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What's the deal, again with PCI slabs?

morganbarbermorganbarber Posts: 1,821 ✭✭✭
in U.S. Coin Forum
The rule is something like: Green slabs with 9 digit cert #s are ok, but 11 digit cert #s or gold slabs are not". Can someone set me straight? Thanks.
I collect circulated U.S. silver

Comments

  • astroratastrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭
    As a general rule, coins in the 10-digit green slabs are graded accurately and may even upgrade by today's standards.

    Lane
    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
  • morganbarbermorganbarber Posts: 1,821 ✭✭✭
    Thanks.
    I collect circulated U.S. silver
  • 291fifth291fifth Posts: 24,436 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Beware of generalities. Many of the best PCI "green" coins have been cracked out. How many nice ones remain in PCI holders is anyone's guess.
    All glory is fleeting.
  • seanqseanq Posts: 8,698 ✭✭✭✭✭
    10-digit barcodes are the "original" PCI and were typically correctly or strictly graded. The 14-digit green holders came out during a transition to new ownership and the grading is looser. Coins in gold PCI holders should be purchased as if they were raw, in general the grading on those holders is all over the map.

    Even without seeing the reverse of the slab, you can tell a "good" green PCI slab from the newer ones, look carefully at the font differences in the image below.

    image


    Sean Reynolds
    Incomplete planchets wanted, especially Lincoln Cents & type coins.

    "Keep in mind that most of what passes as numismatic information is no more than tested opinion at best, and marketing blather at worst. However, I try to choose my words carefully, since I know that you guys are always watching." - Joe O'Connor
  • PreussenPreussen Posts: 2,307 ✭✭✭
    Buy the coin, not the slab. -Preussen
    "Illegitimis non carborundum" -General Joseph Stilwell. See my auctions
  • morganbarbermorganbarber Posts: 1,821 ✭✭✭
    I know to buy the coin and not the slab, but I bought a lot on Ebay, and it includes a 1935 Washington quarter in PCI 67. The lot was a good deal, even without the gold-labled PCI slab. I was just confirming that the 67 grade is probably a joke.
    I collect circulated U.S. silver
  • BillJonesBillJones Posts: 34,260 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>As a general rule, coins in the 10-digit green slabs are graded accurately and may even upgrade by today's standards.

    Lane >>



    From my experience that is not an accurate characterization. Some PCI coins were accurately graded; others were not. The number of upgrades and accurately graded coins in PCI holders was lower than the proponents of this hold would lead you to believe.

    Was the green label PCI better than the average “slime slab?” Absolutely! Was it on average more accurately graded that PCGS and NGC? NO WAY.
    Retired dealer and avid collector of U.S. type coins, 19th century presidential campaign medalets and selected medals. In recent years I have been working on a set of British coins - at least one coin from each king or queen who issued pieces that are collectible. I am also collecting at least one coin for each Roman emperor from Julius Caesar to ... ?
  • morganbarbermorganbarber Posts: 1,821 ✭✭✭
    A quick update. The coins arrived Yesterday. The 1935 quarter in the gold PCI slab was poorly struck and had some really distracting marks on the reverse. MS64 tops. Probably 63. I cracked it out and upgraded my Dansco.
    I collect circulated U.S. silver

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