altered surface

Rogerd

Has anyone sent a coin to PCGS for grading and then received it back with the Altered Surface designation, and you knew that was incorrect and then you contacted PCGS to try and find out what their reason was for the Altered Surface Tag. If so what were your results.

pharmer

The trick is, how do you know it is incorrect, first of all. Second, you don't get an explanation. Your best bet is to post good images of it here, and there's little doubt that the group can help you with the reason. Or support your opinion that it's wrong.

GoldenEyeNumismatics

I assume you cracked it out of a PCGS holder and then submitted it again? Or perhaps it's from an original collection.

It happens all the time. Stuff that doesn't have any issues and should get graded gets body bagged. It's just how things turn out. Submit it again and hope for better luck.

Rogerd

I guess my question should have been has anyone ever gotten an explanation as to why they got the Altered Surface designation by calling PCGS and asking. Here is a link to the coin in question that I have sent in. they are sending it back today.

Link

ajia

Rogerd,

Turn on your PM function & you may get an answer to your question.

Not by me, I have had my fair share of 'Altered Surface' BB's, but have never called PCGS to see exactly what they meant by it.
If you dipped the coin in Acetone as was suggested in the thread, but use a lower grade Acetone, there may have been residue left on the coin.
Or maybe the coin was thumbed by the coin dealer back in the '70's?

I have always took 'Altered Surface' to mean it was something that could be corrected & resubmitted, as opposed to 'cleaned', 'tooled', 'enviromental damage', etc. that were not correctable.
Never tested my theory out, just my interpretation.

Rogerd

pm now on. Thanks

sinin1

altered surfaces usually mean a section was whizzed or thumbed or cleaned

If you call, you will be talking to customer service, and they usually do not know much about coins but are reading from a script


have you done any searches here on the boards?

a Q&A from CoinKing or HRH may tell you what to look for when you get your coin back


nothing stands out on your scan to me - but check close the eagles breast and Morgan cheek - both of which could be a little off