DHall's questions to us
EVillageProwler
Posts: 5,856 ✭✭✭✭✭
I'd like to know...
What can we do to make it easier for you to get your coins graded?
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
And anything else you think we can do to improve PCGS.
Thanks for asking.
Please post your responses here...
EVP
What can we do to make it easier for you to get your coins graded?
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
And anything else you think we can do to improve PCGS.
Thanks for asking.
Please post your responses here...
EVP
How does one get a hater to stop hating?
I can be reached at evillageprowler@gmail.com
0
Comments
My biggest problem is not being able to consistently predict a grade on some coins. I can compare a coin that I think is a certain grade to a coin of that type and grade in a holder and believe that they compare favorably, and then have the coin come back a lower grade. Is this because the higher grade coin was resubmitted until the grade crept up and is not actually a solid example of the higher grade? Sometimes...but not usually.
That seeming "inconsistency" is more than in the eye of the beholder and is cause for quite a bit of consternation!
I can think of a couple of things off the top of my head...
1. Fix the ``chat'' feature of you web site. It's really not good. The best way to see what's wrong is to get someone to try it out with us one night...
2. Be more variety-friendly. Do variety attributions, like Browning #'s to Bust Quarters. Recognize the T1 and T2 obv and rev types of Trade Dollars.
3. Start an authentication and encapsulation service (no grading). Some of us simply enjoy the physical protection and aesthetic appeal of your holder. Obviously, you'd have to modify your warranty to account for the new service.
Thanks,
EVP
How does one get a hater to stop hating?
I can be reached at evillageprowler@gmail.com
I also think a new book that goes more into detail about MS - PF grades would be helpful, especially how a coin is graded as a CAM/DCAM.
It's a bit slow (especially the registry pages), and KILL ALL OF THE POP-UP ADS!!! YES, I ALREADY KNOW WHETHER OR NOT MY SET HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO COMPETE IN THE REGISTRY!!!
<< What's the stupidest things you think we do? >>
Not allowing ordinary schmucks like me submit. I'd like to have submissions open to the public, instead of select dealer's and Collector Club members.
<< <i><< What's the stupidest things you think we do? >> >>
<< <i>Not allowing ordinary schmucks like me submit. I'd like to have submissions open to the public, instead of select dealer's and Collector Club members. >>
I agree that is another thing that would make submission #'s go up.
Putting fingerprints on coins, having carpet fibers [or cheese] in slabs, badly rotated coins, etc. All of these have been documented in major auctions in the last 9 months.
I started buying NGC slabs in the last few months as a form of protest and to make certain you guys clean up your act. You DO have competition and they may starting eating your dinner shortly, they are half way through your lunch!
Oh, almost forgot, do NOT loosen your grading standards. That's when I sell all my PCGS slabs.
<< <i>Not allowing ordinary schmucks like me submit. I'd like to have submissions open to the public, instead of select dealer's and Collector Club members. >>
I also agree. From time to time too, people around here say that they would like a little more detail explanation concerning why they got a certain grade or non-grade.
Insure the coins through collectors universe coming and going. I will pay an extra buck for the insurance rider..
Thanks
Mark
If there's an issue with a grade I want to be able to state my case BEFORE it leaves your shop instead of sending it back again.
And most of all I would like you to to adopt this as your PCGS "Mission Statement"....
"Our mission is to enhance our customers experience by providing the most competitive and qualified coin grading possible.
Our customer support strategy is based upon total, no-compromise customer satisfaction and we continually will strive to offer a complete package of up-to-date value, grading and solutions.
We value above all our long term customer relations. "
David - re web site improvements - I like the feature that NGC has on their site where you can see how many hits a thread gets. I then compare it to the number of responses (which you already have). This helps me gauge the relevance of a thread.
Thanks for asking!
A simple way to address many of these issues would be to include a brief description of the coin graded and the reason it received (or didn't receive) a certain grade. In other words...let the grader say in his/her own words why a coin got a grade or didn't get a grade. It may not be practical since I know you only have a short time to grade many coins, but it would help.
Stupidest things: a) everything to do with PR70DCAMs and the way the standards have changed over the years.
b) fingerprints on coins...boy those really stink!
One of my more favorite features of PCGS and it's website is the ability to check the status of my submissions online as well as the form emails sent pertaining to the grading process. I also think the forums are by far the best and most informative on the Net. More info on the free quarterly submission.
Most confusing - grading, but I can't complain about the grades I have received, all seem appropriate and fair.
Overall, I have been quite pleased with PCGS, but I will continue to submitt to ANACS and NGC. ANACS for the costs and the specials they run. Some coins just are not worthy of a $15 fee and NGC because I think their holder is better suited for toned coins. The white brings out the color better.
I've never had a BB from PCGS, but I would imagine that a description of the reasons why should be included, or in the alternative a numeric system with the reasons deliniated on the PCGS website.
One last thing, offer grading specials once in awhile. Maybe even free grading for trivia contest winners.
Michael
1) Open up your grading submissions to the public. Local dealers will not submit coins unless a certain number of them needing submissions is reached. Their excuse. "I don't want to waste my time with just a few coins."
2) Along with your current submission form, save some trees and have an alternative grading form available online so a person can easily fill it out. Have PCGS numbers available online for easy lookup. Once the form is correctly filled out, generate an individual form number along with the total amount due and email that to the submitter. Have the capability of paying via credit card as soon as form is filled out or at anytime thereafter.
When the coins with the online form number are submitted along with a money order or check, the form number is matched up with the online form. Generate an email requiring payment and directing the submitter to an online credit card payment system if no check or money order arrived with form number and coins.
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
The fact that you are available and willing to step up to the plate and answer tough questions honestly and without fluff. Also, the registry set, even though I don't participate. It brings a neat competitive angle to the coin collecting public.
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
I like it as is, although I do not use the chat feature. All in all, it is an easy Web site to navigate imo.
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
The AU58 grade.
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
1) Continuing to allow the the appearance of "conflicts of interest" as described in earlier threads.
2) Fingerprints on coins. You really need to have your graders use gloves. I find the notion of PCGS graders handling potential 5 or 6 figure coins without the simple protection of gloves amazingly stupid.
And anything else you think we can do to improve PCGS.
Provide a more detailed explaination of why a coin is bodybagged. I wouldn't mind paying a little extra for this feature if an option were available. I may think of more but it is late night in my area so I will leave it at that.
<< <i>What's the stupidest things you think we do? >>
Bodybagging a coin without an explaination. Money was paid to have the coin graded, and if it won't receive a grade, then an explaination on why it won't receive a grade is owed. Wouldn't you expect the same on coins you submit? After all, the grading fee is collected either way.
09/07/2006
"The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD GOD Almighty."
What can we do to make it easier for you to get your coins graded?
I think the forms need a complete overhaul. They're not arranged very well and can be confusing. Also, I would recommend allowing different service levels to be on the same invoice. Turnaround time is always a key thing. I think if the prices were lowered a bit and then a new super-saver service level added (45 days at $5/coin) would promote people like myself from spending $15/coin for economy to maybe the $20/coin for regular service.
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
This forum, is certainly up there. The registry is nice as a service.
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
The forum, of course. I think the site needs an overhaul, though. The registry is nice, but the user interface for it can be confusing. And there is content available on the site but not very accessible. Also, having the invoice checker is good but can be improved if it was more like UPS's tracker. For example, here could be the report from the checker:
12/2/2002 10:08 AM: Invoice 123 received
12/2/2002 11:52 AM: Invoice 123 readied for grading
12/3/2002 8:56 AM: Invoice 123 examined/counted/secured
12/10/2002 3:56 PM: Invoice 123 Coin 1 graded by Grader 1
12/10/2002 3:56 PM: Invoice 123 Coin 2 graded by Grader 1
12/10/2002 4:00 PM: Invoice 123 Coin 1 graded by Grader 2
12/10/2002 4:00 PM: Invoice 123 Coin 2 graded by Grader 2
12/11/2002 8:00 AM: Invoice 123 finalized/verified
12/11/2002 9:00 AM: Invoice 123 Grades posted on website
12/12/2002 9:00 AM: Invoice 123 slabbed
12/12/2002 12:00 PM: Invoice 123 shipped to customer
All of these things could easily be done with barcodes on the bins you use to store the coins and by the computer program you use to process coin grades. And it provides a nice history that people can use to see what is happening to their coins.
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
Mostly what are the grounds for most AU-58 grades
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
The fingerprinting issue is a troubling issue. And, whether it is fair or not, the perceived inconsistency in grading certain issues.
And anything else you think we can do to improve PCGS.
I think that PCGS would do well to rise up from its laurels and aggressively pursue the marketplace as if PCGS is #2 in the market and not number 1. To find those services and opportunities to enhance the brand. We've already thought of some things: the explanation of no grades, a conservation service like NCS, more access to the public to submit coins. But there could be more: bigger web site with more information, maybe even put parts of the grading book (including pics) on the site. Draw people in.
Neil
In God We Trust.... all others pay in Gold and Silver!
I like show services the most because I get the results within a few hours
I also like review services because many times a coin will upgrade on review.Graders are human and many times they will be too hard as well as too lenient on grading.
What is the most confusing thing about PCGS grading that I have trouble understanding?
The grading inconsistencies and there are many.
How can only one indian grade ms 67 red in the past two years?The ms 67 grade has vanished.The ms 68 grade is history?
How come there are many instances where a coin goes from AU 58 to ms 63 or ms to AU?
How come strrike lowers a grade on a large cent or 19th century silver coin when stars are not fully struck ?We all know stars on some coins are NEVER fully struck
The most confusing thing about PCGS grading is why PCGS will not state at what grade a coin will cross or the reason why a coin will not cross
The thing to most improve the pcgs set registry website should be to offer digital photography services
Stewart
1. Trust is a serious issue in this business, and I don't trust you. From the fingerprints (which I have dealt with personally), to grading inconsistency to the mystery body bag, you have completely lost my trust. As it is, I will not submit any coin to you from my personal collection worth more than $20, because I am not willing to take that risk. Any coin of any value I have goes to NGC, ANACS or ICG for grading, because at least I know with them my coins will not come back worse than they started.
2. Respect is a serious issue, and from my own experience, you show little or no respect for your collector customers. When encountering the fingerprint issue personally, your basic response was, "no we couldn't possible have done that, it must have been you, the idiot collector munching pringles and watching Jerry Springer that must have put your greasy fingerprints on that 2-day-old proof coin." I don't care who you are or what business it is, if you don't respect me as a customer, I will no longer be your customer.
3. Information is important to us and valuable, but some information like the pop reports may be more valuable if make available to all. A lot of us buy PCGS slabs on the secondary market, and it would be nice to be able to view these without jumping through all the hoops of Gold or PLatinum membership etc. NGC already does this, and that's another reason why I prefer them. This is similar to the let all the common folk be able to submit idea.
Over the last two years, you have done a lot to convince me not to do business with you. Granted, I still buy PCGS graded coins, but I look at them no differently that the other major services. Once you drive away a customer like me, it takes an order of magnitude more effort to bring me back. Best of luck in that regard.
<< <i>And anything else you think we can do to improve PCGS. >>
Overall, I think PCGS is doing a great job with grading and customer service response times. Each time I submit the time frame to getting them back shrinks. The coins have always been acurately graded and I have not had one problem. Being available at shows with enough reps there to take submissions would be one area for improvement. It is hard to stand there in line while the guy in front of you has 1,000 baseball cards he wants the guy to look at before submitting 10 of them.
The registry has really improved over the last year and we went from a 3 day wait for verification to instant verification. BJ and your staff have been very helpful when questions come up.
I wouldn't make any major changes from the way I see it.
Cameron Kiefer
- No complaints on this one.
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
- I would love to see one more service added (with a fee of course). The service would be the following, for crossovers, if the coins do not cross, then the submitter is provided the grade that PCGS sees the coin at and given a choice as to whether or not to cross. Example: I send a coin to PCGS in a Type XXX holder with a grade of AU58. PCGS communicates with me that the coin will not cross at a 58 but would cross at a 55. I say yes and the coin is crossed. This would serve mutiple purposes:1) It tells the submitter what the grade PCGS sees the coin at, 2) It saves on shipping costs, 3) It gets more coins into PCGS holders, etc.
- I would like to see varieties added to coins. This seems very inconsistent. An example of this is eraly dollars, some have them, others do not. Use Cherrypickers, BB, Overton etc. as the recognized source.
- I would like to set net grades on coins. I recognize that this might be an issue for some people.
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
- If a coin has a PCGS variety attributed on the coin, then somewhere it should be recognized in the associated registry. Example, 76-CC DDR Trade dollars are recognized and attributed on the holder, yet there is no registry that accepts them either as the generic date/mm or as an optional coin. This is not consistent amongst series. Lincoln sets have a varieties series available.
- I would like to see all estimated historical sets eliminated from the Registry. Its not relevant unless all coins were graded by PCGS.
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
- I have problems with coins that are toned (I mean original) sometime getting reduced in grade even though flash coins (dipped coins) seem to get an advantage.
- I have seen upwards of 4 grade variations on coins submitted to PCGS multiple times.
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
- No comments here of substance.
Hope this helps.
keoj
1) Eliminate the silver/gold/platinum memberships along with the different rates/services.
2) Eliminate the pre-65/post-65 distinction; it seems arbitrary.
3) Allow multiple submission types on one form.
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
1) The ability to submit coins directly to you.
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
1) It's easy to navigate.
2) It can be improved by removing the pop-up ads (most are so stupid they're funny).
3) Change the links into the Registry; why do you have to hit "register my set" in order to get to the
"edit" link (this doesn't make any sense).
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
1) Why heavily toned coins are graded so high (i.e. toning hides flaws).
2) Why coins are body-bagged rather than net graded.
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
1) You misidentify coins (I have less than 50 PCGS slabs and two are misidentified).
2) You do not actively pursue the return of problem coins in PCGS slabs (e.g. coins with fingerprints,
misidentified coins, and over-graded coins).
3) Allow your representatives at shows to treat coins like rocks (if you gave them hammers I'm sure they
could squeeze more coins into the boxes for shipping back to your offices).
And anything else you think we can do to improve PCGS.
1) Improve customer service.
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
Install a UNIX server and use IRC for chat. The FUSE chat software is so clunky and limiting that it's not fun to use. I can manage without everyone's identifier matching in both environments.
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
1) 1960's and early 1970's proof designations. There are books about earlier years and later years are pretty consistent. The two issues that changed design are the real difficult ones, Kennedy 50c and Lincoln 1c.
2) Eye appeal vs full strike in MS grades not matching PCGS grading guide. Eye appeal appears to score as much as +2 MS final grade points over strike grade, but a full struck coin with no marks sometimes doesn't get the PCGS documented minimum grade of MS67.
perfectstrike
<< <i>Submissions are open to the public.................. get a Collector Club membership. >>
I don't want to pay $100 for it... I don't even have 4 coins to need the $30 submission... let me submit, don't give me anything for free, and don't make my pay for the right.
Jeremy
What can we do to make it easier for you to get your coins graded?
no comment here.
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
i like: authentication, grading opinion, protection of coin from environment, which i think is excellent. dislike: very poor attribution, failure to allow net-grading
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
no comment - don't use the website much. however, the forum is exceptionally good, you deserve the great compliments on it's functionality, impartiality, etc. pcgs would do well to utilize the forum for their own beneift - ie. suggestions, comments, etc.
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
#1 net-grading. terribly inconsistent, no indiciation on slab as to why something is net-graded
#2 "questionable toning",which everyone seems to equate to "artificial toning", seems to me it should actually be called "disliked toning", or "unmarketable toning". regardless, again, terribly inconsistent.
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
#1 grade colonials w/ impossibly accurate resolution like "vf-25", "au-53". it is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE to grade a bar-copper or a mass 3p to that degree of accuracy. ie, please describe the difference between a bar-copper graded VG-10 & one graded F-12. can't be done! revert to simple grades like "vf", "au", etc. these types of ludicrous grades are the on-going butt of many jokes in collector circles
#2 failure to indicate why a coin was net-graded. in fact, failure to net-grade period is maybe the single most stupid oversight on pcgs part. why would you not net-grade a 1797 half-dollar that has been lightly cleaned? yet i have seen bust dollars w/ graffiti graded in your slabs. once again, very inconsistent, & w/ no explanation as to why! suggest pcgs faces facts, that gee, some coins are just not available w/out problems, so you ought not short the collectors by implying that problem coins are not collectable.
#3 most stupid of all are the signature-series, death-coins, etc. PLEASE STOP. the coin marketplace IS NOT a better place for this kind of crap. ie. if all slabed bust dollars suddenly got sucked up into a black hole, numismatics would definitely suffer. if all signature coins suddenly got sucked up into a black hole, nobody would care. STICK TO GRADING COINS.
#4 finally, from a numismatic standpoint, i despise the registry. but i realize it may be the smartest commercial tool pcgs has ever dreamed up - probably smarter than slabbing itself. as for me, i think it's stupid.
And anything else you think we can do to improve PCGS.
far and away for me, extend your guarantee to protect against undergraded coins, as well as overgraded coins. as i've shown before, getting a coin undergraded by pcgs is just as costly to the collector as getting one that is overgraded. so why offer only a 50% guarantee? this lack of what i perceive as a useful guarantee is the single biggest reason i do not use pcgs, or any other slabbing co. for that matter, other than ANACS , which i use for attribution & authentication.
K S
From my perspective:
"What's the stupidest things you think we do?"
The price guide is fantasy. Surely in this electronic age, you could publish realistic prices.
Gathering the data would not be rocket-science.
Thank you for taking the time to be concerned! It is appreciated.
Sleep well tonight for the 82nd Airborne Division is on point for the nation.
AIRBORNE!
I really think that providing a quality scan of coins that have been graded would be a revenue generator (charge $1 per coin) and many of us would gladly pay the fee. Just make sure you have a good set up. It really should be an assembly line kind of thing.
Instead of body bagging coins, just net grade them. This is particularly true for older coins. Cleaned coins while having lost value are nevertheless someone's coin and they may only be able to afford that level of coin. Let's not keep out coins because the are "not good enough".
Bring some reality to the Pricing Guide. The numbers there are just fantasy and cannot be relied upon without appling some factor to reduce the price to the proper level.
And most of all, thanks for listening. I am a PCGS supporter and believe you are on the right path now.
In God We Trust.... all others pay in Gold and Silver!
My number one suggestion would be to allow multiple invoices to be return shipped to the submittor together. Even if that delays some of the coins. Just put a check box on the form and a space to write in the other invoice numbers to return ship. It would be reasonable to require that all of the invoices the submittor requests to be shipped back together be sent to PCGS in one box. This would allow someone to ship say, a handful of moderns, some classics, and a gold coin or two, all on seperate invoices, and not take it in the shorts for the return shipments.
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
The cheap ones! I'm not in a hurry. I wish you'd offer some sort of conservation though.
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
Allow people to request additional invoices to be mailed by filling out a form on the website. Offer supplies for grading (i.e. flips) directly on the website instead of making people call the 800 number.
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
I still have NO IDEA how you guys determine Full Steps...I have several that SHOULD have made the cut, even under 30x magnification, yet...
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
Your inconsistancy with the cameo designation is staggering. Requiring a seperate invoice for each service type is also a touch retarded.
I also wish you'd stop forming opinions on the originality of toning on a coin's surface. If PCGS were to just ignore this aspect, and give the coin a technical grade without trying to guess whether toning is original or not, the monster toned bubble will bust and it will remove some of the dishonesty in the hobby (i.e. doctors). Of course, this wouldn't work unless ALL the services decided to do this together, otherwise toned coins will go to the other services where they'll be worth more by escaping the bodybagging and therefore be "authentic".
Seems many people want:
-to be able to submit at different service levels on one invoice
-net grading
-removal of collectors club requirements for submitting coins
I also like review services because many times a coin will upgrade on review.Graders are human and many times they will be too hard as well as too lenient on grading.
I didn't even know there was a review service! Do you have to go to a show?
The only thing I consistently use on the CU Website is this forum, and I think it's great.
I'm not a computer person, so if you could use a different mix of hardware and software,
so be it; I wouldn't have a clue.
As I very rarely submit, I can't comment re customer service, but as a CPA, in the interest
of efficiency, it makes sense to use one invoice & check a different number of boxes as
applicable. Receiving can color code each coin so it gets charged the appropriate fee.
With all coins from a particular submitter going in on one invoice, they could also go back to
him or her in one shipment.
I have not submitted a coin in a year and a half. My pet peeve is inconsistent grading.
I believe Stewart said it best; graders seem to be giving far more attention to eye appeal
and less to strike and contact marks.
I saw a beautiful Seated Quarter with Motto in Bowers current auction. It's in a 7 holder
and definitely has "the look." But the description admitted that the coin had contact
marks. Sorry, if it has contact marks, it shouldn't be in a 7 holder. a 19th Century type
coin in 7 IMO is a perfect coin. If has contact marks, therefore it is OVERGRADED.
I've also seen MS 65 Large Cents in RB holders where there is actually no RD at all; just
lots of attractive glistening luster on a BN coin. I've also seen MS 65 Large Cents with
20% of original RD in BN holders, and MS 65 Large Cents with 10% of original RD in RB
holders. I am not talking about only one or two instances, either.
Grading coins in the manner discussed above makes it increasingly frustrating to find
nice material for the grade, and encourages people to buy expensive pieces of plastic
rather than buy coins.
Your grading standards book details what to expect in grades from MS 58 through MS 70.
I believe that you are obligated to abide by these standards, or else issue an updated
book where you spell out the new standards.
Unless this inconsistency is either corrected, I am about to sell a coin, or a dealer I trust
tells me I have a lock on an upgrade which to me translates to significant dollars, I will
not be submitting anything for the forseeable future.
"Seu cabra da peste,
"Sou Mangueira......."
1) Do not under any circumstances change your grading standards. There seems to be a perception right not that 70s are getting easier. I hope they are not!
2) Do continue the customer service! I have had a few encounters with PCGS customer service, and I was treated fairly and with a quick responce-THANKS!
3) Come up with some better solution for BB Coins.
4) Break off the dates for Lincolns at 1958, break off the date for halves at 1963 (call 1959 to 1964 cents modern, and 1964 halves modern). With today's computers this should be done easily. (And could there be a better date to break off the Jeffersons?) The dimes and quarters are perfectly logical at the removal of silver.
5) Continue to keep an open business mind. We really appreciate the fact that you are on the boards on Tuesdays!
6) I'm not sure how it works, but make sure there is enough time for a person to dispute a body bagged coin before it is shipped back to the owner.
7) On old broken "Rattler" holders allow people to send the in for new holders at about a buck. $5 seems high to replace a holder that is of inferior quality. No discount for regrades--only broken reholder jobs.
I'm sure there is much more, but your open mind is really refreshing. I think it is a good business model, after all without customers where would PCGS be?
Tony
President, Racine Numismatic Society 2013-2014; Variety Resource Dimes; See 6/8/12 CDN for my article on Winged Liberty Dimes; Ebay
This is so synergistic, and ought to be implemented soon. More people would visit (and USE) the registry, there wouldbe increased revenue from the service (although I would make it free when pedigreeing a top five set), and more coins would be submitted to PCGS, as opposed to Brand X.
Thanks!
William S. Burroughs, Cities of the Red Night
<< <i>Wow alot of pro "net grading" posts. I am surpised. I wouldn't want PCGS to grade "problem" coins. We need a poll. >>
THEY ALREADY DO. at least 80% of bust dollars i see in pcgs plastic have been cleaned. it is a fact of life in numismatics! so why not just admit it up front w/ a "net grade" indicator on the slab? & the reason for the net grade? ANACS is light-years ahead of pcgs on this issue. sure, ther's no need to slab a cleaned roosevelt dime, but c'mon folks! gee, 200 year old coins might have gotten cleaned at some point! or scratched! or dinged! or (oh my god!) holed & plugged! & gee, some mass silver is bent! & by golly, there are some early quarters & dimes with rims filed (in 1810).
incredibly stupid, just incredibly short-sighted not to allow encapsulatoin of "problem" coins. i mean really, is a 1797 half (w/ a surviving population of what, a couple hundred?) really a problem coin? or is the "problem" really those too close-minded to think different?
sorry, but it's my single biggest beef w/ plastic.
K S
Last month, I submitted three invoices (with three different types of service) at the same time. My return postage on the three was $45. It would be nice to have multiple invoices combined in the return shipping.
What are the types of PCGS services you like the most?
Economy service.
What do you like about the PCGS website...and how can we improve it?
I enjoy the message boards and registry. I REALLY like the ability of being able to check my invoice status online. One place I do see room for improvement is on the price guide. Perhaps a method could be developed where a member could request a reevaluation of specific coin values as related in the price guide. I would think it would be reasonable for a member requesting this to have to provide verifiable examples of prices realized.
What's the most confusing thing about PCGS grading...what do you have the most trouble understanding?
At least in Lincoln Cents, I’m having some real difficulty seeing constancy in the grading.
What's the stupidest things you think we do?
Wow. Nice loaded question. I don’t think there’s anything that you do that overtly “stupid.”
And anything else you think we can do to improve PCGS.
There are many collectors here that specialize in specific denominations or series. I’ll use myself as an example. I collect mainly MS Lincoln Cents. Without going into particulars or personal prejudices on specific coins, I feel I have many coins in higher grades that are not as nice as coins in lower grades. Obviously, the inverse is also true. I’m not trying to insult your graders. They have far more breath of knowledge in numismatics than I have. But when it comes to consistency in their grading of MS Lincoln cents, I feel they have not been up to par.
I think, in the interest of constancy, it would be good for PCGS have a grading set of coins for all the commonly submitted coins, at least through MS67. I don’t think it would be reasonable (or even practical) to have graders compare every submitted coin to that grading set to see where the coin should be graded. I do, however, think it would be reasonable for every coin submitted for re-evaluation to be compared with the grading set.
1 . I like the idea of a single invoice for my submissions.
2. I would love to see an entirely electronic submission form.
3. After the initial $100 membership fee, I would prefer PCGS renew my membership free each year I submit over say 10 coins, and forgo the 4 free gradings with renewal.
4. Certification and encapsulation with no grade as an option
5. Brief explaination of bodybags
As an aside, most of my other requests have been addressed in great fashion, the Q & A, the SMS registry set, the email grading notification, etc. Thanks for the audience.
and it sets us apart from practitioners and consultants. Gregor
There are just too many coins that have been dipped, cleaned or by some dealers' standards, enhanced IN THE HOPE OF OBTAINING A HIGHER GRADE FROM THE GRADING SERVICES to the point where there is a problem. This process has not been discouraged by the grading services and too many original coins have been completely stripped of their originality but have still been graded by ALL OF THE GRADING SERVICES. I believe that several collectors would rather own a nice original EF-45 1889-cc Morgan Dollar than an AU 50 (or higher) that has been dipped or enhanced. Even a better example to illustrate my point would be Seated Dollars...Out of all the Seated dollars graded by PCGS, NGC and ANACs that grade VF25 to AU58, how many are truly original uncleaned coins? Any guesses? Original Seated Dollars are very difficult to collect because there are not as many around as people think. What about early gold? I won't even go there... The grading services are offering their opinion as to whether or not the coin is authentic as well as assigning a grade with respect to the overall condition of a coin. That opinion should extend to whether the surfaces of the the coin are original. O/S designations would add significant value (not to mention trust and credibility) to the coin hobby from just about every possible perspective. What are we waiting for?
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The Ludlow Brilliant Collection (1938-64)