Smudge mark left on coin after grading
coinguy96
Posts: 43 ✭✭✭
I've had this happen a few times in the past, but never had clear evidence showing the before and after.
Here's a 1952 Proof Cent I sent in for True Views and grade. The True views clearly show a clean coin with no smudge mark. The coin however, arrived with a big smudge right across Lincolns face. How does this even happen? Typically the smudge marks are around the rim area, which make sense, the grader had their finger roll into the coin when grading it... But in the middle of the coin? I'm confused.
Anyone else deal with this?
Mo.
0
Comments
that needs to be removed asap
I doubt that smudge came from a grader. More likely whoever did the slabbing touched the face of the coin when they pressed the coin into the flexible ring that holds the coin.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Resubmit and get it true viewed.
Not guilty.
Me, either.
“Smudge mark left on coin after grading”
I (Mark) left no smudge on that coin!
Mark Feld* of Heritage Auctions*Unless otherwise noted, my posts here represent my personal opinions.
How did that get past QC (unless thought was it was submitted with the smudge)?
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Wouldn’t they be wearing gloves?
That makes a lot of sense. Probably exactly what happened.
Not good on the smudge mark and the TrueView
I Am seriously having my doubts about imaging my future submittals without having the photographer known as Phil in the imaging room.
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That’s really unfortunate and bothersome.
They need to fix (conserve) that.
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Yikes that is a serious problem. I'm sure PCGS will step up and correct the problem.
Source: https://www.pcgs.com/faq
This would be a coin I would submit under the guarantee service. They will either conserve it (if they can), or compensate you.
I understand why the graders don't wear gloves, but why do the sealers not wear gloves?
I assume a sealer is involved in sealing the coin in the slab, right?
I interpret the wording the same way that you do (i.e., the "sealer" is the person that seals the coin in the slab).
I am GUESSING that the rationale is the same for both parties. They believe that gloves reduce tactile sensitivity, and, consequently, increase the probability of dropping a coin.
I agree with you about contacting PCGS. However, not sure if this would be covered by the 'Guarantee', or the 'Grading T&C'.
Here is the first part of clause #5 in the 'Grading T&C':
"5. Customer must inspect all coins immediately upon receipt and PCGS disclaims any liability for damage or discrepancies or errors, including but not limited to errors in the description of the coin, unless reported to PCGS within five (5) days of Customer’s receipt of the coin(s)."
Source: https://assets.ctfassets.net/fhzewa1dex84/74P1onL08NUUPkSfCRPtne/1fa56e3af98ec0e20597828935875582/usacoin.pdf
Do not, repeat NOT, mean to be pedantic. Just trying to highlight the fact that there MIGHT be a reporting deadline in 'play'. Have no idea if PCGS would actually enforce this deadline, but there is no reason for the OP to risk it.
They should be wearing gloves and they should be working over a padded surface whether they are wearing gloves or not.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
The problem with fingerprints is that they are usually invisible when they are fresh and don't become visible until later after they have had a chance to react with the copper.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
The Grading Suits don't always come with gloves.
Excellent point.
If I understand the OP correctly, he submitted a coin. And:
~ the TV images, presumably pre-encapsulation, are "smudge"-free;
~ but, the encapsulated coin that he received back has a visible "smudge" on it.
I am NOT an expert on fingerprints, so please excuse my 'question/ignorance'. Given the relatively short time frame in this specific instance, are you suggesting that the "smudge" is not simply a fingerprint?
It appears that someone's oily finger swiped across the surface of this coin most likely during the encapsulation of the coin. Call it a smudge or a fingerprint, it's still damage to the coin and its value is greatly diminished.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Sure hope that "smudge" is removable. Awaiting outcome. Good luck
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If Smudge and Mark both didn't do it, why are we calling this a smudge mark? It must have been both of them at once.
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Paging Mr. Mark Smudge, you have a phone call on line 4.