Everyman Mint State Issue
LincolnCentResource
Posts: 4 ✭
Hello, I am posting because I have an issue with the PCGS Everyman Mint State Sets and I have contacted PCGS multiple times in the past six months and they have not responded. My issue is that the sets are described as having a cap of MS64, yet there is a loophole. I spent over 20K assembling a Lincoln Cent Set that has all MS64 coins, yet I am in second place. Despite the set not being a variety set, varieties are given bonuses. You can see here if you compare the top set with my set, which is second.
It is my opinion that a variety coin should not receive a bonus in this type set for the following reasons:
1) The Mint State Everyman Sets are designed so that anyone can participate, not just those who have unlimited resources or ultra-rare coins. The inclusion of rate die varieties makes it impossible for any other individual to tie or beat or a top set. Having an unbeatable set that requires rare varieties is not in the spirit of what I believe the EVERYMAN Mint State sets are supposed to accomplish.
2) The Everyman Mint State Lincoln Set is not a variety set. Having a variety in MS63RB be better than a MS64RD simply because it is a variety also does not, in my opinion, fit the definition of what this set is meant to accomplish.
3) Including this unicorn variety will make future collectors uninterested in pursuing this set. I see no reason that PCGS would want to have the Lincoln Cent Set, which is one of the most commonly collected U.S. coins, be automatically unwinnable from the start. Who would begin a set they know they cannot win or tie? I participated in the Everyman Peace Dollar set and won for several years. The reason I left that set is because of the fact that AU58+ coins were included. When beginning this set, the first thing I made sure of was that MS64+ coins were not included, because I knew that the set would not be something I would enjoy or be able to afford. The beauty of the Everyman Mint State Lincoln Cent Set is that anyone has the ability to build a complete set in MS64 and win or tie for top set. If ultra rare varieties are included, I may as well give up and so will others.
I am simply asking that no bonuses be given to top pop varieties. The finest possible rating should not be 60.040. It should be 64 as advertised.
If the response is that they are very busy at PCGS, my response would be that if they are too busy to fix problems, they should not start new initiatives like the Everyman Mint State Set. If this is something PCGS would like to promote, it should be done fairly and correctly. I have withheld bringing this up in a public forum, but since I have been ignored I have no other option that I know of. I simply think that I should be tied for second place since every one of my coins has met the advertised 64 cap.
Thank you for your time. Any help is appreciated.
Brad
Comments
I agree that they should have 2 sets, 1 regular set and 1 set with varieties
Good luck
Mike
My Indians
Danco Set
I have no issue with the set allowing varieties, however those varieties should not receive a higher score than a non variety coin for each slot. However, the issue you have is not specifically the inclusion of varieties but rather that the set ahead of you (the Weaver set) has one coin that is a top pop for that variety. It is the top pop bonus that puts his set ahead.
I like Mike's idea to have separate sets, one that does allow varieties and one that does not.
My Collection of Old Holders
Never a slave to one plastic brand will I ever be.
After looking at the set I see where Kirk has a few varieties but I am pretty sure they do not give him any extra points unless as coinbuf pointed out, a top pop variety coin may be getting a couple of bonus points?. If thats true then PCGS should correct it. As you can see, I have no intention of trying to be # 1, but I do use the set to post varieties as a challenge to ME. None of my variety coins are giving me any extra points. I would welcome a variety set of some sort, but frankly I do not think it's in PCGS blood to do it. In fact, I have had other recommendations like a Lincoln type set, Matte, Steel, Satin. Brilliant proof, etc. and they shot that down. So in closing if they want to boot the Varieties out - I have no problem leaving but I am pretty sure I am not blocking anyone from motiving up with my listings.
WS
It doesn't seem fair and it also seems like an easy fix.
Or, PCGS simply communicate they are not going to fix this.
peacockcoins
Hey Watersport,
It has been a long time. Glad to see you are still collecting. One of your coins, the 1911-D/D is getting a plus 2 bonus. That coin has a large bonus because it is weighted high and top pop for the grade. Obviously there are hundreds of 1911 D graded MS64 out there. So while that coin is special, it is not in the spirit of the what the set is meant for.
The top pop variety coins earning the plus 2 bonus is the entire problem as I see it. It sounds like we are all in agreement that putting variety coins in the set should be allowed, but having the +2 bonus doesn't make sense since this is not a variety set.
I know you are just using the set to show your coins and not trying to prevent me or anyone else from winning. I just would like to see PCGS fix this issue. I have tried contacting them directly for months.
Brad
I dabble in the Morgan Everyman Mint State set and we don't get points for PL/DMPL/VAM coins. Sounds like an oversight that needs to be fixed.
Brad : Coin has been replaced with a non pop 1 coin (but still a variety). Just because PCGS can't do it timely, does not mean we collectors can't!
WS
Clearly (to me anyway) this was not intended when the MS Everyman concept was introduced, so I would think PCGS would be amenable to fixing this “bug”. Is there currently a registry “czar” like they had in the past (BJ Searls IIRC)?
I receive a response from PCGS but they are not changing it. They may change it in the future. I'm not holding my breath.