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The path to serious numismatics often begins with mistakes. Initially, it might seem that collecting coins in special plastic capsules, or slabs, is an unnecessary expense. There was a belief that a true collector needed to hold a coin in their hands, to feel its metal and history.
The path to serious numismatics often begins with mistakes. Initially, it might seem that collecting coins in special plastic capsules, or slabs, is an unnecessary expense. There was a belief that a true collector needed to hold a coin in their hands, to feel its metal and history.
This approach led to the formation of a first collection based on the 'cheap and plentiful' principle. Coins were acquired in their 'raw' state and placed in standard album pages. The idea of overpaying, for example, 20 euros for a slabbed coin when the same one could be bought for 10 euros without a slab, seemed unacceptable.
The initial collection consisted mainly of coins from the early Soviet period. They were collected by year and variety, including specimens with different mint marks, such as 'ТР' and 'ПЛ'. These coins were bought at flea markets and online platforms from fellow collectors who preferred 'hands-on' interaction with their coins.
The main feature of this collection was that almost all the coins had been cleaned. Sellers, wanting to 'improve' their goods, often resorted to aggressive cleaning using toothpaste and brushes. As a result, the coins were in VF to XF condition but were stripped of their original patina and collectible value.
| Term | Description |
| Washing | Careful removal of dirt from the coin's surface without damaging the patina and field. |
| Cleaning | Aggressive mechanical or chemical action that removes the patina and leaves scratches (hairlines). |
The passion for 'improving' coins by cleaning them causes irreparable harm. It is important to distinguish between two concepts: washing and cleaning. While careful washing may be acceptable, aggressive cleaning destroys the coin's collectible component—the patina—and leaves micro-scratches on the surface of the field.
As a result, such coins become illiquid. It becomes extremely difficult to sell them even for the purchase price. For example, cleaned 1924 rubles, bought for 35-45 euros, struggle to sell at auctions for 30 euros. This is a direct financial loss, not to mention the time spent.
The realization of this flawed approach came after the chance acquisition of an American Morgan dollar. This coin, bought in the USA, had a mint luster, was uncleaned, and had a beautiful natural patina. Despite its modest grade (approximately MS 62), its appearance was drastically different from the entire previous collection.
Comparing this specimen with an album full of shiny but 'dead' cleaned coins was an epiphany. It became clear that the years spent collecting such material were, in essence, wasted. The enjoyment from the old collection vanished, replaced by an understanding of the true beauty and value of coins in their original state.
| Option | Cost | Liquidity and Potential |
| 7 cleaned coins | ~70 euros | Very low, loss on sale of up to 50% or more. |
| 1 coin in an MS 65 slab | ~80 euros | High liquidity, potential for value appreciation. |
The experience with Austro-Hungarian coins was also instructive. A collection of seven cleaned coins cost about 70 euros. However, when trying to sell them, the highest offer was only 30 euros, meaning a loss of more than half the invested funds.
In contrast, a single coin from the same period was purchased—a 1914 corona, but in an NGC slab with a high grade of MS 65. It cost 80 euros. The comparison clearly demonstrates that one high-quality coin is more valuable than several coins in poor condition.
Experience shows that a collector is a temporary custodian. The task is to preserve the coin for future generations in the same condition it was received. Slabs play a key role here, protecting the coin from negative external influences.
When buying a slabbed coin, you know exactly what you are acquiring and that you will be able to sell it in the future. It is a certified asset, unlike a 'raw' coin whose condition might be incorrectly assessed or concealed by the seller.
| Coin | Price 2-3 years ago | Current price |
| 1921 Ruble (MS 61) | 200 euros | 350-400 euros |
| 1921 Poltinnik (MS 62) | 100 euros | 150+ euros |
| 1924 Poltinnik TR (MS 62) | 60 euros (including slabbing cost) | 150 euros |
The numismatic market has changed. The trend towards slabbing has virtually destroyed the demand for cheap, cleaned coins. They are now mainly bought by beginners, while experienced collectors and investors seek high-quality specimens.
The price growth of quality coins is confirmed by practice. Slabbed coins with high grades show a steady appreciation over time.
Ultimately, investing in one coin with a grade of MS 61 or MS 62 proves to be significantly more profitable than buying two or three cheap but cleaned coins of the same type. Quality has become the defining factor for both enjoying a collection and making successful investments.
