Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 6/2/2011

Question
QUESTION: Thanks for answering my earlier question.  Another question about value.  Earlier you had stated that a 1909 5 rouble coin was more valuable because of scarcity.  What is its value?  Graded coins only please.  Also what would be the value of 10 Rouble 1904 NGC MS-65 ?  Thanks for taking my question.

ANSWER: Hi again Satish,
For a mint state example graded by NGC/PCGS/ANACS, you are looking at around $600 to $700 for an MS-64, $800 to $900 for an MS-65 and $1,500+ for an MS-67. Circulated coins are worth about the same graded as raw, when being sold by a reputable dealer.
As for the 1904 coin, the prices are kind of unpredictable. In recent auctions I've seen an MS-65 sell for $600, while an MS-64 of the same coin sold for over $900 just a few months later, and then another MS-65 sold for around $700. Generally, I've seen MS-64 and MS-65 coins selling from the $400 range to the $900 range in the past 3 years, but like I said the actual prices are kind of funny with this one. I have not seen anything higher than an MS-65 of this coin recently.
Thanks again for the question! =)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dimitry:  Thank you for the reply.  You have been a fantastic source of information for a novice coin collector that I am.  Just to add to your answer my research has shown according to the NGC census that in the 10R 1904 category MS64 215 graded, MS65 372 graded, MS66 33 graded, and MS67 only 3 graded.  This probably accounts for not seeing anything higher than a 65 recently.  People not wanting to part with their 66 and 67. You mentioned circulated coins graded as raw.  What did you mean by that?  Also I have seen a coin on EBay an 1897 15R NGC MS-62 Wide Rim.  They were asking $2000 for this coin.  What do you think?  Regards, Satish.

Answer
Hi again Satish,
Sorry for the delay in getting to your question.
The 1897 15 roubles are fairly common, regardless of variety. The seller is likely hoping for someone who specifically is interested in varieties that will pay more than most people would for a typical coin.
Thank you for the NGC census figures, that does put things in perspective.
Circulated coins of any grade, when raw (not certified/slabbed) are worth basically the same as circulated coins that are graded, when you factor in the price of the grading service for gold coins.
Thanks again! =)