Opinions Please
PapiNE
Posts: 329 ✭✭✭
I was at a coin show yesterday and submitted a mixture of Morgan, Peace, and Silver Eagles in new vinyl flips for grading. The TPG rep decided he needed to turn the coins so that they faced in a certain direction before he labeled them. OK...whatever. I then noticed he didn't feel the need to grasp the coin by the edge but instead "pinched" the coin to pull it out and turn it. No gloves. He did make an effort to minimize the contact but I was a bit stunned that a TPG rep would disregard a simple form of coin ettiquette. By the time he got to the 6th coin, I hinted that he shouldn't be doing that and his response was "I wish you had said something earlier". I told him no biggee but that I was hoping for 70 grades on a few of the Eagles. I believe he was legitimately a bit ashamed but it bugs me. Should it? Could his handling risk my chance at the highest grade? I've done busines with this rep before and he's never adjusted the coins (at least not in front of me).
USAF veteran 1984-2005
Comments
It should bother you and you should have said something right away. It was completely unprofessional on the part of the rep.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
You mean he actually grabbed the coins on the surface and not by the edge?...Really?? All 6 coins??
Should it bug you, absolutely yes!! Could it affect the grading?...Absolutely, if you don't like fingerprints. Especially, that Silver Eagle. It would have been a biggie to me for sure!
I would have been jumping on his desk or taking the coins away from him!!
Disclaimer: I'm not a dealer, trader, grader, investor or professional numismatist. I'm just a hobbyist. (To protect me but mostly you! 🤣 )
I would be mortified even it it was just one coin. Especially for Silver Eagles. The fingerprints I'm imagining make me crinege.
I'm really just shocked anyone working for a TPG would do that.
The fingerprints won't show up for years, you can still get 70s, it probably won't affect the grades, and I bet it's common to handle coins like that inside the tpgs.
Yes, it was exactly as described.
Your type of response is exactly what triggered a heart attack and instantly killed my grandfather when he went ballistic at a car dealership. I strive to be a calm soul because of it.
USAF veteran 1984-2005
Wow!! I would have stopped him immediately. I hope none have lasting damage. I would have insisted on an immediate acetone rinse. Cheers, RickO
I experienced something similar last December but didn't see it happen. 4 of my submitted coins came back with greasy looking fingerprints on both on the obverse and reverse. I received a MS67, MS68, MS68, and MS69. I was so upset because I felt I surely had 2 MS70 and 2 MS69 there and complained and showed before and after photos. The TPG had me return them free of charge for conservation/restoration with free shipping back. They came back all bumped up 1 grade but looked dipped and odd and the fingerprints started coming back 4 months later. I ended up selling all just totally disgusted. Seriously wishing you best of luck with your coins.
Pocket Change Inspector
I am so very sorry for the loss of your grandfather but thankful for your post. It's a good reminder. I'm not one to jump up on a desk but I sometimes do let things upset me more than I should.
Pocket Change Inspector
I would not be happy at all (unbelievable) but you said vinyl flips which damage coins as they contain pvc. That bothers me more. You did not use safe flips?
Bought off Amazon within the month. Advertisment clearly says vinyl and "safe". How could any legit coin business still sell PVC products? Yea, I know.....
https://amazon.com/gp/product/B08KSM8Q5H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
USAF veteran 1984-2005