Conder101: AGI, discussed earlier

kieferscoins

Hi,

I know we discussed a new company called AGI a few weeks ago when their holder first appeared on ebay. Well, I got mine in the mail, but when I scan it, it is too big to attach here on the forums. Here is another one for sale and there are more appearing on ebay. I think it is a relatively new company or a guy doing his own on ebay. It's the same seller that I got mine from.

Photo

Cameron Kiefer

Conder101

But why would a new start up use a certificate and not a slab, and copy almost exactly a design that was last used almost 16 years ago? Even to the logo? Does it say on the back of yours where the company is from? All of the others similar to this one do.

kieferscoins

Conder101:

It says Sanfrancisco, CA with a zip, but no date/location. The reference to the ANA grading guide ends with the 1981 edition and does not have the newest one listed. The slab is pristine and the plastic brand new. It just gives me the impression of something new. They could have been stored for years. I don't know.



Cameron Kiefer

Conder101

So the back text , other than the company location, is exactly the same as that seen on AGA, ICGS, and IGA. None of them mention the later editions of the ANA grading guide (I think the third edition was the 1987 edition.) I am fairly sure the ICGS and AGA certificate did come out in the 1986-87 era and we know the IGA certificates came out then because they are actually dated to that time. Again I have to wonder why someone would fake an old style certificate? To make it appear that the coins were "fresh" and had been off the market for almost 20 years? What about the vinyl page? Does it show any signs of stiffening, yellowing, PVC breakdown? Any evidence of plasticizer being absorbed by the certificate (especially the label), or the company label? I just can't see it as a new company unless it is a scam by someone who wants people to THINK it's old. i just can't say for sure.

Sumo

Do you agree with the grading? Or do you think you got taken? I couldn't find any info on a AGI in a internet search.

Conder101

Sumo, You won't find much or anything on most of the grading services in internet searches, and to a large extent those of us who are chasing the holders aren't too concerned about the grading of the coins, we are buying the plastic and that is what we are paying the big premium for. Yesterday Cameron and I (and some others) squared off on some sample slabs that had coins in them worth about 25 cents. The final bids were above $40 each. The coin was immaterial.

kieferscoins

<< <i>Again I have to wonder why someone would fake an old style certificate? To make it appear that the coins were "fresh" and had been off the market for almost 20 years? What about the vinyl page? Does it show any signs of stiffening, yellowing, PVC breakdown? Any evidence of plasticizer being absorbed by the certificate (especially the label), or the company label? >>



I wonder also. Maybe they aren't trying to fake the company or slab, but just copied the exact wording on the back and not think about current editions of the grading guide.

The plastic page is perfect, soft, clear and free of any marks. The plastic feels new and not brittle at all! The label is fresh and white like brand new paper from a printer. No plastic absorbing anywhere. I don't want to lead you on thinking it was some new fake company, and would gladly mail you the example I have so you can see it in person.

Cameron Kiefer

Conder101

I have a couple of them earmarked on ebay at the moment.