My Deep Dive into Old Paramount Graded Slabs: Accuracy, History, and Collector Tips

I’ve always been fascinated by the quirks of coin grading history, and lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time with Paramount graded slabs. These older holders have a real nostalgic charm, but they also bring up important questions about grading accuracy that every collector should think about.

The Story Behind Paramount Grading

Paramount Grading Company came on the scene at a key moment in numismatics, especially around the Redfield Hoard sales. What really caught my eye was how they used a very limited scale—at first, they only had MS60 and MS65. This wasn’t just a Paramount thing; it was a sign of the times when numerical grading was just starting, and grades like MS63 or MS64 hadn’t even been thought of yet.

Grading Accuracy: Why It’s Spotty

From what I’ve seen, Paramount’s grading can be all over the map. Coins in MS65 slabs often come back as MS62 or MS63 when regraded by modern services like NGC, who can even put them back in the original holder with a strip. This inconsistency isn’t surprising when you remember they had to squeeze every coin into just two grades. Here’s what I’ve picked up along the way:

• Overgrading was pretty common—dealers will often price these slabs lower than the grade on the label, admitting they’re really more like MS63.
• Coins in MS60 holders might be a better value, but always check for problems like cleaning or damage.
• My advice: Don’t trust the slab alone; take a close look at the coin yourself or get it regraded to be sure.

How Grading Scales Changed Over Time

It’s interesting to remember that before the mid-1980s, the numerical grades we use today just didn’t exist. Big names like PCGS and NGC got started in 1986-1987, and they slowly rolled out grades like MS61 through MS69. Back when Paramount was grading, collectors used broad descriptive terms, and the move to numbers was a big change, but it took time to get it right. That’s why coins were often put in the wrong box—grading companies had to pick between calling a coin MS60 (conservative) or MS65 (optimistic) for those in-between pieces.

Thoughts for Collectors and the Market

Even with the grading issues, I think Paramount slabs are really charming because of their history. They’re like snapshots of a time when the coin market wasn’t as standardized. If you’re considering one for your collection, keep these things in mind:

• Focus on the coin itself, not the grade on the slab—look for strong luster and as few marks as possible.
• They can be real sleepers in the market; their rarity and story are a big draw for history-loving collectors.
• If you’re buying as an investment, be cautious: Nostalgia can add a premium, but the risk of a lower grade if you regrade could hurt the resale value.

So, old Paramount slabs give us a special look at numismatic history, but always check them carefully. They show how much grading has improved over the years, and that’s one reason I find coin collecting so rewarding. Happy hunting!