Collectors are divided on whether to buy slabbed coins. Many
numismatists like the professional grading and descriptions and the protection
the slabbing offers. However many of us prefer to handle the actual coins.
Interestingly archaeologists have discovered that slabbing
coins was known to ancient Roman collectors. Perspex or plastic of any type had
not been invented, and glass was expensive, so the coins had to be encased in
stone or concrete. This meant the coin was protected from wear, accidental
damage and were difficult to steal (or even move at all). However the coins
could not be viewed by the collector. Julius Caesar who was a keen collector,
came up with the saying “veni vidi vici” which means “I came, I saw, I saw no
coin”.
Some coins were stamped SPQR which stands for Slab Pretty
Quickly, Romans. So look out for rocks or stones which may contain a
coin. You would be a fool not to!
