Purchasing graded notes and coins

Why purchase a GRADED note or coin?

Here are two notes -- one graded and the other is not. A purchaser for the lazy deuce (second note) will be filled with uncertainty.





Everyday, interested sellers and collectors call and ask the "what's it worth" question. They have found a note tucked away in their relative's estate or a yard sale junk box and want to know what the item might be worth to us or to other collectors. 

When I ask them if the note has been folded or torn or if it has certain other defects, I often hear, "Oh I missed that"  and "does a little corner tear really  matter?"

One of the most important reasons  you should insist on having a coin or note graded, is to avoid the risk of purchasing a counterfeit copy. I know a dealer who paid several thousand dollars for a note and sent it in to be graded only  to find out that is was a worthless counterfeit! That is why dealers and collectors are willing to pay more for graded currency and coins. 

A second, perhaps equally important reason in favor of grading is to assure clear understanding and easy communication. A graded note will "translate" perfectly between and among all interested collectors, buyers and sellers. Furthermore, grading allows years of auction data to be adequately analyzed so that value can be assessed. For us, speaking with someone about an ungraded note is always speculative; speaking to someone about a note that is officially graded is clear and specific.

Consider this: If the person selling the note or coin really has a valuable product, why hasn't he or she had it graded?  Two reasons are plausible: Either there is something wrong with the note or he/she is unaware of established guidelines and grading benefits.

When trying to purchase an ungraded note or coin, beware of red flag statements like "though it's not graded, the note/coin looks perfect."  One of my favorites that I have heard several times is, "It used to be folded, but it isn't any more." or "the condition  is pristine, I pressed it with my iron this morning."

"But who should grade my coin or note," you ask?  Treasuredstocks.com is an official dealer of coins and currency with the two major international grading firms: PCGS and PMG. If you stay with either organization (PCGS /PMG), you will receive the most resale value for your item(s).  

I personally appreciate PCGS's description of their grading standards and processes.This description is located on their web site.

For more information about this and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at  http://www.treasuredstocks.com/or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com. You may also give Jeff a call at 870-670-4255