PCGS product ideas - would you pay for these?

Blade

Folks,
I've thought of these ideas and thought I would conduct my own market research. I have 2 product ideas for PCGS.

1. Guaranteed airtight slab. This would be a very high-end slab, perhaps slightly larger than the current. It would be hermetically sealed and use a gasket like a diving watch and sonic sealing outside. An inert gas would be pumped inside the slab so the coin is no longer exposed to air. Before the slab leaves PCGS, they perform a water test to verify the airtight seal. PCGS would call you first with the grade. You could then decide if you wanted to go with the airtight slab or regular.

Think about all of those $5,000+ coins or those with big markups for toning.

2. Airtight sealable boxes. For long term storage, offer a 20 coin PCGS/NGC universal box that is airtight. This is easy. I think about the design for those holders you take to the beach. All it takes is a rubber gasket and a snap lock that pulls the case tight against the gasket. You wouldn't have to worry about air exposure for long term storage.

What would you pay for either of these offerings to protect your investment from the elements?

Blade

TTT - Am I really the only one that thinks this is a good idea?

Whitewashqtr

Dont apply for a patent anytime soon!!

Blade

Patent? Heck, I don't even know how to do this technologically, but I'm sure someone could figure it out. Can't be much tougher than sonic sealing.

TheNumish

The problem with the first idea is that PCGS would be admitting their holder isn't as airtight as it could be and that it can be improved upon. I don't think the lawyers would like that.

The second idea is great. I would buy airtight boxes for long term storage.

robertpr

Blade-

PCGS has offered Legacy slabs before, which were higher end slabs which costed slightly more. They were larger than the normal slabs. They no longer offer them because they weren't a very big hit. I predict the same would happen for your "premium" slab, AT or not. NGC has airtight slabs, but do you think it's really drawing more business their way, especially since they STILL don't offer a guarantee on copper? (Which I think is especially odd, them being the Numismatic GUARANTY Corporation)

Intercept makes primo storage boxes for slabs already, and besides the slabbing services don't make money on storage boxes.

DHeath

Hey, I'd even use seal-a-meal vacuum system if I thought the bags were safe!

Bikingnut

I like the air tight box idea, but I'll pass on the air tight holders.

nwcs

I think the box is very workable. But I think PCGS could, and maybe should, offer intercept holder versions as a premium.

Trime

Blade,
I have always wondered why PCGS or NGC in there market share wars have not offered an airtight holder. Makes huge sense for premium coins. I for one worry most about improper storage conditions for my collection. May not please the rapid turnover guys and crackout specialists . There may also be liability issues that worry the slab cos.

python1

PCGS, has already said that thier slabs are not watertight. All of the board members on here, that have talked about this for years now, have actually tested this.

coinguy1

Tom,

Let me begin by stating I am not a chemist or a scientist (icon, aside) or anything remotely close to either of those!
But, I think I remember having heard from people who would/should know, that even if the holders were air tight, it would not necessarily solve the problem. I believe that perhaps, once the oxidation process begins (before the coin is holdered), it can continue on its own, in the holder. I very well might be mistaken about this and welcome comments from those who know exactly how the process evolves.

Conder101

Also, since plastics are naturally permiable, even if the seal is "airtight" over time gases that can cause toning can eventually pass right through the plastic.

And Blade a water test will not indicate an airtight seal. Gases can pass through openings that will not allow water to pass because of surface tension.

Keyrock

You would need to slab the coins using instrument grade gas like Argon (99.99% pure) with no humidity. Then you would need to place the slab in a vacuum chamber and look at any decay in the vacuum pressure over time as an indication of slab integrity. (This is how pharmaceuticals are done).

So, you need a inert environment and I wouldn't want my coins soaking in a water bath, trace amount of water would kill my copper.

Big dollars would be paid. Your better off with silica gel and tupperware IMHO.

Rich

Edited for typos

RLinn

Tom, despite the fact that many have sort of shunned your ideas, I like the fact that you are willing to put them out there for comment. The variety of views expressed gives all of us a broader perspective on diversity of thought and desires that make coin collecting enjoyable. Thanks for thinking.