To Crack or Not To Crack? NCG to PCGS

poorguy

I have an NGC coin that was the topic of another forum but it's getting kinda long so I would like to know if I should:

a.) Crack this baby out and send it into PCGS. (and if so how do I do it without damaging the coin)

b.) Do a crossover.

Here is a picture of the coin.




From the previous forum you guys said she should grade in the MS66-MS67 range with a possible PL designation.

BigGreek

crack.

kieferscoins

Crack.

Cameron Kiefer

goldrush00013

Use a hacksaw

Shamika

Crack!

poorguy

Use a hacksaw?

You are joking, right?

goldrush00013

Cut the top and across the bottom then 1 side. Stay away from the coin edge.

CarlWohlforth

Neither. Sell it to me

paigowjohnny

Keep it where it is...it's fine...

Stuart

poorguy: I recommend that you leave it in the older "keyless" NGC holder where it will continue to gracefully edge tone with a beautiful brown patina -- as Morgans typically do in that type of holder

...and if you turn on your private message receiving option, you'll probably get several offers to purchase the coin as is

MSD61

No, no, no...I say again...NO!! Do not crack that out of the slab!!! I agree with Stuart in saying let it be. For one, it is a beautiful coin right where it is. Second, if you crack it out and submit it to be graded you may not like the grade that comes back.

NoGvmnt

If it is your intention to upgrade it to sell it then crack it, but if you intend to hold onto it I suggest you place a notation on the reverse of the slab to upgrade it before selling and then leave it alone.

Personally I don't think it will make a 7, and judging by the scan/pic if those are hairlines that are causing the distortion in the fields, I wouldn't expect a 6 either.

Jim

poorguy

No there are no hairlines in the fields.

poorguy

I just turned on my private messaging. I never knew it was off.

Everybody seems to have strong opinions both ways.

Baley

If you decide to crack, I'd recommend the VICE method: place slab in bench vice, coin facing up. squeeze just until it cracks along seams, take out, turn 90 degrees, squeeze again. Slab opens like a book:

poorguy

That way sounds a little better than the hacksaw method. -Thanks

bushmaster8

Vise works very well on the older NGC slabs , which this is.

On new NGC slabs, hacksaw is better option.

Baley

On new NGC slabs, hacksaw is better option.

you think? involves a lot of sawing, plastic dust gets everywhere, and I've found the vice works fine on new slabs too (my peace dollar was in a newer slab)

Russ

You guys make it so complicated. Just get one of these:



And, soon you'll have a box of these:



Russ, NCNE

paigowjohnny

I went to the Russ, NCNE School of Slab Hammering...

Kriek

<< <i>General Method

Tools required: vise, hammer, chisel; safety glasses or goggles Method: Secure the slab in the vise along either long side. The vise should overlap only enough plastic to ensure that the holder is secured (1/4 inch or so). Tighten as necessary to avoid slab movement while you're using the hammer and chisel. Position the chisel in the seam between the two pieces of plastic near the upright corner further from the coin. Carefully tap the chisel with the hammer until the plastic pieces separate. Ideally, the chisel will wedge between the two pieces and can be used to pry them completely apart. Carefully remove the coin from the separated/fragmented plastic.

PCGS

Tools required: lineman's pliers or wire cutters; safety glasses or goggles Method: Position the pliers along either long side of the slab at the middle of the coin such that the cutting edges are outside the edge of the coin. Squeeze forcefully. The plastic will crack across the entire width of the holder. Carefully separate the plastic pieces and remove the coin. >>

Boom

JMHO but #1- The coin appears to be accurately graded from what I can make of it from
one dimensional imagery.

#2- You COULD damage it. Anything could happen!

#3- Weigh how much it is valued at in it's present grade, in it's present holder
versus what it's worth would be.. one grade lower in a PCGS holder. THAT, besides
possible damage, is what really determines whether or not you should crack it.

#4- JMHO- I would suggest submitting it in it's holder. If the value of coin one grade lower
with PCGS is anywhere close to where it is now-then on your submission form write
"Cross at any grade" This shows trust and confidence in our graders. If it would be worth less
money one grade lower in a PCGS slab then I suggest you write "Cross only to corresponding
grade." This way you are only out the cost of submission and not a damaged coin!

#5-If you do crack it out and it does not come back as you are hoping, you're right back to square one submitting a raw coin back to NGC HOPING to get the grade you presently have..

MassFullStepper

Russ...I see ANACS, PCGS, NGC, ICG and even NTC in that box...but no ACG......uh oh....is THIS gonna get ME dragged into it now???

MFS

joecool

Crack it, but use a vise.......

ealandg

I am with Boom. Try crossing it in the holder at the same or higher. I recently sent in a PCI MS62 in the holder and it came back in a MS63...

Russ

<< <i>I see ANACS, PCGS, NGC, ICG and even NTC in that box...but no ACG...... >>



It's not that my hammer is prejudiced, I just haven't bought any ACG since I started saving the cracked slabs. BTW, besides what you listed, I also have PCI, SEGS, Truegrade, and NSCGS. My hammer is truly an equal opportunity device.

Russ, NCNE

Bikingnut

Crossover. I've only done one crossover and it turned out just fine.

Coconut

Crack and use a vise, it works great.......

pontiacinf

I cut mine out with a dremel

BAJJERFAN

I would give the most consideration to the question "what if it doesn't cross?" If you have a high degree of confidence or hope as the case may be that it will cross then send it in still in the slab. If you feel you will get an upgrade the odds of getting the upgrade are likely better if the coin is cracked out IMO. If the coin doesn't cross you will get it back in the holder otherwise you accept it raw or spend extra time and $$$ trying to get it back into the original company's holder at the same grade, not a given by any means.

Dabigkahuna

There are so many of that date already in PCGS slabs and they're not expensive. The next step up is not much money either so I would just keep this one the way it is. If you think NGC missed the PL or DMPL send it in for a review. imho.

nwcs

Cross it over only if you intend to sell it. Contrary to the mantra of "buy the coin" the vast majority of people will haggle downwards and ignore the merits of the coin until it's theirs. If you're going to keep it, don't mess with it.

nankraut

Nice looking Morgan. Surely looks better than 65 at first glance. If you crack it, consider using an electric bandsaw (or hand hacksaw) to saw three sides just inside the seal. No sharp pieces of plastic flying around that way. Take your time. Good luck.

ElectricEye

That only works on Kennedys

I use the hacksaw method, only lost blood once to a slab...