getting ready for my first submission to PCGS any tips? suggestions?

shanks82

Well i got all my collectors club info in the mail a little while back and I just got my coin out of layaway, now it is time to submit it under one of my free submits, is there anything i should know? how should i ship it to them? and how will they ship it back to me? i live in an apartment so i jeed some shipping that they arent just gonna drop something off at my door step. any suggestions would be great

Sandhawk

Send it Registered Mail. PCGS will send it back to you Registered mail, where you will have to sign for it.

291fifth

The best piece of advice is this: Don't waste your submissions! Review each of your coins carefully. Is each really worth submitting to PCGS? Are any likely to come back in body bags? Does this coin really need to be in a slab?

Too many collectors waste money by submitting coins that they just "wish" are good. Be critical/selective of what you send in.

shanks82

Now if someone steals my registered mail out of my box (my mailman is known for leaving stuff without people signing) will the post office cover the cost of the loss?

razorface1027

getting ready for my first submission to PCGS any tips? suggestions?

Yes...Be prepared for the worst!

dollardude

Shanks82, always go to the actual post office to send and receive registered mail, if there is no one at home like me. If you won't do that, you will likely lose whatever it is you're trying to send. By definition, registered mail has to be in custody of a person at all times. I also use a P.O. box for ALL of my mail, as I don't trust the locals in my neighborhood, and I do not have a spouse or anyone else. If you have someone who stays at home for you, make them handle it for you either at home or at the post office, and it is cheaper. Basically, you have to think security in this hobby. Not fun, but if you want to do this as a hobby, this is part of it.

You should get the instructions for getting stuff slabbed in your initial package from PCGS. You can get the flips from your local dealer (don't order them -- it is really dumb and you end up paying as much for the shipping), and you can get inexpensive self-stick labels at the office supply store that you can cut into strips for labels (don't order the expensive ones).

If you send something in yourself, YOU have to screen them for problems (this was traditionally done by approved coin dealers). So, the burden is on YOU (personal responsibility, what a concept!). Otherwise you will end up with bodybags and no slabs.

jdimmick

The above comments plus if your sending the coins especially proofs or MS coin, be careful when inserting them into the flips to avoid hairlines. Also secure them snugly in the pacaking to keep them from jingling around, remember they have a long ride in a registered package, not to mention the time they sit on the shelf at PCGS. (Turn the flip open side inward and fold over)

Registered is the only way to go for decent valued coins to and from PCGS!

BAJJERFAN

<< <i>Now if someone steals my registered mail out of my box (my mailman is known for leaving stuff without people signing) will the post office cover the cost of the loss? >>



I would clear this point with your local PO branch first. When PCGS notifies you that your items have shipped, have the PO put a note to your route man NOT to deliver this item but to leave a notice instead so that you can pick it up there.

BTW you must use all of your freebies at once or lose the unused ones. Are you sure that you want to pay $100 to have one coin graded?

Catch22

I always bake a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies and toss in a couple (sealed in a bag) with my submission. It usually helps with the grade by a point, however I end up with fingerprints on my coins after a few weeks. Naturally, I wrap the box with custom paper that says "I hate NGC" all over it.

On rare occassions I am disappointed with my grades. I have determined PCGS has a grader that prefers oatmeal cookies.

XpipedreamR

Make sure you insure appropriately for the return trip!!!!!!!!

puff

<< <i>I always bake a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies and toss in a couple (sealed in a bag) with my submission. It usually helps with the grade by a point, however I end up with fingerprints on my coins after a few weeks. Naturally, I wrap the box with custom paper that says "I hate NGC" all over it.

On rare occassions I am disappointed with my grades. I have determined PCGS has a grader that prefers oatmeal cookies. >>



I like this guy!

earlwbollinger

I would suggest saving the four free submissions for the older more expensive coins.
Use the economy service for modern and less expensive coins.
You have to be pretty critical of your own coins beforeyou send them in
Rim dings, corrosion, bad scratches, PVC damage, cleaning are all things you have to screen out on your end first.

Anyway, I think they seem to always like the big oatmeal,nut,raisin cookies.

BAJJERFAN

MaryJane's brownies did the trick for me!!

mgoodm3

USPS won't leave registered or insured mail in your box. They require a signature. If someone's at home they will deliver it. If not, they will leave a package slip to pick it up at the PO.