Is grading a (false) good idea?

Is grading a (false) good idea?

Sell your collectibles with peace of mind at the right price in Belgium

Grading is the system of evaluation and guarantee for exceptional collector coins. The practice has become an important part of the numismatic world. However, grading also has its drawbacks, often very costly, which prevent collectors from having their coins graded. Is grading really the right idea for reselling coins? Are there other solutions? An overview of how to value and sell your collector coins at the right price in Belgium.

 

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            Beware of grading hassles

 

As we saw in our article on Grading for exceptional collector coins, Grading acts as a coin ID, guaranteeing the authenticity and condition of the coin when resold through a sealed capsule. The Grading company acts as a third party between seller and buyer, guaranteeing the neutrality of the coin's certification.

 

However, the evaluation system is not 100% reliable. You must therefore be tolerant and accept that your coin may "lose" value upon identification.

 

Another peculiarity for us Europeans to be aware of is that the Americans have obviously chosen a system adapted to their numismatics. Coins date back to around 1800, whereas with our numismatics, the first coins date back several centuries, with different manufacturing processes and therefore difficult to evaluate according to the American grading system. What's more, a cleaned coin is not graded, and reworked coins are considered originals.

 

Another major problem is that, whether you're for or against grading, all numismatists agree on one point: the market is overwhelmed by fake certificates, mainly from Asia or produced by private companies marketing their own products.

 

High costs and picky buyers

 

Like all commercial markets, grading organizations are in competition with each other. All means are therefore good to attract customers with their services and results. In the business, we tend to ask for expertise and counter-expertise...

 

This is becoming a problem, given that grading is relatively expensive. On average, the service costs at least €40, and you can imagine the exorbitant prices if the piece has a price tag; and 95% of the pieces are not beautiful or rare enough to be auctioned, as buyers are very demanding.

 

 

            Up-Grading, the new sales technique

 

Most grading organizations today offer coin "restoration" services. This is known as "Up-Grading", the technique of moving coins from one grade to another to add value. Using sophisticated means, we repair stripped coins to gain several grades. Once slabbed, it's impossible to tell whether the coin is original or repaired.

 

 

New qualities for coins

 

According to Monnaie Magazine, with commemorative coins, minted exclusively for collectors and sold in sealed cases, new measures have been introduced:

 

BU Brillant Universel: a coin minted in a fully brilliant finish with specially polished corners that are changed regularly. The striking process is also closely monitored.

 

Proof Épreuve / Belle Épreuve: surface treatment of manufacturing corners with matt relief that stands out from the glossy background. This is the pinnacle of quality, which has only recently appeared.

 

 

 

The alternative to Grading for selling collectibles

 

            In fine, Grading or not Grading?

 

Grading is interesting and even essential for reselling exceptional coins such as flanc bruni, fleur de coin and belle épreuve. However, coins with this type of minting quality are extremely rare. As for other coins, their value is often equal to or less than the grading value.

 

In the final analysis, the very notion of a certificate of origin has become hackneyed. Today, we don't know whether a graded part is original or simply repaired.

 

 

            Reselling collectibles: the alternative of the Comptoir spécialisé

 

Comptoirs are brokers specialized in buying and selling collector coins, like CaraOr in Rixensart, Walloon Brabant. You don't need Grading to resell your coins.

 

Our experts are trained to recognize and appraise antique coins. They will assess the coin's state of preservation, weight, metal prices, rarity and historical value, then propose the fairest price in line with the collection.

 

Your safety and comfort are important to us. That's why we welcome you to our premises in Rixensart, near Brussels, with or without an appointment, and offer you a free appraisal of your collector's items. Our advice is free and without obligation.