Are Graded Sample Slabs Worth It?

Several reputable coin grading services globally began issuing world sample slabs in the early 1990s. In India, this trend started a few years ago when NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), one of the most esteemed coin grading companies, initiated operations with select reputable stores and auction houses for coin grading submissions.

During the National Numismatic Exhibition 2020, the NGC team offered a promotional sample slab of a 5 Paise 1967, Calcutta Mint, as a complimentary takeaway. To identify the sample slab, one can check the NGC label, which explicitly states "SAMPLE" instead of the grade, even though the coin grading scale is often higher.

The first intriguing question that arises for many is the valuation of a sample slab and its connection to our favorite hobby.

The 5 Paise 1967 from the Calcutta Mint is a common coin widely circulated, typically not costing more than ₹20 in uncirculated condition. The submission service fee per coin is approximately ₹1,500 for modern coins (1955 onward), bringing the total cost of the coin to around ₹1,520 once graded. However, this calculation may not apply unless the coin is scarce or rare. Nevertheless, it can be assured that the sample slab will likely be worth more than the actual cost of the coin, at least half of the grading cost.

In conclusion, collecting world sample slabs is highly advisable, not only as a collector's hobby but also as a valuable part of numismatic history.