Saw a friend's coin collection that totally flipped my stance on grading

I used to think paying $30 for a slabbed coin was a waste until I held a 1909-S VDB penny that graded MS65 next to a raw one. The difference in luster and detail was night and day. Anyone else get converted by a specific piece?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_lee25d ago

Disagree completely. Grading is a trap for new collectors. Chasing that 65 grade made you pay triple what the raw coin was worth. That 1909-S VDB in MS65 probably set you back $5,000 while a nice raw one goes for $300. The luster difference you saw? Just marketing hype. Slab companies want you to think their plastic adds value.

torres.grant25d ago

You said grading is 'marketing hype' and honestly that's EXACTLY right. The whole system is built to make you feel like you're missing out on some secret quality while they profit off the plastic.

daniel_martin24d ago

torres.grant said it's 'marketing hype' and honestly... maybe? I get what you're saying about seeing the difference in person. But this whole thing feels like people getting worked up over nothing. Some collectors like slabs, some don't. Who cares? You can collect raw coins and be totally fine. You can buy slabs and be totally fine. It's not that serious either way.