What is the best way to pick raw proofs for certification? (I'm new to the boards, not collecting)

fcloud

Well, this is my first time on the message boards, and I am asking for your help in figuring out the best way to choose three State Quarters to send in for "free certification" in which I have earned by completing my set to 90%.

I have about 20 silver state sets in which I want to open only one set to send in three coins for certification. For obvious reasons I would like to get the highest grades possible. Any thing I should know?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Tony

CarlWohlforth

I don't know much about finding super grade raw coins. But it does seem to limit things to try to find all three from one set. I mean if the three best coins are all in one set that is fine. I guess you only want to break up one set. Oh, well, I guess I don't have any good advice.

Anyway welcome to the boards!

MadMarty

Out of all the state quarters I have sent in, I have gotten all 69DCAMs and 1 68DCAM. Just look at the coins under magnification. The other thing is to not break open the proof set. (I realize for the state quarters you will have to). I usually send in 5 coins at once, and send the whole proof set to PCGS. With the 2002 silvers out of the 5 proof sets I got in, I kept one, set the other 4 back for replacement. Sent the 1 set for grading and got all PR69DCAMs. I look for spots, haze and discolorazation. Those I don't send in. I have no problem getting the 68s and 69s, but on earlier proof sets (68-71) I do have a problem picking DCAMs, CAMs and regular coins. I think the coin looks cameo but comes back with a PR68 grade.

fcloud

Thanks for the input, I may simply send in a whole set and get the other two done at the same time. I have one set that looks perfect, so I think they should all bring 69dcam. Hopefully I will pick the best!

Thanks again,

Tony

izzy452

Welcome to the boards Tony. Have Fun.

Walt

braddick

I use the "eanie, meanie, mighty, moe" method.

fcloud

I like the "eanie, meanie, mighty, moe" method. Sounds like a WINNER!

Tony

cladking

Welcome aboard. It's just statistically a little more difficult to find sets
with all gems in them. All the modern sets are available with all gems
but some are pretty tough.

fletch2645

Sometimes, it's cheaper to go to the Tulving site and buy them already graded. I found that out this year when the 2002 proof silver eagles came out. You could buy them from Tulving for $12 over the mint purchase price (had to buy 10 though). Somehow it takes all the fun out of it though