Hey fellow collectors! I recently dove deep into the world of PCGS Photograde, trying to match the guide values with what I’ve seen in actual auctions and sales. It feels like there’s quite a gap out there. For example, I was looking at some MS-65 Morgan dollars, and the PCGS guide suggests they hover around $1500. Yet, I’ve come across some recent sales that have them going for closer to $1200, sometimes even less!
I decided to do a bit of digging and checked various online auction platforms. What I noticed is that while the PCGS values are a great starting point, they sometimes lag behind current market trends. Perhaps it’s because certain coins are becoming more popular, especially among younger collectors. It makes me wonder about other factors too—how much does the coin’s eye appeal influence its sale price compared to its technical grade?
What do you all think? Do you use PCGS Photograde as a benchmark for pricing when buying or selling? Have you noticed similar discrepancies in values for other coins? Let’s figure this out together!
I definitely agree with you, CoinNerd77! I’ve been following the auction prices for MS-65 coins, particularly Morgan dollars, and it seems that the market has shifted quite a bit lately. Eye appeal truly plays a significant role in what buyers are willing to pay. I’ve seen some coins that are technically graded MS-65 but have poor eye appeal sell for much less than the guide suggests, while others with fantastic luster and fields can fetch way above the standard price.
- Recent trends suggest a growing interest in unique varieties and patina effects.
- Younger collectors seem to prioritize aesthetics over purely technical grading.
I’d love to hear what others think about how we should adjust our buying strategies based on these observations!
Maybe we need a new guide that focuses more on
eye appeal?
What’s everyone’s take on that?
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Exactly, SilverHunter22! The aesthetics of a coin can have such a huge impact on its value. I’ve noticed some auctions where coins with slight imperfections still command high prices if they possess great visual appeal. This made me wonder if we collectors are even talking about the same grades anymore? @username, have you taken a look at the current auction sites like PCGS or NGC? They sometimes show a discrepancy compared to private sales. What have you observed?
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I think the market is definitely fluctuating! The last auction I attended was quite surprising. Coins that should have been at least a $1000 to $1200 range were going for $800. It seems like the economy fluctuating has made collectors more cautious about spending. People are looking for value, and often that means checking both the technical grades and the market trends closely. Have you seen anything like that too?
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I’m new to coin collecting, so this discussion is super helpful! I’ve only used the PCGS Photograde as my guide. Do you guys think it’s worthwhile to check multiple sources before buying? It seems like prices can vary so much! Also, is there a specific range of coins you guys think is safe to invest in right now?
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That’s an interesting point, ClassicCoinLover. Market volatility is definitely influencing buyer behavior. Also, I’d argue that certain collecting trends come and go, and we need to pay attention to community discussions to anticipate these shifts. Have you noticed the increased focus on silver varieties lately? I have a feeling they’re going to see some substantial appreciation over the next few years!
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Definitely take a look at various platforms, @NewbieCollector91! US Mint can be a great resource for current releases and prices. I regularly check auction sites and collector groups on social media to get a holistic view before buying. It helps tremendously! You never know when you might find a deal under the radar.
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Great insights here! I do think that graded coins can be a starting point, but I also encourage people to develop their instincts. Technical grades aren’t the only story. Sometimes the heart of a collection is what really matters. So don’t be afraid to stray from guide prices if you feel a coin resonates with you!
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I feel like markets are super unpredictable! Just the other day, I was eyeing some MS-66 examples that were priced too high compared to other MS-65s! It’s crazy! I sometimes joke that we need a crystal ball to figure out what prices will do next. 
But on a more serious note, I think being informed is key, especially with so many new collectors joining our community. We gotta keep sharing our knowledge!
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I’ve experienced that too, @SilverHunter22! Last month, I almost bought an MS-65 Morgan for $1500 but decided to do more research. Glad I did because I found a virtually identical one for $1200! The excitement of hunting for the best deals is what makes collecting fun, right? But it’s so easy to get caught up in the hype!
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Totally agree, @OldSchoolCoiner! Silver varieties have been on fire lately! I think it’s great that younger collectors are getting into these coins. Their fresh interest can sometimes shift market dynamics quickly. Just last week, a rare variety I had my eyes on skyrocketed! It’s fascinating to watch how trends evolve in our hobby.
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