Help! PCGS Slab CRACKED BY US POSTAL SERVICE

C0INB0Y · January 5, 2015 4:33AM

Here is a New one on me; my EBay purchase arrives in a regular envelope, no bubble wrap with an 'outline' of the slab imprinted on the envelope like the "Shroud of Turin'.

I open it and find a shattered slab wrapped in a half a sheet of Yellow legal paper (probably to save money over using an entire sheet) They even sent it 1st Class with NO tracking.

From what I can see of the Merc, it looks like the PCGS OGH preformed outstanding in its duty to "serve and protect" !

I think the sorting machine hit the envelope 'just right' and you can see the results. I have all of the pieces, and just took these pictures, minutes after I stopped shaking my head. The seller is a novice, just a 'dumb' EBay newbie, so I will not send it back or Neg him, but I will send the pics and an admonishment that good packaging is what made FedEx/UPS/USPS reliable. Had the envelope opened, someone would have stolen the coin.

I have (3) other dimes from a later buy a couple days earlier from same seller. The other (3) came bubble wrapped in OGHs and are in numerical sequence when all (4) dimes were originally graded at PCGS.

1.) Who if anyone at PCGS would I call to explain and get further instructions from? I don't want to send it in without documenting it, do you think PCGS would accept the evidence (I would send it) of what happened?

2.) Am I being too 'anal retentive' with this Post and it shows that I am still a C0INB0Y? or is this Post a sign I am becoming a semi-serious Coin Collector?

3.) Thanks in Advance ! (I obscured the Serial Number of the Coin before I added to this Post)

BG · January 5, 2015 4:40AM

1. You have an option to return the coin to the seller.

2. See if the seller will pay for shipping to PCGS and back for a reholder (you'll lose the green label though).

lcoopie · January 5, 2015 4:45AM

return to seller

oih82w8 · January 5, 2015 4:45AM

Contact the seller and inform him/her that it is coming back, send the image too, for a refund. This is totally irresponsible on the sellers part.

You will lose the solid gasket coin holder as well as the green info insert.

Bochiman · January 5, 2015 4:47AM

Seller cut too many corners in trying to save pennies in the shipping.
Should have added some thickness and protection, but didn't.

Likely PCGS would reholder, but with all that holder damage, would be a close call.
Seller should pay the fees. You WILL lose the OGH though...if that matters to you, return to seller and get 100% of money back.

TopographicOceans · January 5, 2015 4:48AM

I'm not sure what you want?

The seller is clearly responsible so you can return it for a refund. I'd open a SNAD case to recover both your original price and shipping both ways.

I doubt you could send it in for reholdering and it would need to be graded, since the coin could be damaged.
You won't get an green label, but a new blue one.

I'd just return it.

messydesk · January 5, 2015 5:01AM

<< (you'll lose the green label though). >>

I think it's already been lost.

The seller is responsible for this. PCGS might not even touch it if either the gasket is removable or the coin may have been scratched by shards of slab. Since you received a smashed slab, insist on returning it. A SNAD would not be out of the question.

telephoto1 · January 5, 2015 5:01AM

As far as losing the green label, that ship has sailed. Unless you love the piece I'd open a case and return the thing. Email your pics to the seller. I understand the angst seeing how you have the other cousins from the original sub but nothing can be done about it now. Just had this happen with a non-coin purchase...fragile item broke in transit due totally to inadequate packing on the part of the seller.

keyman64 · January 5, 2015 5:02AM

Unless it is a D/D variety that you cherrypicked, I would send it back to the seller and all of his original packaging...take photos of course...get your money back.

Casman · January 5, 2015 5:07AM

1.) Who if anyone at PCGS would I call to explain and get further instructions from? I don't want to send it in without documenting it, do you think PCGS would accept the evidence (I would send it) of what happened?

Ouch, and I do not think there's any way to save the label.

2.) Am I being too 'anal retentive' with this Post and it shows that I am still a C0INB0Y? or is this Post a sign I am becoming a semi-serious Coin Collector?

No, it's a normal post...and yes, you are still Coinboy...Reminds me of Forest Gump quote ' You're still Lieutenant Dan"you had a good thing going with the sequential coin number purchase and the seller ruined that plan.

3.) Thanks in Advance ! (I obscured the Serial Number of the Coin before I added to this Post)

Three, I would neg the seller. I just had this happen and I left the seller a positive then sent a message trying to be helpful in explaining how to properly ship a coin for less money. I paid near $4.00 for shipping as evidenced by the label attached to the envelope.

Mine too came in a paper envelope, no return address, and my partial name and address was filled out with a sharpie marker. Because he didn't address it properly, the coin traveled hundreds of miles all over my state before eventually landing in my mailbox...The envelope was smashed and mangled and looked like a hi-lo ran it over. Inside was the coin, squeezed half way out of the flip.

I got a response from my seller and expected a thank you and instead got this:

Have shipped 1000's of coins the way I ship, yours is the first problem I have heard about-bubble mailers are approx. .54 at walmart, delivery confirmation and a bubbler mailer which is oversize according to postal regulations will cost $3.67 for the postage and Del. conf., not the mailer

For your info, I do this for a living, I know what ways are cheaper-and u had delivery conf. on your package
just to help you that's how u do it and what it costs This is 2014 and the Post office gives you less for more.

I wrote him back and long story short he then began name calling. It was a $29.00 purchase + $4 for shipping and 1) Luckily I don't think it was damaged and 2) It was a cherry pick worth maybe $3K.

Looking back, I should have just left a Neg, he deserved it.

Barndog · January 5, 2015 5:07AM

happened to me with an NGC slab. I was SOL, so are you most likely. Had to get it regraded.

DennisH · January 5, 2015 5:10AM

<< 

<< (you'll lose the green label though). >>

I think it's already been lost.

The seller is responsible for this. PCGS might not even touch it if either the gasket is removable or the coin may have been scratched by shards of slab. Since you received a smashed slab, insist on returning it. A SNAD would not be out of the question. >>

Yep. Seller's fault entirely. No guarantee whatsoever that PCGS will reholder it at the same grade, and it certainly won't do it for free. You're probably looking at regrading and all the associated fees.

Timbuk3 · January 5, 2015 5:11AM

Ouch !!!

291fifth · January 5, 2015 5:29AM

Return the coin for a full refund and move on. Leave PCGS out of it as it will only cost you money.

C0INB0Y · January 5, 2015 5:38AM

<< Three, I would neg the seller. I just had this happen and I left the seller a positive then sent a message trying to be helpful in explaining how to properly ship a coin for less money. I paid near $4.00 for shipping as evidenced by the label attached to the envelope.

Mine too came in a paper envelope, no return address, and my partial name and address was filled out with a sharpie marker. Because he didn't address it properly, the coin traveled hundreds of miles all over my state before eventually landing in my mailbox...The envelope was smashed and mangled and looked like a hi-lo ran it over. Inside was the coin, squeezed half way out of the flip.

I got a response from my seller and expected a thank you and instead got this:

Have shipped 1000's of coins the way I ship, yours is the first problem I have heard about-bubble mailers are approx. .54 at walmart, delivery confirmation and a bubbler mailer which is oversize according to postal regulations will cost $3.67 for the postage and Del. conf., not the mailer

For your info, I do this for a living, I know what ways are cheaper-and u had delivery conf. on your package
just to help you that's how u do it and what it costs This is 2014 and the Post office gives you less for more.

I wrote him back and long story short he then began name calling. It was a $29.00 purchase + $4 for shipping and 1) Luckily I don't think it was damaged and 2) It was a cherry pick worth maybe $3K.

Looking back, I should have just left a Neg, he deserved it. >>

Wow, Boys! This is a lesson under the 'nice guys finish last' department, for me.

I thank all who answered.

ms70 · January 5, 2015 6:08AM

<< Mine too came in a paper envelope, no return address, and my partial name and address was filled out with a sharpie marker. Because he didn't address it properly, the coin traveled hundreds of miles all over my state before eventually landing in my mailbox...The envelope was smashed and mangled and looked like a hi-lo ran it over. Inside was the coin, squeezed half way out of the flip.

I got a response from my seller and expected a thank you and instead got this:

Have shipped 1000's of coins the way I ship, yours is the first problem I have heard about-bubble mailers are approx. .54 at walmart, delivery confirmation and a bubbler mailer which is oversize according to postal regulations will cost $3.67 for the postage and Del. conf., not the mailer

For your info, I do this for a living, I know what ways are cheaper-and u had delivery conf. on your package
just to help you that's how u do it and what it costs This is 2014 and the Post office gives you less for more.

I wrote him back and long story short he then began name calling. It was a $29.00 purchase + $4 for shipping and 1) Luckily I don't think it was damaged and 2) It was a cherry pick worth maybe $3K.

Looking back, I should have just left a Neg, he deserved it. >>

Out the seller so we don't have to risk money with this guy.

Timbuk3 · January 5, 2015 6:22AM

WOW, That hurts !!!

TwoSides2aCoin · January 5, 2015 6:32AM

That mailman was angry.

Shortgapbob · January 5, 2015 6:37AM

Looks like it went through with the first class letters and not the first class parcels. The sorting machine likely destroyed it.

I think PCGS will only grade this one as a new, raw coin.

pcgs69 · January 5, 2015 6:39AM

As mentioned above, contact the seller. It was not packed properly. IIRC, a package needs to be more than 3/4 of an inch thick to bypass the high-volume processing machines. Never put just a slab in an envelope with a few stamps. This will happen.

golden · January 5, 2015 6:46AM

<< Contact the seller and inform him/her that it is coming back, send the image too, for a refund. This is totally irresponsible on the sellers part.

You will lose the solid gasket coin holder as well as the green info insert.

>>

lunytune2 · January 5, 2015 6:53AM

I would contact the seller to work it out , maybe he will refund the purchase and let you keep the coin !

BAJJERFAN · January 5, 2015 7:13AM

<< Unless it is a D/D variety that you cherrypicked, I would send it back to the seller and all of his original packaging...take photos of course...get your money back. >>

Thing is that the USPS likely won't honor a claim since it was poorly packaged. Seller is SOL on that too.

Cameonut · January 5, 2015 7:14AM

Shame on that seller! To save a few cents, he put it in a standard envelope? I've had this happen to me with the same result - the slab cracks as it gets jammed in the sorting equipment. No doubt the machine operator had a few choice words for the seller as well.

I'd send it back to the seller in a heartbeat and let him fix his own mess. I'm afraid the green label is toast unless PCGS steps in and rescues you.

And even though I have never worked for the USPS, the fault here lies with the seller. Technically, the USPS did crack the slab, but it was not their fault. If I was posting this topic, the title would be "Stupid Seller Alert - poor packaging allows for cracked slabs"

au58 · January 5, 2015 9:13AM

I would sue the seller, ebay, and PCGS for mental anguish and loss of companionship. If you can find a good lawyer, he might be able to add depression, loss of appetite, and general malaise.
Your search for this ultra rarity (who else looks for a non-FB 45-D in 66?) and the catastrophe you are now faced with must be truly frustrating.
Why is this $25 coin even in a slab? How much capital has slabbing this and similar coins sucked out of the coin market?
After you settle your lawsuit, resubmit it. Spend even more on non-coins. It's an OGH and guaranteed to upgrade. Then you will be a crack out artist.

winky · January 5, 2015 9:13AM

The seller is the one with the problem. All on him or her. I wouldn't except that coin at all.

au58 · January 5, 2015 9:14AM

Double post.

winky · January 5, 2015 9:18AM

I really hate that for you. Send it back.

Casman · January 5, 2015 9:29AM

<< I would sue the seller, ebay, and PCGS for mental anguish and loss of companionship. If you can find a good lawyer, he might be able to add depression, loss of appetite, and general malaise.
Your search for this ultra rarity (who else looks for a non-FB 45-D in 66?) and the catastrophe you are now faced with must be truly frustrating.
Why is this $25 coin even in a slab? How much capital has slabbing this and similar coins sucked out of the coin market?
After you settle your lawsuit, resubmit it. Spend even more on non-coins. It's an OGH and guaranteed to upgrade. Then you will be a crack out artist. >>

+1 Thanks...Next time anybody needs a hat for their ass we'll know where to look.

WTCG · January 5, 2015 10:08AM

In that condition PCGS will not reholder it. The coin would have to be resubmitted raw.

Contact the seller and send them pictures to encourage them to pack better next time.

WillieBoyd2 · January 5, 2015 10:35AM

Keep it as an exhibit in your Black Museum.

WillieBoyd2 · January 5, 2015 10:36AM

Keep it as an exhibit in your Black Museum.

WillieBoyd2 · January 5, 2015 10:38AM

zz

jonathanb · January 5, 2015 10:40AM

<< Have shipped 1000's of coins the way I ship, yours is the first problem I have heard about-bubble mailers are approx. .54 at walmart, delivery confirmation and a bubbler mailer which is oversize according to postal regulations will cost $3.67 for the postage and Del. conf., not the mailer >>

I personally don't have a problem with a seller charging $4 for shipping -- I charge $2.50, and I'm not going to argue over an extra buck and a half -- but that's a pretty stupid argument for charging that much.

I just restocked on bubble mailers, and I paid 14.4 cents each for 250 from Royal Mailers. Delivery confirmation is included when using eBay shipping (or PayPal shipping), at a cost of $1.93 to mail up to 3 ounces which is just fine for most slabs even with a wad of extra padding added for the heck of it.

jonathanb · January 5, 2015 10:42AM

.

jonathanb · January 5, 2015 10:43AM

.

WillieBoyd2 · January 5, 2015 10:44AM

Keep it as an exhibit in your Black Museum.

jonathanb · January 5, 2015 10:44AM

.

jonathanb · January 5, 2015 10:47AM

(sorry for multiple posts -- server hiccup)

19Lyds · January 5, 2015 10:51AM

xx

AnkurJ · January 5, 2015 11:45AM

Glad it wasn't a doily!

Bochiman · January 5, 2015 11:52AM

AnkurJ broke this thread!

jwitten · January 5, 2015 11:54AM

Open a SNAD, get your money back. Of course, you COULD claim it never arrived, since he has no tracking. Get your money back, keep the coin in another holder, and keep the green sticker. Not saying thats what I would do, but if he was dumb enough to ship like that, he has to expect it.

C0INB0Y · January 5, 2015 12:42PM

<< I would sue the seller, ebay, and PCGS for mental anguish and loss of companionship. If you can find a good lawyer, he might be able to add depression, loss of appetite, and general malaise.
Your search for this ultra rarity (who else looks for a non-FB 45-D in 66?) and the catastrophe you are now faced with must be truly frustrating.
Why is this $25 coin even in a slab? How much capital has slabbing this and similar coins sucked out of the coin market?
After you settle your lawsuit, resubmit it. Spend even more on non-coins. It's an OGH and guaranteed to upgrade. Then you will be a crack out artist. >>

LOL, if you only knew that when I do sue, it is a bit bigger than $22.

It sounds like you burst a vein thinking up what to write on the thread; are you off the meds?

I cracked it out tonight and will keep it in a Dansco.

I just wanted to know if PCGS would show mercy on the situation. The seller is dumb and new but one of the remaining three Mercs was a D/D, so I'll live.

Thanks Boys for the suggestions!

I just love this Board, it is full of Professionals all around with a few kooks sprinkled in for giggles and laughs!

telephoto1 · January 6, 2015 1:46AM

Did you forget to tip your mailman at Christmas?

TwoSides2aCoin · January 6, 2015 2:28AM

<< (sorry for multiple posts -- server hiccup) >>

Your initial post was great. And this one was kind of humorous. I was beginning to wonder about you , in between .

jdillane · January 6, 2015 3:01AM

Wow, unfortunate and yet perhaps a regrade with proper attribution is in order anyway. If the coin was indeed undamaged, that is a blessing.

Edited to add that I confused a reply with the OP and thought the Merc was a huge cherry pick.

puffer · January 6, 2015 3:26AM

A sandwich mailer would have prevented this.

Unknown · January 6, 2015 3:29AM

This content has been removed.

hopsin · January 6, 2015 3:30AM

Use hyper beam with gyarados and you might get a critical hit...that will probably KO your opponent in one hit, unless he is a rock pokemon.

LanceNewmanOCC · January 7, 2015 7:27AM

.
yikes!!!

i've seen a $15k coin shipped via regular white envelope. just wow.

it was insured fwiw. it arrived undamaged somehow.

.

Help! PCGS Slab CRACKED BY US POSTAL SERVICE

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