tamo42 said:
Using powerful loupes is an old-timer buying trick. Get out the 40x loupe, show the seller how scratched the coin looks under magnification, negotiate a better deal.
It's not particularly ethical since the buyer (you) knows that it will still grade well under lesser magnification. Just one of many reasons I only mostly buy and sell graded coins.
I agree tamo, were I to start again in CC's that's what I would do (for many coins, not all), buy slabbed, graded and I'll add CONSERVED coins!! I would've obtained fewer coins but the peace of mind in knowing what I got, locked in, is equal value to the coin. That'd be my advice to new CC collectors. The romantic idea of OMP and having the next MS69 or even MS70 just isn't worth pursuing (earlier releases I'm talking about), I have done and failed big in a few buys. I'm still OK with OMP coins though, you have to weigh up each individual coins. Like I just bought goldfish coins... these are in OMP, double seal, boxed, COA. They were a proof issue and 1990 was a good year for silver quality... so they should spruce up nicely, I'd hope at least MS68 and 69's. It's a set, I like the idea of OMP but equally I think they should be protecetd and conserved early, so it's a tough decision. Some of Comeaux's posts about coins being in OMP after many years (even in front pockets) grading high are reassuring.
It's a major headache shipping coins to the US for slabbing... it shouldnt be, I know, just seems like there's so many things that can go wrong. Once they're out of OMP that's it too, no more OMP if you didnt like the grade... I see Mr. Xu has been reading the forums here and CCF... I enquired about his 1/4 93 proof, not if it was not OMP, he volunteered that information. He is also marking those coin descriptions as non-OMP now, which is good. I guess this is one of those reasons you are talking about hey Tamo?
Sellers may anticipate bargaining, in some of my experience and price their coins accordingly with a little room to move. If they're firm on price and I want the coin I'll pay no problem. Treat the seller as you'd like to be treated, that's my ethics, I'd never use loupes to try and wangle a better deal.
I have NO idea how my coins will grade because I don't have the NGC criteria for grading, I'd imagine that would be a guarded secret? Suffice to say I'll be like an expectant father pacing in the waiting room for my coins to come back and I don't like that thought, I don't particularly like 'surprises'... I guess this is another reason you are talking about eh Tamo??
