Finally got submission back

Skipper53

And Boy, am I learning !
Bought these coins two years ago ( when I first got into collecting) from Coast to Coast Coins.
They were all advertised as Gem Brilliant Uncirculated.
Here's the result of buying ungraded coins when you don't know the fine art of grading.

1886-O $1 - AU55
1889-S $1 - cleaning
1941-S 50c - AU50

Needless to say, between the purchase of misrepresented coins, the cost of registered
shipping to PCGS, and the cost of grading I lost a chunk of change.

Thanks to the wake-up call from PCGS and the information so generously given by the
members of this forum, I'm becoming a much more educated collector.

Skipper

wingedliberty

Coast to Coast = Cleaned, and I have said it to their face.
Future recommendations.

1. ANA grading guide.
2. PCGS grading guide.
3. Go to as many shows as you can and look at as many coins to learn how to grade.
4. Do not buy from Coast to Coast.

Skipper53

Thanks Brian,
I'm currently following all of your recommendations.
This weekend I'll be going to my first show.
It'll be less than 30 mile from Coast to Coast's headquartes so
I may run into Mr. Pines. I will do my best not to get arrested.

wingedliberty

I used to be on their mailing list a very, very , very, long time ago. Although they advertise in Coin World, their coins are grossly overgraded and many are cleaned. I wish I had a sample slab for every story that I have heard about their coins being submitted and coming back three points lower.
Don't hesitate to look at coins and ask dealers at shows and members here questions. Its the only way to learn. I would also recommend that you do not buy raw coins sight unseen for the time being, unless they are government issues. Have fun with the hobby and remember just because someone says it is a certain grade, doesn't mean it is. Learn how to grade and have fun. Take the ANA grading correspondence course. I guarantee its the best money you will ever spend. Trust me on that! I took it three times. I have a 90% penetration rate with PCGS and NGC. I get the grade I expect 9/10. Grading is fun, but you have to be patient and its something that takes years to learn.

paulheep

Don't be too hard on Coast to Coast, you got what you paid for. AU money for Gem BU is just too good to be true.

Paul

Skipper53

Actually Paul, I did pay Gem Brilliant prices and got back Au grades.
I believe Coast to Coast takes advantage of inexperienced collectors
by sending cleaned coins that look nice but are worth half or less
what they're charging.
I've never believed in false advertising and I'll never buy from C-C again.

DHeath

There are many old threads on the boards regarding C to C. They say in the front of their catalog that they grade to ANA. A 32-D Washington Gem BU in the current catalog is $695. Since that's several grand cheap, I tried one from them figuring it was probably just overgraded, and I'd get a low MS coin. They sent me a whizzer. I returned it, and had a lengthy conversation with their "guy". He assured me he'd pick a nice coin for me in exchange. The second coin came. It was harshly cleaned. It also went back. Sometimes you can even make out the hairlines in the catalog pics. Both were $300 coins that I didn't want even at $300.

NewmisED

I have dealt with them. Apparently they decided along time ago that repuation does not mean much. People must keep buying their crap as they always have 2 page ads in coin world and numis news. I bought several "Gem BU" coins from C to C a couple of years ago...just couldn't ignore the prices. Guess what?? Well, here's what "BU" stands for at Coast to Coast"

Butt Ugly

09sVDB

Skipper : I'm sure by now you know that CC is no good. I had one bad experience with them about three years ago. I even called Krause and the ANA. If you do a search on them here, you'll find many past threads on them, none good. Just to give you an idea: I asked the lady on the phone if they ever sell slabbed coins? Her response was "OH NO NEVER!" We all know why.

MacCoin

I'm not to proud of coast to coast. but I didn't do any better with my last submition 3 out of 5 coins came back cleaned.