Posted By:
Gilbert MainesThe concept of acquiring the best example of a collectible is neither new nor unique to this hobby. However the availability of independent grading services to quantify the quality of individual specemins is new to this hobby, although not unique to it.
Unfortunately, these grading services are experiencing some growing pains with regard to establishing the existence of alteration applied to individual examples. This status temporarilly makes high grade purchases more risky than they should be.
When prices of this material are appreciating rapidly, one is tempted to absorb more risk than many would consider prudent. I hope that a solution is soon forthcoming, and that noone suffers significant damage caused by this grading inadequacy.