PCGS Variety Grading Question

ElKevvo

If a coin is submitted that is a variety but is not noted on the submission form as the submitter was not aware was a variety, how does PCGS handle this? Do they note the variety on the label and charge the additional fee?

I have a submission I sent in that included an 09-S cent and it is showing in the submission details as an 09 S/S which I did not check for prior to sending it off. The submission is at the 'Encapsulation' level so the coin has been graded. Just curious really.

K

ricko

I think a call to customer service would resolve the question, or wait for billing to see if charged. Must have been fairly obvious to them, if noted like that. Cheers, RickO

ifthevamzarockin

It's because it's a Red Book variety.

"For those not familiar with this subject, PCGS recognizes regular Red Book varieties as a part of its regular certification and grading process. Coins such as the 1937-D 3-legged Buffalo Nickel, 1955 Doubled Die Cent, 1942/1 Mercury Dime and the 1887/6 Morgan Dollar are just a few of the hundreds of varieties we will certify free of charge. If it’s listed in the Red Book, we’ll do it."

ElKevvo

Thanks! I did not know about the Red Book variety identification but now I do.

K

slimbert

I asked a somewhat related question in another post.

While I do believe all varieties mentioned in the Red Book are considered Major Varieties by PCGS, there are also PCGS Major Varieties that are NOT listed in the Red Book.

For example, for 1964-D Kennedy Half Dollars, there are DDO, QDO, and RPM PCGS #s that are considered Major Varieties. None of those are listed in the Red Book. So, if any of those are sent under regular service, they should be noted as such by PCGS (at least, in theory. I wouldn't be surprised if any of those snuck through as standard 1964-D coins).

For example, if you knew you had a 1964-D/D, I would recommend using that PCGS # (411633) instead of the standard 1964-D PCGS # (6707) during your submission. It is a major variety, so there would be no variety attribution charge necessary. If you wanted the specific FS number mentioned on the slab (as there is more than one for that RPM), you would have to pay for the variety attribution, since those are not Major Varieties.

I've found the easiest way to see whether a coin is a PCGS Major Variety is to check under the Major Varieties section under "Related Coins & Varieties" on the Coin Facts page. Or, to see if it has its own listing on the Coin Facts main date page.