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restoration service question

Hello Everyone!

I'm new here, having just joined PCGS, so wanted to run a question by those of you who know your way around here. I read the summary on the PCGS web site about restoration, and wanted to make sure I understand the process: First, you fill out the appropriate form, and send the coin in for evaluation, to see IF restoration is recommended for the coin in question. If it IS done, the coin is then RE-graded, and could potentially receive a higher grade (but never a lower grade). It is re-slabbed, and given a new certification number. Their is a fee for the evaluation, another for the new holder, and a fee for the restoration itself, which is a per centage of the value of the coin. Having a new cert. number is nice, so then the coin could be re-submitted to CAC for another shot at a CAC sticker, if it was passed up on an earlier attempt. Does all this sound correct? What are your experiences at having a coin restored? Does it give the coin a "cleaned", or unnatural appearance? Are you satisfied with this service?

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    ModCrewmanModCrewman Posts: 4,054 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think your understanding is very close. I've not looked back, but I don't believe there is any guarantee that the coin won't downgrade, or even that it'll be graded again. I think all bets are off once it's restored. There is no guarantee of the coin grading again. I also believe the fees are $25 evaluation, grading fee for tier, and then a percentage of value if the coin is holdered.

    I'm currently waiting on my first restoration submission. Now on 24 business days regular tier.
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    AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 25,053 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I had it done on a raw proof Morgan that had developed a haze. Came out great and straight graded.

    Your right on the fees as I recall. Stiff but worth it for me.

    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
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    WTCGWTCG Posts: 8,940 ✭✭✭
    Yes.
    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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    lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,895 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I think your understanding is very close. I've not looked back, but I don't believe there is any guarantee that the coin won't downgrade, or even that it'll be graded again. I think all bets are off once it's restored. There is no guarantee of the coin grading again. I also believe the fees are $25 evaluation, grading fee for tier, and then a percentage of value if the coin is holdered. >>

    This is correct. A coin can downgrade, or no-grade, after restoration. When PCGS talks about their guarantee with the restoration service they are referring to after the coin has been regraded. Its new grade is guaranteed.
    Lance.
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    amwldcoinamwldcoin Posts: 11,269 ✭✭✭✭✭
    So are you guys saying if PCGS downgrades or no grades a coin they conserve they do not compensate for the value lost?????
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    BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,941 ✭✭✭✭✭
    My understanding is that a coin may downgrade, but if it does the original grade guarantee will still be in effect. In other words, you'd be offered some compensation for the "lost" value. Assuming this risk is the whole purpose for the relatively high price of the restoration service. That's how I read it anyhow....
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    One thing I neglected to mention is that the coin I'd be sending in for restoration consideration already is PCGS-slabbed, and therefore my understanding is that the restoration process would not cause it to become a lower grade--which I assume is why they evaluate the coin first, to insure that doing the restoration would not harm the coin to the point of lowering it's grade, or making it look worse than before the work is done. Otherwise, it would be a very risky venture!
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    valente151valente151 Posts: 1,124 ✭✭✭


    << <i>One thing I neglected to mention is that the coin I'd be sending in for restoration consideration already is PCGS-slabbed, and therefore my understanding is that the restoration process would not cause it to become a lower grade--which I assume is why they evaluate the coin first, to insure that doing the restoration would not harm the coin to the point of lowering it's grade, or making it look worse than before the work is done. Otherwise, it would be a very risky venture! >>



    This is correct. If the coin is already PCGS graded, the grade guarantee applies, and if the coin no grades or downgrades following restoration, you will be compensated for the difference in value. No guarantee is in place for raw coins or coins graded by other TPGs.

    In addition, I do not believe you are charged the review fee in addition to the regrade and restoration fee, you are only charged the review fee if they feel the coin will not benefit from restoration. In this case you are charged only the review fee and not the regrade and restoration fee.

    I just got a restoration back this week and am satisfied. Keep in mind the turn around times are vastly underestimated for this services. I chose expedited service and it took over two months...
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    lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,895 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I was wrong. I looked around and found a video by DW that said the original grade is guaranteed, regardless of the restoration results.

    Apologies,
    Lance.
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    rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Just an input....I have heard very good reports on their restoration process....Cheers, RickO
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    lunytune2lunytune2 Posts: 1,077 ✭✭✭
    This bugs me , they can clean a coin and grade it , but I send a cleaned coin and it is genuine ... cleaned is cleaned to me.
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    ebaybuyerebaybuyer Posts: 2,984 ✭✭✭
    cleaned is only cleaned if an amateur performs the cleaning, if an expert cleans it its called "restoration" still looks just as bad no matter who does it but restoration sounds better than "stripped of its natural skin" another area of numismatics that is about as grey as a dull winter day.
    regardless of how many posts I have, I don't consider myself an "expert" at anything
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    logger7logger7 Posts: 9,921 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have a couple of coins I was thinking of sending to PCGS for restoration or NCS; I had some less than great experiences with NCS. With PCGS restoration is there a $50 expedite fee, etc. like NCS/NGC? The coins are already choice Unc. in old holders. The PCGS coin has some fingerprints on the reverse, are those easy to get off? Luster is original but subdued. What is likely turn-around time and cost of $500/$1000 coins?
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    gripgrip Posts: 9,962 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I would like to see a coin before and after removing

    finger prints?......anyone have one?
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    TopographicOceansTopographicOceans Posts: 6,535 ✭✭✭✭
    Originally posted by: grip
    I would like to see a coin before and after removing

    finger prints?......anyone have one?


    They might look bad, but fingerprints don't affect the grade.


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    rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Fingerprints that have been on the coin for a while (even an hour or so) usually etch the surface... and that may not be removable. I removed a fingerprint (mine) on a proof British coin in less than a minute after it happened...and that was using a neutralizing substance applied to the print and allowed to remain for half an hour... then rinse in hot water, followed by alcohol, followed by another hot water rinse. It worked, however, I am sure it will not work after the acids from fingers etch the surface. Cheers, RickO

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