I too have a few graded coins (I never sent them off to get graded, I purchased them already slabbed). I originally started collecting coins when I was young, but converted to stacking later in life so I have an appreciation for the numismatic value of coins as well as their PM content.
Basically, I like to have a little of everything in my stack. I enjoy looking at the coins for their aesthetic value as well as their precious metal content.
I did the same. The cost of shipping, grading, customs and insurance is far higher than purchasing the slabbed coins from a dealer.
My thought at the time was to try and grab a coin from any country that produced a .999 silver coin... which was probably too optimistic.
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