that is toooooo high priced for me. Widgets do it IMO.

Ken >>

Widgets would fall under "Dreckateer Grade"!

MidLifeCrisis · April 30, 2010 5:20AM

<< So............it appears as if everybody has their own opinion of what "collector grade" means? >>

Of course.

Did you really expect anything different?

crypto79 · April 30, 2010 5:32AM

<< I'd like to think it's the "presumed sweet spot combining grade/price".

I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>

I think this is a spot on definition

lcoopie · April 30, 2010 5:33AM

MidLifeCrisis · April 30, 2010 5:55AM

lcoopie - can I quote you on that?

Baley · April 30, 2010 7:01AM

to me it means, "it's weak, but at least you'll have an example"

RYK · April 30, 2010 7:26AM

<< 

<< I'd like to think it's the "presumed sweet spot combining grade/price".

I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>

I think this is a spot on definition >>

I agree, too.

I might rewrite it as: "Affordable to most collectors, presentable condition, often mid-grade for the issue (ie. Good for a Chain Cent, XF for a seated quarter, MS-64 for an 84-CC Morgan, etc.)." I would also add that it is not "investment grade".

lcoopie · April 30, 2010 8:11AM

<< lcoopie - can I quote you on that?

>>

yes, it means nothing

ocon4008 · April 30, 2010 8:24AM

definition

MidLifeCrisis · April 30, 2010 9:18AM

<< 

<< lcoopie - can I quote you on that?

>>

yes, it means nothing >>

Ahhh...

AUandAG · April 30, 2010 10:03AM

That's akin to describing a Morgan with "clean cheek". Could mean at least two different
things that I can see...

Just fluff. Buy the coin not the type.

bob

66Tbird · April 30, 2010 10:25AM

I've always considered myself a ' 'Collector Grade' type collector. In that I always buy a grade below the price jump and always with eye appeal weighted heavy. Over the years it has worked well for me.

DennisH · April 30, 2010 10:38AM

The meaning varies all over the board. If it's most of the dealers I like shopping with it means, "The next grade up takes a nasty price jump." If it's some of the really bad huckster types that I avoid at all costs it means, "I couldn't get this dog into a holder and you won't be able to either." In between it can also mean, "It's not worth paying to have it certified" or "It's what I have for sale right now and I'm trying to move it."

swhuck · April 30, 2010 11:18AM

<< 

<< 

<< I'd like to think it's the "presumed sweet spot combining grade/price".

I think it really indicates price more than anything; i.e., cheap enough and with enough detail to appeal to the largest group of collectors. >>

I think this is a spot on definition >>

I agree, too.

I might rewrite it as: "Affordable to most collectors, presentable condition, often mid-grade for the issue (ie. Good for a Chain Cent, XF for a seated quarter, MS-64 for an 84-CC Morgan, etc.)." I would also add that it is not "investment grade". >>

Completely agree here.

What does 'Collector Grade' mean

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