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When discussing the storage and valuation of collectible coins, the topic of slabs—special plastic containers—often comes up. However, it is important to understand that the key process is not the act of placing the coin in the packaging itself, but the grading that precedes it.
When discussing the storage and valuation of collectible coins, the topic of slabs—special plastic containers—often comes up. However, it is important to understand that the key process is not the act of placing the coin in the packaging itself, but the grading that precedes it.
Grading is the process of assigning a specific grade to a coin, which is an assessment of its condition and quality. Encapsulation in a slab is a secondary action, intended to record and confirm this grade. Thus, the most important part is the professional assessment, and the slab serves as its certificate and means of protection.
Over time, a coin that is not in a slab can face a number of problems that complicate its identification and valuation. Even if its condition has been assessed by an expert, that opinion remains merely verbal.
Consequently, linking a verbal assessment to a specific coin without a slab is practically impossible, which creates grounds for disputes during a sale.
| International Grades | Sheldon Scale Designations | Russian Designations |
| Uncirculated | MS 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70 | Superb |
| About Uncirculated | AU 50, 53, 55, 58 | Almost Superb |
| Extremely Fine | XF 40, 45 | Excellent |
| Very Fine | VF 20, 25, 30, 35 | Very Good |
| Fine | F 12, 15 | Good |
| Very Good | VG 8, 10 | Satisfactory |
| Good | G 4, 6 | Poor |
A standardized system is used for the objective assessment of coin conditions. The most common is the 70-point Sheldon scale, adopted in the USA and actively used by the numismatic community worldwide, including in Russia.
For example, a coin might be assigned a grade of MS 62. This means the coin has not been in circulation, has a distinct mint luster, a strong strike on the details, and only minor storage marks. Such standardization allows collectors to speak a common language.
The slab was invented specifically to record the result of grading and securely link it to a specific coin. After its condition is determined, the coin is sealed in an airtight plastic case that cannot be opened without being damaged.
Thus, the slab guarantees that the coin inside is the exact one that was expert-graded, and its condition matches the indicated grade.
The assigned grade has a fundamental impact on a coin's price. The higher the level of preservation, the fewer such specimens exist, and the higher their collectible value. The price difference can be several-fold.
The presence of a slab eliminates disputes about quality and allows for the formation of an objective price.
Storing coins in slabs has both clear advantages and some drawbacks. The main advantage is protection and preservation. The coin is securely protected from mechanical damage, such as scratches or impacts from being dropped.
However, there are also disadvantages. The main one is that you cannot hold the coin in your hands to feel its weight and the metal. Some collectors even break open the slabs, keeping only the label with the grade. Additionally, over time, the plastic of the slab itself can get scratched and become cloudy, requiring replacement.
