The new PCGS grading and counterfeit detecting guide - interesting!

golddustin

I just started to read thru my copy, then skipped toward the back where the author(s) discuss various forms of alteration. I find it interesting that whoever wrote this section of the book seems to be OK with dipping or acetone cleaning of coins (almost to the extent of encouraging it in certain cases). The issue is danced around in a most nimble way - not coming out and saying what PCGS will allow a collector to do to a coin and still get it slabbed, but rather telling us what will definitely NOT work.
Just wondered if anybody else read this section and had the same (somewhat surprised) reaction that I did.
Also, earlier this year, a member provided a link to an invaluable little book that I believe was published by one of the large auction houses. The book was free for the asking, and quite a few members signed up for it. I have been meaning to post about this book for some time, and due to my less than frequent visits here, I wonder if the subject has already been discussed......anyway I found the book to be absolutely essential for collectors, and even moreso for the spouses/kids/heirs of valuable collections. I showed the book to my wife, and put a note on it to "read before taking any action with my collection" in the event of my unexpected demise!
Just looking for some other opinions on these 2 essential collector references...especially the altered surface/toning section of the PCGS 2nd edition....did anybody else get a bit curious for a little more in depth info after reading that section?

Hopefully, in the morning I'll log on and find a bunch of answers/opinions about both books! For now, I'm hittin' the hay!

Wolf359

Not really. Acetone is used to remove PVC, glue, etc. You need it sometimes.

wam98

What's the name of the other book ?

nwcs

When I first read the book a couple of years ago I was a bit surprised about the dipping. Acetone, however, should not be considered in the same vein as dipping as acetone will have no affect on silver coinage except to remove surface contaminants. Still, over time I've changed my opinion on dipping. I think in some very particular cases it's beneficial. But you have to identify when it's beneficial and when it is not.

golddustin

Wayne - the book is called "The Rare Coin Estate Handbook", it's an easy but valuable read. It was issued by Heritage Numismatics, and Jim Halperin, Greg Rohan & William Rossman were some (if not most) of the contributing authors. It contains very valuable information concerning record keeping and instructions for storage , care, and ultimately the dispersal of coin estates. A lot of the info is very pertinent to the post about "collections creeping up on you" - I know that I vastly underestimated the value of my collection until I did a full inventory. It is also written in such a fashion that you never know where/who the information is coming from - no hidden agendas, just good, informative information.
As to the PCGS grading guide, I was really surprised that they actually say dipping is a preferred method of preservation in some cases. I was under the impression that that was an instant BB from TPGs.(if they could tell....)