Submitting coins to PCGS

Coins101

What type of coin holder do you use to submit coins to PCGS? I have been reading their book, "The Official Guide to Coin Grading and Counterfeit Detection" - 2004 edition and it seems like every type of holder has some effect on the coin surface. I thought the "flips" were the best but according to the book, you get slide marks from using them.

Reviewing their site, it doe not really indicate what to use to submit the coin(s)

LucyBop

use the saflips.....


put the coins in them carefully.....

i've gotten very high grades and have never damaged a coin with the saflips....

mgoodm3

2 1/2 X 2 1/2 non-PVC flips. They say that size but it sounds like they don't adhere to it.

nepbrs44

I agree with Lucy.

Check this place out too.

Coin Protection

MadMarty

If I have a number of coins going to PCGS, the 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 flips fit very nice in the PCGS blue boxes. I just pack them up in a blue box, stick it back in the box they sent it to me in and mail it back to them!

Sequitur

Question - when you ship to PCGS, do you simply slip the coin into the flip and then send them off? (That's what we do.)

If my reading is correct, the new PCGS book says you should first take the coin and put it into a plastic bag. Then the plastic bag should be placed into the flip. This purportedly makes it easier to remove coins from the flip. Does anyone do that?

Kriek

Few items that help me in my submissions:

E&T Kointainer Saflips, 2.5 x 2.5
Item # ETK-SF25-100

Safe-T-Mailers

Also an article that I find helpful:



<< <i>What's the best way to send coins to someone?

Packaging

Coins should be packaged securely for shipping. Any stapled holders should have the staples flattened with a pair of pliers before packaging. Safe-T-Mailers, which are sold at many coin shops, are useful for a small number of flips, 2x2s, similar holders or slabs. You can also cut pieces of corrugated cardboard and sandwich coins in these holders between them (make sure they cannot slide out). The Postal Service does not allow "irregularly shaped" objects to be sent in "regular" size envelopes. If your "sandwich" is not much thicker than a greeting card, a letter or legal size paper envelope may work. Otherwise, use a padded envelope (if not shipping by registered mail) or box the coins.

For larger quantities of individual holders, bundle them tightly together with rubber bands. When shipping rolls of coins in plastic tubes, place a small piece of foam, cotton or bubble wrap in the end to prevent the coins from moving and seal the cap in place with a piece of tape. Place bundles of 2x2s, tubes, and multi-coin holders (e.g. proof sets) in a sturdy box. Use bubble wrap, foam, styrofoam peanuts or newspaper to completely fill extra space, ideally with some padding between the contents and every side of the box.

Addressing

To reduce the chances of the package being stolen, do not use any words in the address or return address suggesting it may contain something valuable. Omit words like Coin and Gold or abbreviate. For example, use XYZ Company rather than XYZ Coin Company and AGE, Inc. rather than Antarctic Gold Emporium, Inc.

Shipping

Mail, rather than a private courier such as UPS, is generally preferable for shipping coins. Some couriers will not insure packages containing coins. Different types of mail service are available, and the best one depends on the value of the package. For packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, options include first class, third class, priority mail and registered mail.

For packages worth $600 or less, first class mail may be sufficient. If the package weighs under 13 ounces, third class may cost a few cents less. Packages weighing up to 2 pounds can be sent by priority mail to a U.S. address (including APO) for $3.00. Insurance is additional. A package can be insured for up to $50 insurance at a cost of 75 cents. This form of insurance does not require a signature by the recipient. "Blue label" insurance, which is available for packages valued at up to $5000, is supposed to require a signature for delivery. The fee starts at $1.60 for up to $100 of insurance, and is more for higher insured values. The USPS will not accept a claim for non-delivery of an insured package until 30 days after it was sent.

Registered mail is the safest way to ship valuables and the only way to insure for more than $5000. A registered package must be signed for by every postal employee who handles it, as well as the recipient. Postal regulations prohibit padded envelopes and all but paper tape (which does not include masking tape) for registered shipments. For packages valued at more than $400, registered mail may be cheaper than first class mail with insurance!

Nothing is gained by using certified mail for coins or other valuables, and return receipts are only useful for proving that the addressee received the package. If the package is sent by registered mail or is insured for more than $50, it must be signed for on receipt anyway. >>

MSD61

<< <i>Question - when you ship to PCGS, do you simply slip the coin into the flip and then send them off? (That's what we do.)

If my reading is correct, the new PCGS book says you should first take the coin and put it into a plastic bag. Then the plastic bag should be placed into the flip. This purportedly makes it easier to remove coins from the flip. Does anyone do that? >>



What kind of plastic bag? wouldn't you worry about contaminates??? I have safe flips that are non-pvc. Gee, now something else to worry about.

Russ

<< <i>Then the plastic bag should be placed into the flip. This purportedly makes it easier to remove coins from the flip. Does anyone do that? >>



They are talking about polybags. If you're submitting proof coins, absolutely do NOT use them. They can, and frequently do, ruin proofs by causing haze.

Russ, NCNE

joecool

Saflips.......

mgoodm3

I just go by the instructions on the submission form. That's all you need. 2 1/2 X 2 1/2 flips, a few small stickers for labelling and you're good to go.