Would buying a blacklight be a good idea for helping to authenticate NGC coins?
spencer195
Posts: 17 ✭✭✭
Hi all,
I just bought this UV flashlight (blacklight) on Amazon to use for authenticating the UV-sensitive watermark on NGC holders. Do you think this is a good idea?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008133KB4
Thanks,
spencer195
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@spencer195
Can I ask what you are afraid of, particularly?
If it's counterfeit coins in counterfeit holders, look closely at a lot of coins in the series you are after so you can get a feel for different coins that do and don't look right. Getting books with accurate images for diagnostics can be very helpful too, and this can help you learn more about the coins. In the long run this will be much quicker and more practical than a UV flashlight (although they work for a lot of other things, so having one isn't a bad idea). After all, you can't use it while studying a coin in a slab on the internet.
If it's real coins in counterfeit holders, then learn how to "range grade" and identify problems for what you are going after. Don't worry about being perfect but know the differences in the ranges of grades you are seeking, and what those coins look like when "straight graded", and what looks suspect. Whether that is between low VF and strong EF, or from mid-EF to mid-AU, or 60/63 to 65/67, learn to get the range right almost every time. Images can be difficult, so don't be afraid to pass.
And don't be afraid to pass on anything. Very few coins are so exceedingly rare that another won't come along ... and if you don't have the knowledge, you wont know that anyway. Also, very few certified coins are going to be major rips ... most coins try to trade at their reasonable value. There is no Santa Claus in Numismatics.
An ounce of prevention is always good, but understanding the coins you are pursuing will reap far more benefits than trying to determine the hologram on a slab.
My 2c ...
Good luck, and Happy Hunting!
“We are only their care-takers,” he posed, “if we take good care of them, then centuries from now they may still be here … ”
Todd - BHNC #242
I agree with @pursuitofliberty .... However, I also have a blacklight flashlight... It helps if looking for putty and other anomalies. Cheers, RickO
Yes, then turn out the lights and shine it around your hotel room.
Thanks for all the advice. I just got my UV flashlight in the mail today and verified all my NGC slabs. The watermark did light up, as well as a NGC logo in the middle of the label. And I didn't find any urine stains in my apartment!
Does anyone know if it's possible to fake the UV watermark on a NGC slab?
They are useful for looking at currency. 👍
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