Hey fellow coin enthusiasts! If you’re new to the fascinating world of coin collecting, you’ve likely hit a common crossroads: should you buy raw or slabbed coins? It seems straightforward – either loose coins in their natural state (“raw”) or those professionally graded and encased in plastic holders (“slabbed” or “graded coins”). For a beginner, the dream of finding a treasure in raw coins or an “unsearched” roll is powerful. I get it; I was there too.
When the coin bug bit me, I was captivated by stories of amazing finds from circulation or those tempting “unsearched coin rolls.” The idea of snagging a valuable rare coin for cheap was irresistible! So, I jumped in, spending hours and a fair bit of cash on rolls of various denominations. I meticulously searched each coin, hoping for that elusive error or key date.
Next, I moved to buying bags of mixed raw coins from online sellers, flea markets, and even coin dealers with bulk lots. The thrill of the hunt was real; each batch felt like a new adventure. I spent weekends sifting and researching. Did I find anything? A few interesting pieces, yes, but the true showstoppers were practically non-existent.
I used to be skeptical when seasoned collectors or coin dealers warned against over-investing in “unsearched” lots, thinking they just wanted to sell their graded coins. However, after a year of sifting through thousands of raw coins, my view changed. Finding truly valuable coins in a raw, unsearched state is incredibly tough. It’s like searching for a specific needle in a barn full of haystacks. Usually, if a coin has significant value, it’s already been spotted.
This doesn’t mean you can’t get lucky with raw coins. Some enjoy the hunt itself, and that’s great. But if your aim is to build a collection of specific, desirable coins, especially in higher grades, the raw route can be long, frustrating, and costly. The time spent searching and the cost of duds add up.
So, what’s the alternative? Slabbed coins. These are authenticated and graded by services like PCGS or NGC, then sealed. Yes, graded coins cost more upfront because you’re paying for the coin, grading, and assurance. But the big plus? You know exactly what you’re getting – no guesswork on grade or authenticity. If you want a specific coin in a particular condition, buying it graded ensures you get the real deal.
My year-long dive into raw coins wasn’t a total loss; I learned a lot about coin types and wear. But for acquiring the coins I truly wanted, it was inefficient. I finally understood what experienced coin dealers meant. While the dream of a major find is alluring, for a beginner coin collector wanting a quality collection without endless searching, considering slabbed coins early on saves time, money, and frustration. It lets you focus on acquiring desired pieces and enjoying your collection, not just the hunt.
So, when facing the choice to buy raw or slabbed coin, my honest take after a year? Don’t underestimate a sure thing. The hunt is fun, but sometimes, buying the direct map to the treasure is smarter.
Check out this video from Empire Precious Metals:
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