Why doesn't PCGS...

agfox

List die attribution like ANACS and NGC? Specifically for Morgans. Is there a reason for this or are they just lazy?

nwcs

They do for some varieites, but largely their position is that they will not unless there is a demand for it. It would increase cost, too, as attibution can take time and people don't always attribute correctly on the invoice.

coinkat

There are certain VAMs that PCGS really should take a greater interest in, however, they seem to be content with labelling certain varieties as "strong" and "weak". This just does not work for me...

Keyrock

I asked David Hall this question on the Q&A board for Large coppers regarding the Newcomb number and in a nut shell "it's too involved". I guess it is too speacialized for them to tackle, however, if ANACS and NGC can do it, why not PCGS.


Probably in 4 years when the registries are stagnant they will "expand" each series by offering the designations for an additional fee, which will in turn drive submissions....

Rich

coinkat

Keyrock:

Excellent question to Mr. Hall. And he's right it is involved. But grading is involved and collecting in general is involved. Thats part of the challenge and fun. ANACs and NGC have made the decision to assist those collectors that believe certain VAMs (Morgans) and Newcomb numbered Large Cents are worth collecting. Will the PCGS Registry sets for Morgans ever include the significant VAMs? Maybe I should withdraw the question...

gmarguli

I asked David Hall this question on the Q&A board for Large coppers regarding the Newcomb number and in a nut shell "it's too involved". I guess it is too speacialized for them to tackle, however, if ANACS and NGC can do it, why not PCGS.

If the PCGS staff isn't competent enough to do it, then they should outsource it like they do for mint errors. From what I have seen/heard, you can request many varieties thru the Mint Error service.

They could easily start a new grading tier for varieties.

Gilbert

I too would like it if PCGS attributed all Morgan dollars by VAM number; heck, currently I would be delighted if they would include the Hot50 in addition to the Top100, which they will attribute. I think I know why they won't commit though -- there are a few years of issue where even the "experts" don't seem to want to definitive declare a particular coin as a specific VAM number to the exclusion of all others. With some years the possibilites exceed 100 VAM choices, and I guess the chance of error is more than they are willing to bear. Besides, some of the generic dates have so many choices, it IS time consuming. Admittedly, I'm no expert, but I love doing Morgan dollar variety attribution and sometimes, they are just to close to call. I've even seen Mike Fey (Co-author of the VAM Keys) describe coins as "looks like VAM _ _". If even he won't commit, I kinda' understand PCGSs reluctance.

ksteelheader

This is merely the Law of supply and demand. If enough people would demand it, they would supply it!

Cam40

This VAM recognition deal is sorta akin to rocket science.Clear cut answers are sometimes quite ellusive.
I bet this area has caused more hair-pulling and stranded eye balls than anything for Morgan and Peace dollar collectors.
Man.What a can o` worms.

matteproof

Coin attribution on slab labels should NOT be limited to only those coins that have a "supply side" to it. In fact, one could argue that the EXACT opposite should be the case.

PCGS is a prestigious and prolific grading service that would benefit itself and the numismatic community if they were more aggressive in the area of attribution on their slabs. In so doing, they would be illustrating their strong passion and committment for the historcial wonder of numismatic history.

I'm very impressed that PCGS added the incredible 1888-O "Scarface" Morgan Dollar to their list of attributes. More should be done. For example, I would love to see the addition of the 1858 "OVERDATE" (repunched date) Half Dime as a PCGS slab attribution. It is FAR rarer than the 1858 "inverted date" half dime which PCGS already attributes on their slabs. Again, often the RARER the attribution the MORE worthy it is of being listed on the slab.

matteproof

bigtonydallas

If PCGS started to attribute I would send some of my coins to them. And only if they were resonable about the attribution fee!!!