Community Voice Responses (April 30, 2019)

From the April 5 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

What part does grade rarity play in your collecting?

Here are some answers sent in from our e-newsletter readers.

It plays a major role. I collect notes from a particular bank in Mexico. I’m going for an all UNC set. The lower denominations are relatively easy to acquire in UNC under $50. The 50, 100, and 500 are excessively rare in UNC. I broke down and bought a 50 pesos in VF, but I intend to sell it for an upgrade soon.

Connor Falk
via Facebook

Not being able to purchase most rare coins due to high pricing, I find having 1 of 618 (NGC Census) 1998-S SP-70 Silver Matte Finish JFK Halves is a nice coin to own. This coin is somewhat affordable and still available at less than $500 in most cases. Of course, other TPG’s have this same coin and grade as well. Not exactly certain what the overall population is in the SP-70 Grade.

Steve McGowan
Algonac, Mich.

My take is if I add modern mint-issued coins to my holdings, I only buy the highest MS or PF70s. If I purchase other coins or paper money, eye appeal regardless of grade is the defining factor. Coins with conditions closer to MS may not have the look or appeal even though they are in a higher grade.

Joe G.
Carlsbad, Calif.

Regardless, grade has a great deal to do with purchasing. After all, one can only afford just SO MUCH on a budget. Just how far can we all go without? Not far, I’d say!

Gary Kess
Sherman, Texas

Grade rarity does not enter into our collecting.

Name and address withheld