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I don't have my "slab" book handy, what can you tell me about Blanchard slabs??
keets
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We have a $20 Saint in a Blanchard slab, I don't recall seeing this shell before. It's graded with a serial number like a standard slab would be. What can you tell me about them??
Al H.
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I think they may date back to the late 1987-89 time frame
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
I own a few and have owned a bunch. Most are graded close to today's standards, except the Redfield Blanchard's, which are usually bad.
the shell is similar in size to a rattler but much sturdier and holds the coin tight. it is "hazy" from the sides in about half-an-inch and then has vertical lines with a clear central viewing area a little bigger than the coin. the insert is small, about half-an-inch high and the width of the shell. it says plainly the grade to the left and the serial number to the right of the top line, then the denomination/type followed by the date/mm on the next line. looks to be a dot matrix printer was used. the back has BLANCHARD embossed in gold.
I like it, did I tell you how sturdy it seems??
From the ones I have seen, I agree with @Wabbit2313 about the grades.
Here is some more info from Conder101:
"Blanchard did slabbing in the late 1980's. The slab was designed for them and their equipment came from ACG. As they are to a large extent a bullion based company most of the coins you will see in Blanchard slabs are silver dollars and gold coins. They did slab some Franklins as well. There are three types of Blanchard slabs. The regular slabs like the one pictured here, Sample slabs that contain average grade common date proof 1960's cents and nickels. They have a green reverse label on their them. And the final slab is a real wierd one, an entire roll of silver dollars all slabbed in a single holder, about 10 inch by 12 and graded MS-60+."
http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/1693992/site_id/1#import
thanks for the link, the slab I have is identical to that first one pictured. it's hard to imagine that the company wasn't expecting some "added value" by encapsulating these coins, that would be some expensive packaging. for that reason I would feel they were acting as a TPG.
the coin we have is a 1928 $20 Saint graded MS62. it's what many would probably call a commercial unc.
the only negative I see with the holder is that there are six tiny prongs that extend over the rim of the coin, obverse and reverse depending on how tightly the shell is held together there is the possibility that they might leave an impression on the coin..
I've cracked out a few Franklins from Blanchard slabs. I agree they had a pretty nice holder, and very sturdy. From what I recall, it was a bear to crack them out.
Harder than Segs?
No, actually real easy when you put them in a vice. Pop open about as easy at Rattlers with a little whack to the side.
The small Anacs slabs are tough ones to open also.
You're welcome! And I agree that the slab was likely used to "add value" and make it seem like a more attractive investment (it's in this professional looking holder, so it must be a good investment!).
Nice looking slab.... I have not encountered that one before. I like that huge slab of silver dollars.... Cheers, RickO