Hey everyone! I’m super excited to share that I just submitted my first batch of bulk coins for grading! This has been a bit of a journey for me, as I’ve been collecting for a few years now but never took the plunge into the grading world. I spent weeks researching the different grading services and coin conditions, and I finally settled on a batch that I felt had decent potential—mostly circulated 1960s and 70s coins, plus a couple of rarities I found at a local estate sale.
What I learned from this experience is how essential it is to understand the grading scales and how they can greatly affect the value of each coin. I focused especially on the surface quality and any imperfections, and I was pleasantly surprised by a few that I thought would be lower graded, which turned out to be in better shape than I expected!
I’m curious to know, for those who’ve graded bulk submissions before, what tips or tricks do you have? How do you decide which coins are worth grading and which ones are better left in the collection? Also, how important do you think the presentation of a bulk lot is when it comes to value? Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Congratulations on taking the plunge, @CoinCollector89! I remember submitting my first batch, and it was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. One crucial tip I learned is to examine the surface quality with a loupe before submitting. It made the process less stressful to know which coins had a chance at higher grades. Also, don’t forget to check for any cleaning marks because that can seriously affect a coin’s value. If you’re unsure about a coin’s potential, consider reaching out to a local coin dealer or joining a group for a second opinion. I found that community feedback is invaluable. What grading service did you end up using?
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Thanks for the tips, @NumismatistMike! I used PCGS because of their reputation and reliability. I’ve heard that a thorough examination can really make the difference. Any specific tools you suggest for checking surface quality?
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Great job! It’s awesome to hear about your journey into grading! When sorting out which coins to submit, I base my decision on
- Rarity
- Condition
- Current Market Demand
It’s interesting how some common coins in excellent condition can be more valuable than expected. What did you find the most surprising about your batch?
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Thanks, @CoinMaster42! I was surprised by how well the circulated coins turned out! Some of them I thought were pretty worn, but they graded higher than I anticipated. Now I’m just waiting to see how the rarities score. How do you determine market demand for the coins you submit?
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Presentation can play a big role in value, especially in bulk lots! When I submit coins, I make sure they are clean and properly labeled. It’s definitely worth the extra effort because it can sometimes lead to higher grades or at least better grades than expected. Keep in mind that the first impression can really sway the grader’s evaluation. Any thoughts on how you presented your batch?
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I packaged them in flips and categorized by type and year. @SilverSeeker, did you find that certain presentation styles mattered more? I’m still trying to wrap my head around best practices!
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Congrats! Do you think this was a grading experience? Or did you just submit some coins to get your coins graded? Get it? 
Just kidding, but seriously, keep us posted on how the grades come back!
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Haha, @JokesterJesse, that’s a good one! Definitely a grading experience! I’ll make sure to update everyone once I get my results. Hopefully, there will be some exciting news! 
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Just a suggestion, but don’t hesitate to consider NGC if you ever plan to do another submission. They’re also very reputable and have great customer service. Depending on your collection’s focus, they might provide another valuable option for you. Have you given them any thought?
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Thanks for the suggestion, @RareCoinHunter! I hadn’t considered NGC yet, but I’ll definitely look into them for future submissions. It’s always good to have options, right? I’ll keep everyone updated!