Coins

Over the years, I have observed that graded coins gemand the highest prices. With un-graded or "raw" coins, you are taking chances, even if they are in the Mint Packaging. (UP-DATE 13 MAY 2007) I HAVE TALKED WITH A FEW SELLERS, AND THEY HAVE ADMITTED THAT THE "RAW" COINS THAT THEY SELL, ARE SOLD THAT WAY, BECAUSE THEY AREN'TGOOD ENOUGH TO SUBMIT FOR GRADING.
There is a saying that you should 'buy the coin...not the holder'. However, coins that are graded by PCGS tend to be regarded as the most consistantly graded coins and they tend to bring the best prices...not only when you buy them, but also when you sell them.MOST OF the coins that I have bought that have been graded by PCGS, have usually doubled in value, within a two year period. Some of them have even TRIPLED IN VALUE and a couple of them have more than QUADRUPLED (4x) in value. It sure beats keeping your money in a bank and getting a few pennies in interest, while the bank is getting rich, using YOUR MONEY.
The second most respected coin grading gepany seems to be NGC. NGC seems to have the best holders,as theydon't scratch very easily.
I have found that the third best coin grading gepany is ICG. However, I would never buy an ICG coin that is graded below a perfect MS70 or a PR70. I have found that ICG holders are made of a softer plastic, and the holders begee scratched VERY EASILY.
The easiest way to keep your coins in pristine condition, is to buy the grading gepany boxes. This makes them easier to organize, by grade, year, and/or type, i.e. quarters, pennies, etc. The boxesalso help keep the holders from getting scratched. The blue PCGS boxes are the least expensive, primarily because they are plentiful. The NGC boxes are fairly expensive, but they are a must if you want to keep your coins organized. In addition, the coin boxes give your coins added protection from the elements.
(UP-DATE 13 MAY 2007) I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT WHEN YOU BID, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PUT EXTRA PENNIES IN YOUR BID. I CAN'T EVEN COUNT ALL OF THE COINS THAT I HAVE WON BY AN EXTRA PENNY OR TWO. I WON A $500.00 COIN BY BIDDING $303.03. THE NEXT HIGHEST BID WAS $303.00.
BUYING COINS ON E-BAY IS A VERY gePETITIVE FIELD. THE SMARTEST THING YOU CAN DO...IS TO BUY AN ATOMIC CLOCK. THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR $25 OR SO. THEY ARE ACCURATE TOONE SECOND, EVERY 1.4 MILLION YEARS. MOST OF THE BIDDERS PUT THEIR BID IN, INTHE LAST FEW SECONDS. IF YOU PUT YOUR BID IN WITH ONLY 5 SECONDS TO GO...THE OTHER BIDDERS DON'T HAVE A CHANCE TO RETALIATE.
I use an Oregon Scientific Model RM826. It stands up and I have only had to put two AAA alkaline batteries in it, once, in 6 years. In addition, these clocks set themselves. You never have to touch them...as in "spring forward, fall back". They automatically reset themselves. They are in synchronization with the twin (atomic)maser clocks, in Boulder, Colorado...that emit a radio frequency to your clock. For very interesting details...do a Google search for: atomic clocks.
I hope you have found this interesting enough to give me a positive vote.