Spot of PVC on high quality Heritage FUN winning: advice?

dpoole

I got my 1883 Three Cent Nickel PR68 PCGS today from the FUN auction.

In looking at it under a microscope, there is an angry spot of green PVC in the top loop of the first 8 in the date. Otherwise it's a terrific coin, worthy of the grade. The spot's not readily visible to the eye, and appears as a pin-point even under the loupe. But it is clear and unmistakable under the microscope.

My concern, obviously, is for the long-term progression of damage to the coin. Hate to send it back, but I'm not sure what the options are. Cracking it out to treat it, of course, risks the grade and, indeed, the coin.

What do you experienced types recommend?

DMWJR

Let PCGS see if they will help you fix it.

roadrunner

Yes, work it through PCGS. No way should that be there on a PF68 coin. Or possibly work something up with Heritage to have them reauction the coin though I hate the idea of passing the problem on to the next bidder.

roadrunner

Strat

pm sent

scher

My suggestion is to buy the absolutely stunning example out of the "Scher Collection" its a killer and a real deal PR68..also a very colorful 67 in the same upcoming heritage sale at long beach...all kidding aside thats a bummer and I bet pcgs would make it right by you..David a coin like (more shameful hype) that shouldnt be in your set..
Bruce Scher

IrishMike

Ok I will play devil's advocate. If the spot is not visible with 5X my guess is that PCGS will call the coin the same grade, since they do not use microscopes to grade. I have no clue how rapidly it spreads, grows etc. but you might end up the owner. If that is the case I'd post a question in the NCS forum, they always reply usually in a pm.

dpoole

Thanks for the tip, Bruce.

(*hit head*) Why didn't *I* think of that??

monsterman

there are numerous great coins with the beginings of problems like this..i am just thrilled that ngc came up with ncs to arrest it before the coin is impaired


keep in mind to me...we as collectors...when we pay for a coin...we are only paying for the right to act as a temporary custodian of our coins....and it is up to us to preserve our coins so that future generations can enjoy them too

pcgs needs to have a ncs too

monsterman

wayneherndon

I suspect that if asked nicely PCGS will crack out the coin, remove the PVC and reholder the coin for you in the same grade holder. Fixing it now with little effort on their part is a lot better than waiting for the problem to get worse and having to buy the coin under their guarantee. I'd suggest calling customer service, emailing HRH or seeing him at a show. From my experience with similar issues, I suspect you'll be pleased with their response.

WH

grip

I would go withwhat Wayne said,who knows how long it will stay dorment before it spreads,two weeks,
A month,maybe never,but you knowing it's there, and payed good money for it,wouldn't make me happy.
...............
Al

segoja

If you like the coin, then send it to PCGS. They'll take care of it if you give them authorization to take the PVC off.

DO NOT CRACK THE COIN OUT FOR FEAR YOU LOSSE THE LOFTY GRADE!!

PCGS would much rather fix the issue now vs pay dearly later if the coin has problems that can't be fixed.