Certified Coins or Raw Coins?

[Alex]

Dear Coin Advisor,

I see on Ebay beautiful Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagles and it says it is in MS65 Condition. However, the listing says the Coin is not slabbed. I saw another 1912 Liberty Gold Eagle MS65 in a slabbed but the slab and company is unknown, should I buy these coins. I also see ancient coins slabbed.

Should I trust that they are MS65 or authentic? or should I discount their price? should I stay away from ebay sellers?

-Alex

[Dom, the Coin Advisor]

Dear Fellow eCoin Member,

You bring many important points about this hobby. I won't say you should not buy raw coins but you carry alot of risk for fraud, overpaying and buying a "cleaned coin." First, "certified" coins that are "graded" and "slabbed" coins are better than non-graded and "raw" coins.

First, "slabs" are protective holders in which a coin is encapsulated by a grading service. Second, these coins have a certificate which a certification company authenticates and grades the coins on a 1 - 70 point scale.

Certified Coins are better for the Coin Collector and the Coin Market. These coins reduce your risk that you buy a fake coin and allows you to know the state of preservation about the coin.

However, all MS65, known as investment grade, Gold Double Eagles are not the same. One MS65 Coin can have ugly toning, another MS65 could have prooflike qualities. Buy Mint State Coins from reputable coin grading services only.

PCGS, NGC are 1st Tier
ICG, ANACS are 2nd Tier.

Again, I won't say you should not buy raw coins but you carry alot of risk! Review the coins in person if possible. If buying on Ebay carefully review the pictures online for every speck, ask questions. Check Seller Feedback too, read comments carefully, sellers should have close 100% Positive Feedback.

When buying raw coins online, discount heavily the prices assume the coin is circulated and not mint state and if you have any hunch that this is a deceitful seller online run away fast. Sellers from outside the USA, low feedback, no feedback or poor feedback should be questioned and avoided. A listing that looks too good to be true is a red flag.

Generally I buy Mint State coins that are properly graded. Even if they say the Raw Coin is MS, I buy at circulated, common date and melt value prices. And always buy from trusted sellers.

Good Luck!
Dom, the Coin Advisor!