Can someone explain sample slabs/slabbed samples to me?

krazyace5

Thanks

ElectricEye

PM the resident slabfreak, Cameron or go to his website:

http://www.sampleslabs.com/

Evrything you always wanted to know or not about sampleslabs

solid

You need to talk to the Sheriff....

fivecents

Sample slabs....... the ultimate in "Buy the holder not the coin"

kieferscoins

go here and read the intro

Cameron Kiefer

Wolf359

A few folks collect the sample slabs available for free at coin shows, etc. PCGS and other services will hand them out, usually
with a state quarter or something. Cameron collects them as do a few others.

BurritoGrande

I had a wobbly table a few years back, with a slightly short leg. I used two sample slabs to prop it up, and it worked great

Tsimmerdown

I'm looking for rare sample slabs to crack out. I'm willing to pay top dollar. PM me if interested.

kieferscoins

That goes in the buy/sell forum.

Cameron Kiefer

Tsimmerdown

Cammie.. did you notice in May's Banknote Reporter some new "currency grading service" will let you can order a currency sample slab for only 10 bucks!

kieferscoins

I didn't notice that. I don't get the currency magazines. Does the $10 cover a $10 note or you actually have to buy a "sample" from the company?

Cameron Kiefer

Tsimmerdown

For the $10 they will send you a silver certificate already in a slab, so you don't need to submit your own note. If it's just a plain 1957 SC in AU or better (which I'm guessing it would be) the value is close to $10, so that's not too bad of a deal. Then again, they might send you a rag. Who knows.

oreville

Another way of looking at sample slabs is that they are the "patterns" of plastic slabs/other holders. Some were issued to collectors, others for promotional purposes, still others were trial and error slabs to introduce a new slab, etc.

Of course, the real "patterns" of the US Mint are much rarer than the "patterns" of sample slabs. However, in a few cases, you will find sample slabs that are just as rare.

Of course, historically sample is much less significant than the real patterns of the US Mint as their history is much shorter. But given the grading services rise as a big player in the coin industry is a interesting way to study their marketing and business practices and changing technology.

Conder101

Which company? I need details and an address.

solid

Ok, I admit it - I have two myself. Common samples according to the Sheriff's site,
with nicely toned dimes inside.

Tsimmerdown

<< <i>Which company? I need details and an address. >>



If you're interested in the currency sample slab, send me a PM to remind me to look it up, and I'll check the ad in BNR when I get home. I don't have the magazine with me.

astrorat

<< <i>Cammie.. did you notice in May's Banknote Reporter some new "currency grading service" will let you can order a currency sample slab for only 10 bucks! >>



True, but it is actually not a 'sample' slab, per se. It is more an 'example' slab, as it does not say sample on the holder but just is an example of their product. At least this was true when I ordered mine.

Lane

astrorat

<< <i>Another way of looking at sample slabs is that they are the "patterns" of plastic slabs/other holders. Some were issued to collectors, others for promotional purposes, still others were trial and error slabs to introduce a new slab, etc. >>



I would have to agree that the early samples were used to promote the product to collectors and dealers without the intent of being a new collectible. Now, so many sample slabs are produced with the intent of being another collectible in the marketplace. This trend will increase as long as we keep picking them up and then buying on the secondary market!

Lane