So I was looking through my search results and main categories
on eBay and I was shocked at the number of certified problem coins being
offered at 70-80% of trends or more!
When did this happen? Why are
they not discounted to acknowledge the problems. Why would I want to buy a
damaged coin when I can by an undamaged coin for the same or better price? This I don’t understand. This you need to be careful of when you
purchase your coins!
There are very, very few reasons that I would shell out hard
earned cash for a known problem coin. By
known problem I’m talking about TPG’s that tell you through their labeling that
the coin has been damaged and is not a good an example. While “buy
the coin, not the holder” is really sound advice, pay attention to the holder
if the coin is third party graded! There
is information there you can use.
PCGS labels coins as “Genuine” that it feels are
problems. They are not shy about telling
you the problem either. The coin receives
a “Details” grade with the problem identified in words and by code. Here is a link to the PCGS grades including
problem identification.
NGC labels coins as “Details” that it feels are
problems. They are also not shy about
telling you the problem. The coin gets a
“Details” grade with the problem identified in words. Here is a link to the NGC glossary of “Details”
grading.
ICG also labels coins as “Details” on their holders with the
problem identified in words. I could not
find a published list of ICG grading standards or what would make a coin a
candidate for this type of designation.
ANACS grades the coin
as normal but gives the grade a “Details” label. In addition to the label, they also tell you
in writing what they feel the problem with the coin is. Here is a link to the ANACS FAQ page showing
their “Details” grading standards.
ICCS grades the coin as normal and uses the comment line to
make any notes. I could not find a
published list of ICCS grading standards or what would make a coin a candidate for
a problem comment.
CCCS grades the coin as normal and uses the comment line to
make any notes. Here is a link to grades
including items that will make the comment line on a CCCS holder.
The other problem I see are coins that are obviously
cleaned, altered, damaged etc. but are not indicated on the holder
whatsoever. It all makes one’s head
spin. Use your eyes for all aspects of
the coin and the holder. Even if the holder doesn't indicate a problem, if the coin doesn't look right, if your gut is
telling you there is something wrong, the colour is off, there are wiz marks
etc. don’t buy the coin. Leave problem
coins where they are! Once a problem - always
a problem. They will not serve you well in your collection and will disappoint
you when it becomes time to sell them.
You are certainly better served waiting for a good example to come your
way. At least that’s how I see it.