I’m glad I could share a screenshot of the auction to my instagram stories for 24 hours. It got over 200 views there, with easily 15-20 ig’ers who are committed OGH collectors. And I happily got the atleast one obligatory “Why did you post this?!” message—they didn’t want any competition…it had 18 watchers last I checked. So yes, any oldtimers or packrat hoarders it seems would be wise to dust off the bookshelves or check the boxes under your desk to see if you can rustle up any early PCGS pop reports.
If anyone has a September or October 1989 one in their stash and for sale, I will pay stupid money for it. That is the end of rattler slabs and the one type of PCGS coins I collect. Please message me. Thanks.
I did save at least one copy per year, and about 20 years ago I went out and hunted for earlier ones. This is the oldest copy I found. PCGS began grading in February 1986. No one I knew there at the time knew when they first started doing Pop Reports, but a couple said this might be it:
@DCW said:
Holy carp, that is nearing 200 dollars for a busted up old PCGS pop report.
Hey...Collect what you like, I guess!
Last summer I hooked up with someone willing to pay $1250 for a population report from Sept of ‘89, which I paid $35 on ebay before the explosion of interest in old slabs occured on social media. I guess the saying “knowledge is power” is alive and well these days.
Is it the information collectors are seeking or the actual report itself?
I'd think there would be a market for PCGS to reprint some of these earlier reports.
@braddick said:
Is it the information collectors are seeking or the actual report itself?
I'd think there would be a market for PCGS to reprint some of these earlier reports.
Everyone I talk with about it, collectors and dealers…it is only the information and definite numbers that are solid and concrete. No guessing whether say a proof barber half in 64 is a hard to find or top pop coin available in a rattler. The report is just a turtle shell…it’s the meat on the inside that everyone wants.
PCGS would be brilliant to reprint reports. Take a poll of the most desirable months that benchmark to various generation or style slabs and produce those.
Dumb question but what’s the value of a pop report knowing a lot of rattlers were cracked for upgrade? I have several rattlers I can’t seem to find and I’m sure it’s because the population of those coins in those slabs has gone down significantly.
@johnny010 said:
Dumb question but what’s the value of a pop report knowing a lot of rattlers were cracked for upgrade? I have several rattlers I can’t seem to find and I’m sure it’s because the population of those coins in those slabs has gone down significantly.
*edited for spelling
At least part of the value is knowing that there can be at most X number of coins in a specific grade or higher in a rattler (or other OGH). This information can help if you are attempting to build a rattler only (or other OGH) set in terms of how much premium you may associate with the coin and also how much leeway one might give to eye appeal or strength for the grade.
@johnny010 said:
Dumb question but what’s the value of a pop report knowing a lot of rattlers were cracked for upgrade? I have several rattlers I can’t seem to find and I’m sure it’s because the population of those coins in those slabs has gone down significantly.
I picked up a 1/4 oz ms69 gold eagle in a rattler. NFS! From a copy of an old pop report book I know there were only 20 ever graded in the early 90s. So I know it’s incredibly rare even if none are cracked. That is what has made is useful to me.
On the other hand, there were 32 thousand or more 1924 $20s graded. You still see them all the time and they really should have no premium they are just so common.
@alefzero said:
Have a bunch of them somewhere. What I especially like are the old Teletrade Real Price Guides.
I have one of those buried in my desk at work. I’ll have to look at it next time I am in. I guess it was sent to me with one of my orders way back when.
The Philadelphia Mint: making coins since 1792. We make money by making money. Now in our 225th year thanks to no competition.
Sorry, but I didn't care for them back in the day. To me it was like buying instant obsolescence.
I have a 1965 price catalog from the Gimbels Department Store coin counter. It's more interesting than an old population report.
Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
@alefzero said:
Have a bunch of them somewhere. What I especially like are the old Teletrade Real Price Guides.
I have one of those buried in my desk at work. I’ll have to look at it next time I am in. I guess it was sent to me with one of my orders way back when.
PhillyJoe, I believe you are right about receiving a pop report from PCGS when you had a coin certified. I also distinctly remember getting a report in about 1990 when I had a 1795 Flowing hair dollar slabbed, and it’s put away somewhere!
@braddick said:
Is it the information collectors are seeking or the actual report itself?
I'd think there would be a market for PCGS to reprint some of these earlier reports.
Everyone I talk with about it, collectors and dealers…it is only the information and definite numbers that are solid and concrete. No guessing whether say a proof barber half in 64 is a hard to find or top pop coin available in a rattler. The report is just a turtle shell…it’s the meat on the inside that everyone wants.
PCGS would be brilliant to reprint reports. Take a poll of the most desirable months that benchmark to various generation or style slabs and produce those.
They could reprint them and offer for sale at something like $100 or $150 each. Maybe it will help offset future grading cost increases.
Heck, I'm certain PCGS has copies of all of these and it might be good PR for them to simply upload pdf files for specific issues and allow folks to have them for free or as a perk of joining for submissions. It should cost very little in terms of coding and/or FTE hours.
@TomB said:
Heck, I'm certain PCGS has copies of all of these and it might be good PR for them to simply upload pdf files for specific issues and allow folks to have them for free or as a perk of joining for submissions. It should cost very little in terms of coding and/or FTE hours.
It would be good for most but the ones who already paid up for these would certainly not be as thrilled.
There was an ANACS pop report on ebay a few days ago that the seller sent me an offer on and I countered, which was soundly rejected. The seller had an unrealistic price on it IMHO, but based on this quien sabe.
I have all of the relevant pop reports and have access to Holder Analytics which gives you all the relevant rarity information, especially with things like how many first generation rattlers are no longer in their original rattler holders, or how many still are verified. Reach out for all Vintage Holder related questions, I will be happy to help where I can. The real treasure is beyond the pop reports.
Join The Hunt and Spread the word! Real American Treasure cbtazman@realamericantreasure.com
Could the Newman Portal publish these? PCGS might not let them, I suppose because of copyright, but it would certainly disseminate the information ( which seems consistent with the Portal’s numismatic mission).
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
@cbtazman said:
I have all of the relevant pop reports and have access to Holder Analytics which gives you all the relevant rarity information, especially with things like how many first generation rattlers are no longer in their original rattler holders, or how many still are verified. Reach out for all Vintage Holder related questions, I will be happy to help where I can. The real treasure is beyond the pop reports.
Ok thanks.
How many Morgan 1889-S’s are left in Rattlers 65 or higher?
Hi Johnny,
I am now contractually bond from just giving out that information freely - and I do know the answer. We will be rolling out a preview introduction on Holder Analytics in the second edition of the Real American Treasure book. Incidentally the first edition has part of the answer to the 89-S in MS65. I will check what I can and cannot do and get back to you.
Thanks again
Christopher
Join The Hunt and Spread the word! Real American Treasure cbtazman@realamericantreasure.com
@cbtazman said:
Hi Johnny,
I am now contractually bond from just giving out that information freely - and I do know the answer. We will be rolling out a preview introduction on Holder Analytics in the second edition of the Real American Treasure book. Incidentally the first edition has part of the answer to the 89-S in MS65. I will check what I can and cannot do and get back to you.
Thanks again
Christopher
Yes thanks
Your article led me to my own search and I also secured one. I’m interested in whatever you can share.
I happen to have an original NGC dealer submission looseleaf binder from 1988-1990 era. It is being included in a new exhibit at the FUN show in January 2024 in which Mark Salzberg plans to display the ORIGINAL prototype NGC slab. A black NGC slab will be included in the exhibit as well.,
Comments
OMG!
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I actually have a few going back that far, or thereabouts, but never thought of them as being that valuable.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
And it still has a few days to go.
peacockcoins
I have a few old ones from that same time era. I better see if I can dig them out. WOW!
Dave
I’m glad I could share a screenshot of the auction to my instagram stories for 24 hours. It got over 200 views there, with easily 15-20 ig’ers who are committed OGH collectors. And I happily got the atleast one obligatory “Why did you post this?!” message—they didn’t want any competition…it had 18 watchers last I checked. So yes, any oldtimers or packrat hoarders it seems would be wise to dust off the bookshelves or check the boxes under your desk to see if you can rustle up any early PCGS pop reports.
Chance favors the prepared mind.
I think that is the one that shows pops for the rattlers.
If anyone has a September or October 1989 one in their stash and for sale, I will pay stupid money for it. That is the end of rattler slabs and the one type of PCGS coins I collect. Please message me. Thanks.
Has anyone done a good technical analysis of the population changes, say of double eagles, year by year? That would be highly useful.
Holy carp, that is nearing 200 dollars for a busted up old PCGS pop report.
Hey...Collect what you like, I guess!
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."
I did save at least one copy per year, and about 20 years ago I went out and hunted for earlier ones. This is the oldest copy I found. PCGS began grading in February 1986. No one I knew there at the time knew when they first started doing Pop Reports, but a couple said this might be it:
2 million slabbed, not to shabby 😉
Have a bunch of them somewhere. What I especially like are the old Teletrade Real Price Guides.
Last summer I hooked up with someone willing to pay $1250 for a population report from Sept of ‘89, which I paid $35 on ebay before the explosion of interest in old slabs occured on social media. I guess the saying “knowledge is power” is alive and well these days.
Chance favors the prepared mind.
Is it the information collectors are seeking or the actual report itself?
I'd think there would be a market for PCGS to reprint some of these earlier reports.
peacockcoins
Everyone I talk with about it, collectors and dealers…it is only the information and definite numbers that are solid and concrete. No guessing whether say a proof barber half in 64 is a hard to find or top pop coin available in a rattler. The report is just a turtle shell…it’s the meat on the inside that everyone wants.
PCGS would be brilliant to reprint reports. Take a poll of the most desirable months that benchmark to various generation or style slabs and produce those.
Chance favors the prepared mind.
I have a couple from the early 90's.
Dumb question but what’s the value of a pop report knowing a lot of rattlers were cracked for upgrade? I have several rattlers I can’t seem to find and I’m sure it’s because the population of those coins in those slabs has gone down significantly.
*edited for spelling
At least part of the value is knowing that there can be at most X number of coins in a specific grade or higher in a rattler (or other OGH). This information can help if you are attempting to build a rattler only (or other OGH) set in terms of how much premium you may associate with the coin and also how much leeway one might give to eye appeal or strength for the grade.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I picked up a 1/4 oz ms69 gold eagle in a rattler. NFS! From a copy of an old pop report book I know there were only 20 ever graded in the early 90s. So I know it’s incredibly rare even if none are cracked. That is what has made is useful to me.
On the other hand, there were 32 thousand or more 1924 $20s graded. You still see them all the time and they really should have no premium they are just so common.
What are you looking for?
Current high bid is now $250.
Population and Census reports served very little purpose then. They are much more relevent now. Is that why they are free of charge ?
@braddick you probably drove a couple bidders nuts!
Mark
I have one of those buried in my desk at work. I’ll have to look at it next time I am in. I guess it was sent to me with one of my orders way back when.
Sorry, but I didn't care for them back in the day. To me it was like buying instant obsolescence.
I have a 1965 price catalog from the Gimbels Department Store coin counter. It's more interesting than an old population report.
PhillyJoe, I believe you are right about receiving a pop report from PCGS when you had a coin certified. I also distinctly remember getting a report in about 1990 when I had a 1795 Flowing hair dollar slabbed, and it’s put away somewhere!
They could reprint them and offer for sale at something like $100 or $150 each. Maybe it will help offset future grading cost increases.
Heck, I'm certain PCGS has copies of all of these and it might be good PR for them to simply upload pdf files for specific issues and allow folks to have them for free or as a perk of joining for submissions. It should cost very little in terms of coding and/or FTE hours.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I'll bet a lot more the old ones will soon pop up on eBay. I personally view them as clutter destined for the recycle bin.
It would be good for most but the ones who already paid up for these would certainly not be as thrilled.
Not an item I would be interested in.... However, I can certainly understand why slab collectors would find it a good resource. Cheers, RickO
I only had one old report. I threw it out several years ago.
There was an ANACS pop report on ebay a few days ago that the seller sent me an offer on and I countered, which was soundly rejected. The seller had an unrealistic price on it IMHO, but based on this quien sabe.
Philippians 4:4-7
I have all of the relevant pop reports and have access to Holder Analytics which gives you all the relevant rarity information, especially with things like how many first generation rattlers are no longer in their original rattler holders, or how many still are verified. Reach out for all Vintage Holder related questions, I will be happy to help where I can. The real treasure is beyond the pop reports.
Real American Treasure
cbtazman@realamericantreasure.com
Could the Newman Portal publish these? PCGS might not let them, I suppose because of copyright, but it would certainly disseminate the information ( which seems consistent with the Portal’s numismatic mission).
"Look up, old boy, and see what you get." -William Bonney.
Ok thanks.
How many Morgan 1889-S’s are left in Rattlers 65 or higher?
Hi Johnny,
I am now contractually bond from just giving out that information freely - and I do know the answer. We will be rolling out a preview introduction on Holder Analytics in the second edition of the Real American Treasure book. Incidentally the first edition has part of the answer to the 89-S in MS65. I will check what I can and cannot do and get back to you.
Thanks again
Christopher
Real American Treasure
cbtazman@realamericantreasure.com
Yes thanks
Your article led me to my own search and I also secured one. I’m interested in whatever you can share.
While I mostly agree, your comment reminds me of another forum member on the precious metals forum.
He might say:
"One man's clutter is another man's gutter".
Closed tonight at $410. Huh…
Dave
I happen to have an original NGC dealer submission looseleaf binder from 1988-1990 era. It is being included in a new exhibit at the FUN show in January 2024 in which Mark Salzberg plans to display the ORIGINAL prototype NGC slab. A black NGC slab will be included in the exhibit as well.,
Really cool stuff.
How about old annual Teletrade prices realized from 1991-92?
I hope I still have a couple of the older PCGS pop reports. We moved last year and I had to toss a lot of stuff.
Will have to check my storage unit.