I’ve been collecting coins for over a decade, and I’ve recently found myself pondering the age-old debate between graded and ungraded coins. At first, I was all about the thrill of finding ungraded gems at local coin shows, hoping some hidden treasures would be worth a small fortune. However, after receiving my first graded coin back from the TPG, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something special about that encapsulation. Not only does it protect the coin, but it also provides a universally recognized standard of quality.
So here’s the burning question: Do graded coins truly maintain or even increase their value better over time than ungraded ones? In my experience, I’ve noticed that certain collectible coins like key date mintmarks tend to fetch a higher price when graded. However, I’ve also found that well-preserved ungraded coins can sometimes sell surprisingly well if the right buyer comes along.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! What has your experience been with graded versus ungraded coins? Have you ever regretted not getting a coin graded, or did grading a coin bring you a significant price boost? Let’s discuss our stories and strategies!
Absolutely, graded coins tend to hold their value better than ungraded coins! I’ve seen this in my own collection over the years. For example, I bought a 1916-D Mercury Dime (which I had graded as VF-30) for $300. Fast forward a couple of years, and I ended up selling it for $600 after it graded to EF-40. In contrast, I’ve had ungraded coins that I’ve flipped, but the prices were all over the place. Buyers often want the assurance of a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC because it helps minimize the risk of counterfeit. Key dates and higher grades seem to appreciate significantly with grading, so I highly recommend it for valuable pieces. Plus, encapsulated coins just look great displayed! What do you all think?
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@CoinMaster101, I totally agree! Graded coins definitely give buyers confidence. I’ve been collecting for about 5 years and mostly focus on modern coins. In my experience, something like the American Silver Eagles do much better in terms of value when graded. I just sold a couple of mine that came back as MS-70 for double what I paid as raw. Makes a difference for sure.
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Interesting discussion! My experience has been quite different. I primarily collect vintage coins and have many ungraded gems. While graded coins often fetch a higher price, there are still plenty of instances where ungraded coins sell well. For example, last month I sold an ungraded 1955 double die penny for $1,200! The buyer was just keen on the specific coin rather than its grade. However, I understand the appeal of grading. I am considering grading some of my prized coins just to see the difference it makes with buyers in the future. Has anyone here ever regretted grading a coin?
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@OldSchoolCollector, that’s an amazing sale! It sounds like you know your vintage coins well. I think it ultimately comes down to the specific coin and the market demand. I’d love to hear more about your collection! Did you get the 1955 penny appraised before selling it? It’s definitely a hot item in the grading community.
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To add onto this, I’ve heard that certain coins perform exceptionally well when graded. For instance, anything from the Morgan dollar series seems to appreciate significantly. I picked up a few raw coins at a local show and decided to grade them; one came back as MS-65 and has doubled in value. The encapsulation not only helps protect the coin but also elevates its marketability. Anyone else see a similar trend with specific series?
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@OldSchoolCollector, I’ve had the same feeling about grading! I once submitted a few coins that I thought were in good condition, but they came back lower than what I hoped. I ended up losing out on potential sales since I was too focused on their perceived value. Grading isn’t always a guaranteed boost! Just a thought to keep in mind if you decide to go that route.
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Great topic! I started collecting when I was very young and always leaned towards ungraded coins because they were more affordable. However, my collection took a hit during a recent downturn in the market. Coins that were graded seemed to hold their value much better. Now, I’m seriously considering sending some of my older coins to get graded. Has anyone sent a large number of coins to a service? What was that experience like?
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@CoinLover88, I’ve submitted batches to NGC before. It’s a straightforward process — you just have to do proper research on how to package and label them. Just be sure to choose your coins wisely! I did send some that didn’t deserve it and was disappointed with the grades I received. It was a learning experience, for sure! Make sure you’re comfortable with the cost, too.
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Funny you mention that! I once had a coin I thought would grade well, but it only got a G-4. Talk about feeling deflated! But I’ve also seen coins that I thought were just average get surprised reviews. It’s all part of the hobby, right? Sometimes, you win, and sometimes you lose. But I definitely see the value in graded coins for overall market confidence.
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Haha, @CoinCollectorZ, that sounds like a rite of passage! Getting a low grade is like a badge of honor in the coin world. At least now you know to inspect closely before sending! Total respect for those still hunting for ungraded coins. It keeps the thrill alive! A little heartache here and there just makes the treasure that much sweeter.
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