Slabbed or Unslabbed? That is the question.

[ShyCent]

Slabbed or unslabbed, and why?

[simonm]

Well, it depends on the coin. You're going to want to be a little bit more specific. Usually, people slab coins because I believe slabbed coins will sell higher than raw ones, because a slabbed coin is given a specific grade based on condition. I'm not a slabbing expert so I will let others fill in on the details.

[Maineman750]

Yup..that is a huge question...personally, I don't collect plastic, but will slab certain coins I want to sell.

[ShyCent]

I did not want to be too specific because I would like peoples' opinions and their reasoning.

I read what I thought was a good comment (I think Maineman750) on another thread and I was hoping to get additional general input and opinion.

[jcuve]

... It often comes down to collecting philosophy or general numismatic practice. If you are selling, slabbed will do better and PCGS does the best. If you are registry collecting, and that is your thing, you'll go with NGC or PCGS slabs.

Slabs are not archival. TPGs do not always get the variety or error correct - so there is no guarantee you're getting what you are paying for. As much as the TPGs try to make grading objective, it remains painfully subjective.

If you finding or buying raw varieties key dates - slabbing is not needed - but if you fancy slabs, are in to discovery coin labels, then by all means slab them.

Some newer collectors slab because it seems (or at least to me) that it is somehow needed - like it completes the deal. Makes it more real to have something you found immortalized.

I don't slab. I have coins that are slabbed, but would prefer them out. I like to photograph coins, and the slabs make it much harder to do that. I don't unslab as the value of the coins will go down relative to what I paid.

[Maineman750]

Well, then my answer would be only if I want to sell it and only if a slab would increase the value beyond slabbing costs.

[ShyCent]

I am sorry for bringing this up again, I will try an do a better job of researching prior threads. This one can be deleted.

[simonm]

I am sorry for bringing this up again, I will try an do a better job of researching prior threads. This one can be deleted.

I don't think there is any need to delete this thread. It is a good question, and lots of beginners ask it. It is a really good question that lots of people can give an opinion on.

[Coppertop]

I like to slab,the big ones. If I pass an unslabbed collection on to someone, they would be limited to put a true value on an unslabbed collection, especially to a new or inexperienced collector, without, value is always questionable.

[copperlover]

I agree Simon that it is important to discuss this topic. We might save time and effort by using the appropriate links to the topic.If new questions arise then it is worth the effort to discuss it at length.

Lucien

[onecent1909]

When I was a little more of a novice I bought all my keys slabbed as I did not want a counterfeit or cleaned coin.now If I am sure of the coin... I will buy raw.. if I see a coin I want and it is slabbed....great if not OK too.... I have slabbed a 1864 small motto 2 cent and a few Lincoln cents plus a 1932 D Washington...My friend is building a MS 64 blast white PCGS walker set... ONLY ms 64...PCGS... blast white ..ONLY...he already has a NGC american eagle set...
I like to touch my coins and examine them close without plastic and take pics...
It is what you want...... WE can not tell you which is better... slabbed sell easier... but have an added cost...

[jcuve]

I am sorry for bringing this up again, I will try an do a better job of researching prior threads. This one can be deleted.

Nothing need be deleted. There have been some great discussions on this topic. One can search, but I have no idea if one could easily find them. Some topics are easier to search, let's say a particular doubled die. Often you can find threads related to that. This topic might require multiple searches using different key words. What I should have done, was bookmark a few. (I actually should bookmark a number of good discussions and on occasion post a link.)

I recall Joe had discussed at length why he slabbed everything (much of it in ANACS slabs). I just have no clue when he discussed it. Let's let this thread go and see where it goes. Maybe it can be better than the others and I will bookmark this one...

[Maineman750]

I don't see anything wrong with bringing it up again ShyCent....many of us have also learned something new since we last discussed it. Good topic.

[centsible]

This was great. Thanks for all the viewpoints.

Anything else to consider?

[Maineman750]

Yes...buy the coin, not the slab