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If you ran the shop at PCGS...

lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,895 ✭✭✭✭✭
...what would you do differently? Changes, improvements. Anything from the grading and slabbing process to website features.

One thing I'd love is speedier response time. I love Coinfacts, pop reports and the price guide but I get annoyed by the sluggishness. I also would really enjoy getting newly graded coins without slab scratches.
Lance.
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    DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If I told you....you wouldn't believe me

    AND

    I would probably get bammed!!image
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    ajmanajman Posts: 1,359 ✭✭✭


    << <i>...what would you do differently? Changes, improvements. Anything from the grading and slabbing process to website features.

    One thing I'd love is speedier response time. I love Coinfacts, pop reports and the price guide but I get annoyed by the sluggishness. I also would really enjoy getting newly graded coins without slab scratches.
    Lance. >>

    Maybe they could use a light fabric to wrap the slab prior to delivery similar to what the mint does with its packaging to wrap the boxes like the 25th ann., first spouse, etc.
    Beer is Proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy -Benjamin Franklin-
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    ambro51ambro51 Posts: 14,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    submission forms would be much simpler.
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    I get very irked when I receive a slab fresh from PCGS that is already scratched or sticky due to careless handling. I'd put a stop to that.
    Salute the automobile: The greatest anti-pollution device in human history!
    (Just think of city streets clogged with a hundred thousand horses each generating 15 lbs of manure every day...)
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    DennisHDennisH Posts: 14,040 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Every crossover DNC would be explained -- which should be done now, because that's what people are paying for!!
    When in doubt, don't.
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    << <i>If I told you....you wouldn't believe me

    AND

    I would probably get bammed!!image >>



    Now that is a HUGE tease!!
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    derrybderryb Posts: 38,570 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Open east coast branch
    Change First Strike to Early Strike
    Work closely with ebay and any other major outlets to protect aftermarket buyers of my product

    Government is the great fiction through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. - Bastiat

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    EdscoinEdscoin Posts: 2,028 ✭✭✭
    I would buy out SEGS and start using there slabs.image
    ED
    .....................................................
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    MilkmanDanMilkmanDan Posts: 3,768 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I get very irked when I receive a slab fresh from PCGS that is already scratched or sticky due to careless handling. I'd put a stop to that. >>



    Agreed!!!
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    astroratastrorat Posts: 9,221 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>submission forms would be much simpler. >>

    Yes ... yes ... YES!!!
    Numismatist Ordinaire
    See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
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    1- I would change PCGS's shipping policy. All invoices that were ready to be shipped at the same time would be shipped in the same box to the submitter, saving the submitter money!
    2 - I would add a star designation.
    3- I would introduce minus (-) grading (e.g. MS64-, MS64, MS64+ grades would all be available)
    4- I would change the slab so that the coin's denomination, grade, and variety could be read from the top (like the SEGS slab).
    5- I would start my own version of NCS.
    6- I would introduce details grading, no more "genuine" slabs (unless specifically requested by the submitter)
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    I would offer an acetone bath service for ASEs prior to slabbing.

    I would try to understand the apparent inconsistencies with the grades on the 25th anniversary coins and make corrective actions, if needed.
    Successful BST transactions: clackamas, goldman86, alohagary, rodzm, bigmarty58, Hyperion, segoja, levinll, dmarks
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    I would use my existing brand power of PCGS or maybe Collectors Universe (to avoid any conflict of interest) and start up a online auction company and take a run at EBay. I would run the numbers and look at the ROI of possibly buying the infrastructure of Great Collections or like company with limited market value but good bones and make a run at it. By consolidating some of the insurance, shipping, help desk, show staff all while using existing assets to promote I see efficiencies and room for growth all with limited down side if properly managed. Call it a reborn collectors corner.

    I also know while I am sure 4th party stickers irk them, I would think there is some value with a exclusive strategic partnership.
    1- mutual standards would mean higher acceptance rates and grater preconceived market value of product
    2- a direct submitter grading package would decimate competitors market share / more so
    3- possible middle man revenue streams

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    BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,631 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I get very irked when I receive a slab fresh from PCGS that is already scratched or sticky due to careless handling. I'd put a stop to that. >>



    If your submission is large enough to come back in a blue box that really shouldn't happen.
    theknowitalltroll;
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    cmerlo1cmerlo1 Posts: 8,048 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Orders on different service tiers could be combined and shipped in one box for one shipping fee.
    You Suck! Awarded 6/2008- 1901-O Micro O Morgan, 8/2008- 1878 VAM-123 Morgan, 9/2022 1888-O VAM-1B3 H8 Morgan | Senior Regional Representative- ANACS Coin Grading. Posted opinions on coins are my own, and are not an official ANACS opinion.
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    << <i>Orders on different service tiers could be combined and shipped in one box for one shipping fee. >>



    This, and I also agree with derry on renaming the First Strike label.

    Successful transactions with keepdachange, tizofthe, adriana, wondercoin
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 47,545 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>6- I would introduce details grading, no more "genuine" slabs (unless specifically requested by the submitter) >>



    I'd also like a net grade in addition to the details grade.

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

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    WTCGWTCG Posts: 8,940 ✭✭✭
    Compared to other issues this one is very minor and quirky but I was just thinking about this seconds before I saw this thread...

    The dealer pickup lobby at the PCGS office in Santa Ana should be moved to another part of the building and redone to feel a bit more inviting. It should feel more like a comfortable lounge and less like a sperm bank. The competition on the other coast does it right. I often get that awkward feeling when I'm in there, especially when other people are there at the same time.
    Follow me on Twitter @wtcgroup
    Authorized dealer for PCGS, PCGS Currency, NGC, NCS, PMG, CAC. Member of the PNG, ANA. Member dealer of CoinPlex and CCE/FACTS as "CH5"
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    howardshowards Posts: 1,242 ✭✭✭
    After the idea that net grades should be added gets acted upon, then allow net graded coins in the registries.

    Certain coins are so rare that having one even with problems is worth registry acknowledgement.
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    1) Eliminate plus grading 2) Eliminate market grading 3) establish clear grading criteria and stick to them
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    << <i>

    << <i>submission forms would be much simpler. >>

    Yes ... yes ... YES!!! >>



    that is the reason I've never submitted. I tried to submit when I joined, couldn't figure out the paper work, I'm a dummy!




    Herb
    Remember it's not how you pick your nose that matters, it's where you put the boogers.
    imageimageimage
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    Offer a non-member grading service. For those who do not do a lot of grading.
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    1tommy1tommy Posts: 3,038 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would offer the NEW prong holders to customer who LIKE them, while still making the old holders for those of US that want them. Choices are good, and also how about announcements of service changes before they go in to effect not after.... sending out these new prong holders in ALL SERIES is NOT going to make some people happy. Stay with the old and the new but like FS OFFER the Customer the CHOICE..........Enjoy tom image
    https://youtube.com/watch?v=UayFm2yCHV8
    I used to be famous now I just collect coins.


    Link to My Registry Set.

    https://pcgs.com/setregistry/quarters/washington-quarters-specialty-sets/washington-quarters-complete-variety-set-circulation-strikes-1932-1964/publishedset/78469

    Varieties Are The Spice Of LIFE and Thanks to Those who teach us what to search For.
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    lordmarcovanlordmarcovan Posts: 45,032 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If I ran the shop at PCGS...


    ... they'd have been outta business by about 1986 or so, most likely. imageimage

    Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.

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    JJMJJM Posts: 8,128 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Offer a non-member grading service. For those who do not do a lot of grading. >>



    i like this............
    👍BST's erickso1,cone10,MICHAELDIXON,TennesseeDave,p8nt,jmdm1194,RWW,robkool,Ahrensdad,Timbuk3,Downtown1974,bigjpst,mustanggt,Yorkshireman,idratherbgardening,SurfinxHI,derryb,masscrew,Walkerguy21D,MJ1927,sniocsu,Coll3tor,doubleeagle07,luciobar1980,PerryHall,SNMAM,mbcoin,liefgold,keyman64,maprince230,TorinoCobra71,RB1026,Weiss,LukeMarshall,Wingsrule,Silveryfire, pointfivezero,IKE1964,AL410, Tdec1000, AnkurJ,guitarwes,Type2,Bp777,jfoot113,JWP,mattniss,dantheman984,jclovescoins,Collectorcoins,Weather11am,Namvet69,kansasman,Bruce7789,ADG,Larrob37,Waverly, justindan
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    drfishdrfish Posts: 952 ✭✭✭✭
    Make the necessary changes in the stabbing process so that no one ever recieves a coin with hair,fibers,and other debri in their freshly graded coins.
    Buy some NGC slabs and have them analyzed to figure out what it is in a PCGS slab that apparently triggers a significantly higher percentage of spots and toning in modern coins.
    Give a marked diagram of a coin showing where the issues are that prompted a genuine grade
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    I'd get rid of those rules on the first page of the "U.S. COIN FORUM"..and reinstate the "OF"....image
    ......Larry........image
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    << <i>Every crossover DNC would be explained -- which should be done now, because that's what people are paying for!! >>



    DennisH - I absolutely agree with this one. Had a recent sub that had 3 "85" s and it went as a Regular service- very expensive lesson. The 85 is a ?

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    lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,895 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Every crossover DNC would be explained -- which should be done now, because that's what people are paying for!! >>



    DennisH - I absolutely agree with this one. Had a recent sub that had 3 "85" s and it went as a Regular service- very expensive lesson. The 85 is a ? >>

    I thought 85 was an old code no longer used. Have you asked PCGS? You can't have an expensive lesson if nothing is learned.

    I love the idea of a marked diagram of a coin to illustrate the BB problem. And a sentence or two as to why a coin DNC.
    Lance.
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    BubbleheadBubblehead Posts: 1,621 ✭✭✭


    << <i>1- I would change PCGS's shipping policy. All invoices that were ready to be shipped at the same time would be shipped in the same box to the submitter, saving the submitter money!
    2 - I would add a star designation.
    3- I would introduce minus (-) grading (e.g. MS64-, MS64, MS64+ grades would all be available)
    4- I would change the slab so that the coin's denomination, grade, and variety could be read from the top (like the SEGS slab).
    5- I would start my own version of NCS.
    6- I would introduce details grading, no more "genuine" slabs (unless specifically requested by the submitter) >>



    Whew! But, must agree with all of that.

    Oh, and I'd see that Cosetta received a HUGE increase in pay!

    image
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    GRANDAMGRANDAM Posts: 8,785 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My opinion on the following:

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



    << <i>1- I would change PCGS's shipping policy. All invoices that were ready to be shipped at the same time would be shipped in the same box to the submitter, saving the submitter money! ---- Making shipping more complicated and time consuming for PCGS will only raise grading fee's.

    2 - I would add a star designation. ----- We have a plus,,,,, what is the point of a STAR???

    3- I would introduce minus (-) grading (e.g. MS64-, MS64, MS64+ grades would all be available) ----- The single DUMBEST move that a grading company could ever make!!!! This is saying HEY this coin is crap!!!!! Noone would ever buy it and any submitter who gets a MINUS would be very upset and probably think twice before doing another submission. This would be a death blow to any grading company.

    4- I would change the slab so that the coin's denomination, grade, and variety could be read from the top (like the SEGS slab).----- Why change a good looking industry leader slab to an ugly 3rd World style holder???? If you can't pull the coin out of the box to look at it find a new hobby!!!

    5- I would start my own version of NCS. --- Be tough to do with PCGS's stand on coin doctoring.

    6- I would introduce details grading, no more "genuine" slabs (unless specifically requested by the submitter) >>

    ---- I believe they already did this :-)

    JMHO, GrandAm imageimageimage
    GrandAm :)
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    guitarwesguitarwes Posts: 9,308 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Offer a non-member grading service. For those who do not do a lot of grading. >>



    i like this............ >>



    Me too.

    @ Elite CNC Routing & Woodworks on Facebook. Check out my work.
    Too many positive BST transactions with too many members to list.
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    PerryHallPerryHall Posts: 47,545 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Make the necessary changes in the stabbing process so that no one ever recieves a coin with hair,fibers,and other debri in their freshly graded coins. >>



    Are you suggesting a quality control program?image

    Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
    "Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
    "Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire

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    LakesammmanLakesammman Posts: 17,671 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It should feel more like a comfortable lounge and less like a sperm bank.

    Hmmmmmm ........ personal experience?? image

    "My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose, Cardinal.
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    IrishMikeyIrishMikey Posts: 1,561 ✭✭✭
    I would eliminate the "cable TV" part of the grading service, and stick with assigning accurate grades
    to actual collector coins. In my opinion, every junk coin in a PCGS holder that is sold to an unsuspecting
    non-collector or beginner is a black mark against the brand.
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    57loaded57loaded Posts: 4,967 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Offer a non-member grading service. For those who do not do a lot of grading. >>




    ....i kinda get it, but why not just do ANACS?

    (IMHO) if you want to use the best TPG it should come at some kind of premium.

    $49 for silver membership is a steal!

    maybe PCGS could offer a three year membership for the silver price with more limited features and a cap on coins submitted?

    some B/M's will offer to send a coin in with their membership, but their own fee may be equal or higher than if PCGS had a non-member fee.
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    georgiacop50georgiacop50 Posts: 2,909 ✭✭✭✭
    I'd give that dang sniffer a major tune-up! I'm just seeing way too many PCGS coins with PVC contamination.

    (In fairness to the pooch, maybe they were all graded in the pre-sniffer era. But THAT scenario implicates the graders as being the problem. You choose.)
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    LindeDadLindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would like to see a rework of the submission form to show all services. It's a shame True Views service is still not outlined on the form.

    Edit to add: Redesign the stacking bars so the lens don't rub from one slab to the other or the lens rub on a flat surface. Many scratches come from this when just a little dust is added like in the bottom of a display case.

    image
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    epcjimi1epcjimi1 Posts: 3,489 ✭✭✭
    I would reconsider offering so many different types of labels for special mint releases like the 25th Anniversary set.
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    MikeInFLMikeInFL Posts: 10,192 ✭✭✭✭
    If I were in charge, I would end the "First Strike" program.

    Then again, I'm a bit of an idealist and not a CEO responsible for financial performance.
    Collector of Large Cents, US Type, and modern pocket change.
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    DatentypeDatentype Posts: 1,677 ✭✭✭
    to not destroy the coins that do not wind up in holders in the bulk department.
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    mozeppamozeppa Posts: 4,431 ✭✭✭
    more than a 2 second glance....must use surgical gloves to handle.

    thank you very much for the full thumb print on my ms-63 09-s VDB r/b
    (was NOT there for 10 years before in a ngc slab...yeah, you guys did it.)image
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    TURBOTURBO Posts: 510 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Offer a non-member grading service. For those who do not do a lot of grading. >>



    image
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    BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,631 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Every crossover DNC would be explained -- which should be done now, because that's what people are paying for!! >>



    DennisH - I absolutely agree with this one. Had a recent sub that had 3 "85" s and it went as a Regular service- very expensive lesson. The 85 is a ? >>

    I thought 85 was an old code no longer used. Have you asked PCGS? You can't have an expensive lesson if nothing is learned.

    I love the idea of a marked diagram of a coin to illustrate the BB problem. And a sentence or two as to why a coin DNC.
    Lance. >>



    If they told you why it wouldn't cross, would that affect your decision to crack it out and resubmit raw?
    theknowitalltroll;
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    lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,895 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Every crossover DNC would be explained -- which should be done now, because that's what people are paying for!! >>



    DennisH - I absolutely agree with this one. Had a recent sub that had 3 "85" s and it went as a Regular service- very expensive lesson. The 85 is a ? >>

    I thought 85 was an old code no longer used. Have you asked PCGS? You can't have an expensive lesson if nothing is learned.

    I love the idea of a marked diagram of a coin to illustrate the BB problem. And a sentence or two as to why a coin DNC.
    Lance. >>



    If they told you why it wouldn't cross, would that affect your decision to crack it out and resubmit raw? >>

    Depends on what PCGS said.

    A cross-at-grade has to be pretty solid because a surprise could be hidden on the edge. Once it's cracked for an approved cross PCGS is committed. So I think there is a natural reluctance. If I really want it in PCGS plastic I usually say I'm willing to accept a grade lower.

    If PCGS said "it is too risky to cross at grade because any edge damage would surely reduce its grade" then yes, I might crack and submit raw.

    If PCGS said "it won't cross because it's at least a grade lower" or "it won't cross because we are suspicious of color or toning" I wouldn't try raw.

    If PCGS said "it won't cross because of damage" or "we feel it isn't genuine" or "it's been tooled" I certainly wouldn't crack and submit.

    Whatever, I really would love to know the reason!
    Lance.
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    BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,631 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Every crossover DNC would be explained -- which should be done now, because that's what people are paying for!! >>



    DennisH - I absolutely agree with this one. Had a recent sub that had 3 "85" s and it went as a Regular service- very expensive lesson. The 85 is a ? >>

    I thought 85 was an old code no longer used. Have you asked PCGS? You can't have an expensive lesson if nothing is learned.

    I love the idea of a marked diagram of a coin to illustrate the BB problem. And a sentence or two as to why a coin DNC.
    Lance. >>



    If they told you why it wouldn't cross, would that affect your decision to crack it out and resubmit raw? >>

    Depends on what PCGS said.

    A cross-at-grade has to be pretty solid because a surprise could be hidden on the edge. Once it's cracked for an approved cross PCGS is committed. So I think there is a natural reluctance. If I really want it in PCGS plastic I usually say I'm willing to accept a grade lower.

    If PCGS said "it is too risky to cross at grade because any edge damage would surely reduce its grade" then yes, I might crack and submit raw.

    If PCGS said "it won't cross because it's at least a grade lower" or "it won't cross because we are suspicious of color or toning" I wouldn't try raw.

    If PCGS said "it won't cross because of damage" or "we feel it isn't genuine" or "it's been tooled" I certainly wouldn't crack and submit.

    Whatever, I really would love to know the reason!
    Lance. >>



    I believe if PCGS cracks it and finds something they didn't expect, they don't cross it. You get the coin and the holder back. A lot of coins cross after cracking and resubmitting raw so if I was willing to accept a grade lower, I think I'd resubmit raw and still hope for the same grade; provided either grade justified the monetary expense.
    theknowitalltroll;
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    ManorcourtmanManorcourtman Posts: 8,420 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Every crossover DNC would be explained -- which should be done now, because that's what people are paying for!! >>



    image
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    lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,895 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I believe if PCGS cracks it and finds something they didn't expect, they don't cross it. You get the coin and the holder back. A lot of coins cross after cracking and resubmitting raw so if I was willing to accept a grade lower, I think I'd resubmit raw and still hope for the same grade; provided either grade justified the monetary expense. >>

    That's not my understanding. You're saying PCGS returns a raw coin and a broken holder?

    If they crack it that means they intend to cross it at the minimum grade, or better, cited on the submission form. If, after cracking, they find something that really prevents the cross I would think there ought to be some compensation.

    Anyone know with certainty what happens?
    Lance.

    (edit typo)
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    telephoto1telephoto1 Posts: 4,966 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hmmm. I could write a novel about what I'd do... but here are some highlights.

    A) First and foremost, I'd stop requiring submitters to buy a membership to be able to submit directly. I've always been against the practice of paying money for the privilege of spending more money with someone and this has been a major gripe for a long while.
    B) I'd limit the number of resubmissions on any given coin to ONE, as multiple submissions would theoretically become unneccessary after that-especially given the advent of the new sniffing/analyzing technology. In short, live with the decision or try a different TPG. No more 5-6-10 or more resubs of the same coin. (Of course this will never happen, but one can hope)
    C) As someone else already suggested, I'd take the company private at the earliest opportunity. Otherwise imo there will be many who will still keep thinking that in the interest of keeping stockholders happy, they will merely continue to reinvent the wheel in order to churn their customer base for more income.

    jmho

    RIP Mom- 1932-2012

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