The New Doily Census - 2016 -- Updated March 22, 2026

First, let me acknowledge the large efforts by Billet7 to start the initial Doily Census, and even more importantly, Lakesammman's efforts to not only build upon those initial numbers, but also bring the Census up to current levels and provide a new format, expand upon the ease of use and other (upcoming) features. This is truly his work, and while others have bemoaned the lack of a current Census, Lakes stepped up and did all the critical 'grunt' work to allow us to have a viable resource. He will also be responsible for intermittent updates, on roughly a bi-weekly schedule.



Historically, the Doily was conceived so long ago that many of the principals at the time have slightly different recollections of slabbing duration, slabbing rate per day, and even the specifics of why the Doily came into being. This much we are sure of -- the Doily was a direct response to a potential counterfeiting threat of the Rattler (Green). PCGS undertook several security measures at the time. The first was the insert -- using the idea of a more complex background, similar to what appears on currency. The second was a sealed 'ring' around the Rattler holder, which of course created the dimensions currently known for all standard PCGS holders since that time. After a small amount of production time, it was determined the insert, while certainly enhancing security, did not provide the 'look' PCGS was seeking, and the Doily insert was changed to green (starting a series of 'OGH' holders, some of which are quite rare in their own right). That decision was made quite quickly, hence the overall rarity of the Doily in current numismatics. Although there are other aspects of the apocrypha, legends, and rumors surrounding the Doily, it is imperative we acknowledge that these are my personal observations after talking with PCGS principals and notable dealers, and much more detailed information will be forthcoming from Mr. Mike Sherman of PCGS, who, in time, will publish some slabbing history from PCGS itself.



The Doily Census reveals some interesting information beyond just the numbers. First, it shows the types of coins that were most often sent in for certification during a small slice of history. Morgan Dollars (especially in 65 and above) were popular and expensive, leading to a preponderance of that coin. The relative newness of certification in general led most people to not send in too many common coins (bullion, Kennedys, etc). Certification costs were just too high to slab common coins, and unless there was a profit incentive, many did not get sent in. The Census will also show those Doilies missing the outer ring. This phenomenon happened primarily as a result of impact, as in dropping on a cement bourse floor, which would crack off the security ring, sonically sealed together, but not sealed to the inner 'Rattler' section. The Doily remains, but it is sometimes confused as a different iteration due to the missing outer ring. The ultimate solution to this was the one-piece slab, which at the time was still several generations away.



As Doilies reappear from Gramp's safety deposit box, or the dusty back corner of a B & M shop of questionable cleanliness, we will have them added here. Feel free to post a picture if you are able, and if not, the coin type, date/MM combination, grade (and any grade modifiers -- PL, DMPL, etc.), and most importantly, the certification number. Since the beginnings of the Census, many intriguing coins have appeared, we have been able to gain a more complete picture of grading standards of the time, and attention has been paid to this growing aspect of certification, which revolutionized our hobby in 1986. Look forward to several other highlights to be added here in time.



Post away . . . let's keep the Census as accurate and up-to-date as possible! If you know of any holders that have been lost (recertification, destruction, etc.), inform us. If you have any questions at all, feel free to PM (Lakesammman or Drunner), or post. We'll be monitoring the thread routinely, and welcome all who have additions or questions. I will revise this first post with more Doily information, special or unique Doily coins, and any current sales or discoveries, and update history as it can be confirmed.



Remember our mantra . . . . . . . ." Collect the Plastic, NOT the coin!"



Drunner