By Mark Ferguson for COIN VALUES

While more experienced collectors may scoff at the idea of third-party grading for recently issued United States coins, the concept is clearly popular with the general public.

If this year’s Christmas catalogs from mail-order coin businesses are any indicator, a growing segment of the marketplace is willing to pay the price for “slabbed” moderns.

How about a graded and encapsulated Mint State 68 1982-D Washington commemorative half dollar for $29? Why would a person pay such a lofty premium for a coin that sells for well less than $10 as a “raw” or unslabbed item? Read Full Story

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