PCGS submission question.

ldhair

I noticed they recommend the mylar flips for proofs. Do you still use the polybags? These have always worried me with proofs. A year or so back PCGS told me the bags were safe with proofs. Can't seem to understand the whole deal. I knew there were some problems with the the PVC flips and proofs, but were these in bags as well?

supercoin

PVC flips, particularly the ones that PCGS used to sell, are terrible for proofs, especially copper-nickel proofs.

In my experience, some poly bags also haze proofs, probably due to some impurities during manufacturing as I don't think the poly itself should cause problems.

My best results have been with E&T Kointainer SAFLIP brand mylar flips used alone.

dakra

I have been sending them in the flips, I have heard a few people mention that they place them in the polybags and then the flips.

Expanding on this topic, I have been tossing around sending in Proof Sets, Commemerative and other coins in the US Mint cases. I have an Silver American Eagle that I do not want to take any chances with and will be sending it in it's original case. I thought I read somewhere that there is an additional charge for PCGS to crack these out... is it true?

-David

Russ

This is one of those issues I've been beating my brains out on. I've had a lot of proofs ruined by hazing over while in at PCGS. The only thing I've been able to determine for certain so far is that dipped coins rarely develop problems. Un-dipped are very prone to crapping over while in.

I know the standard flips cause problems. I know the standard flips with poly bags reduce problems, but still happens sometimes. I know the standard flips even with Intercept Shields are prone to slight problems. I know that Saflips with poly bags further reduce problems, but was still happening sometimes.

My last three submissions went in with Saflips only, no bags or shields, based on Supercoin's recommendation. Two of them are back, and the coins developed no hazing or problems at all. They're nice and clean. BUT, both of these were 11 day turnarounds. The real test will be the third submission that is still in and arrived at the same time as these. It's probably going to be three weeks plus.

This has been an extremely frustrating problem as it has cost me a lot of money in fees and ruined coins. I'm hoping that the two I just got back are indicating that it's finally solved, because I've got a pile of nice coins that have been waiting to go in.

Russ, NCNE

ldhair

Thanks to all. That's just the kind of info. I needed.

Russ.
I question for you. Your looking at a 64 proof set and the mylar has turned milky looking. Does it make the cam look better than it really is? I bet you have cut open a few of these.

supercoin

dakra, at one time I believe Rick Montgomery had said capsules were ok, but not whole proof sets. Another dealer I know asked about sending a whole proof set and was explicitly told he could not.

If I were PCGS, I'd be reluctant to crack open proof sets, particularly those of the 70's, as each coin is surrounded tightly by plastic and can be easily damaged when removed.

But some board members have apparently sent whole proof sets and had them accepted. Unfortunately PCGS is not good at communicating submission rules clearly or consistently, so your results may vary!

As far as any extra charge, that's the first I've heard of that.

Russ

ldhair,

First, if the packaging has turned, I'd be concerned about environmental damage to the coins. That said, it would actually reduce the cameo affect when looking through the packaging.

But, one of the things that I've learned the hard way is that a proper angle and lighting when shooting a picture of the set can make the coin look far better then it really is.

Russ, NCNE

ldhair

Good point. Didn't think about the damage part.
Thanks for all the info.

presleyh

i called pcgs last week and inquired about sending in complete sets and they said sure no problem. i sent in a 1987 prestige proog set as sort of a shotgun approach to coin grading. primarily interested in the dollar and half dollar coins. they received them 8-22. so give it a week or so. they will apparently crack them out for free. hope they dont use a steamroller to do it.