And so it begins....

DiggerJim · January 26, 2019 1:30PM

I received today the return of my first ever submissions to PCGS (or to any TPG for that matter). Exciting! I felt like Steve Martin running around saying "I'm in the phone book!!!".
I sent two Kennedy silver halves and three Lincoln cents (Wheaties) to start my first two set registries. Of course like any of you I graded each one before they left and then lowered each coin one more grade to account for my inexperience and sent them off in the mail. And each one came back exactly one grade lower than what I documented them at. And got a nice green box as well. Well the training continues.
I'm hooked and I will be sending many, many more but each time with a little more education in my back pocket.
Thanks for your help Guys.

DiggerJim

AlexinPA · January 26, 2019 1:59PM

Cool! You did real good guy.

amwldcoin · January 26, 2019 2:02PM

Ouch!

RogerB · January 26, 2019 2:06PM

Please.
Take the ANA grading class before you send off another coin.

Please.

ricko · January 26, 2019 2:56PM

Nice coins... Take the grading class..you will enjoy it and learn a lot. Cheers, RickO

Catbert · January 26, 2019 3:06PM

This will end up being expensive tuition if you continue doing same without considering could these have been purchased already in the slab at less cost than what you spending in shipping/grading expenses..

grip · January 26, 2019 3:07PM

~~~~> @RogerB said:

Please.
Take the ANA grading class before you send off another coin.

Please.

This.

DoubleEagle59 · January 26, 2019 4:15PM

I have to agree with the above statements.

If you want 'free' training, go to coin shows and look at all the PCGS graded Lincolns and Kennedy halves.

Train your eye what PCGS looks for in a grade.

You'll learn a lot, save a ton of grading fee money and even perhaps purchase more coins for your sets.

DiggerJim · January 26, 2019 4:37PM

@Catbert said:
This will end up being expensive tuition if you continue doing same without considering could these have been purchased already in the slab at less cost than what you spending in shipping/grading expenses..

Well I am considering that Sir. I'm not sure if this is a bad step in your guys opinion but I bought the Platinum membership which gave me 8 free vouchers and I figured I would get some less expensive comparisons to my grading abilities using those. My next round of submissions will hopefully help dial it in more.
And the ANA grading class is an excellent suggestion that I will definitely look into.

Thanks

BlindedByEgo · January 26, 2019 5:06PM

Good additions to your grading set. On one hand, probably not valued high enough to justify the grading fees (or cost of lost opportunity using the voucher), on the other hand, if they're of sentimental value, cost wouldn't be an issue.

JimTyler · January 26, 2019 5:25PM

You did good, no detail coins.

RogerB · January 26, 2019 5:28PM

A "platinum" or "zirconium" or whatever membership includes the discounted price of some authentication/grading submissions -- they are NOT free. Spend the same $$ on the ANA grading course. Afterward, you will have a much, much better shot at making efficient use of your time and money -- and you won't waste PCGS' time with ordinary coins that cost half of what you just paid for "grading."

This is basically the same suggestion everyone else has made.

Please listen to them. Everyone here wants you to succeed and enjoy the hobby.

PhilLynott · January 26, 2019 5:36PM

@DiggerJim said:

@Catbert said:
This will end up being expensive tuition if you continue doing same without considering could these have been purchased already in the slab at less cost than what you spending in shipping/grading expenses..

Well I am considering that Sir. I'm not sure if this is a bad step in your guys opinion but I bought the Platinum membership which gave me 8 free vouchers and I figured I would get some less expensive comparisons to my grading abilities using those. My next round of submissions will hopefully help dial it in more.
And the ANA grading class is an excellent suggestion that I will definitely look into.

Thanks

The main lesson is picking out the right coins to send in. Getting a grasp on grading is one aspect but then knowing what the value of said graded coin is would be the other aspect. For instance the 1951-D 1C has a price guide value of $2. A coin like that should never be send to a grading service it's just too much money to pay compared to the coins value. You're much better off keeping that one raw and buying one already graded.

That said, don't let that fact take away from the excitement of getting your first submission back! The fact that you were exactly one grade high on each coin means you're consistent and just need to find what's accounting for that 1 point.

Gluggo · January 26, 2019 6:19PM

Where did you get the green box? I thought those were rare now and they are shipping blue ones. Score! Awesume.

DiggerJim · January 26, 2019 6:40PM

@Gluggo said:
Where did you get the green box? I thought those were rare now and they are shipping blue ones. Score! Awesume.

Came today with the slabs. I like the color!!

No Headlights · January 26, 2019 8:56PM

Many of us have paid more tuition than you did!!! Just keep learning. You have a great attitude about what you want to accomplish.
Best wishes

Paradisefound · January 26, 2019 9:10PM

Keep digging @DiggerJim ...... nice Green box and at least you did not opt for TV Have FUN learning

Coinstartled · January 26, 2019 9:17PM

@RogerB said:
A "platinum" or "zirconium" or whatever membership includes the discounted price of some authentication/grading submissions -- they are NOT free. Spend the same $$ on the ANA grading course. Afterward, you will have a much, much better shot at making efficient use of your time and money -- and you won't waste PCGS' time with ordinary coins that cost half of what you just paid for "grading."

This is basically the same suggestion everyone else has made.

Please listen to them. Everyone here wants you to succeed and enjoy the hobby.

Suggesting that he is wasting PCGS' time is overkill.

scubafuel · January 26, 2019 9:28PM

Getting coins back in fresh slabs is a rush. Glad you are getting into it!
Everyone has an opinion on what is "worth slabbing". But only your opinion matters. I've slabbed $5 value coins before because they had enough sentimental value to me that they were worth spending twenty bucks to protect.
Enjoy the hobby. Coins are a lifetime of fun and learning.

Tunis · January 26, 2019 9:31PM

I applaud your attempt!! I did the same in sports cards. It takes a little while to “get it right”. The thrill of “making” a great grade is a good feeling. I am not ready to take the plunge with graded coins just yet. Still learning and absorbing.

Wabbit2313 · January 26, 2019 10:12PM

@DiggerJim said:

Thanks for your help Guys.

DiggerJim

You may wish to find some new help!!!

Wabbit2313 · January 26, 2019 10:17PM

If you would have just spent those 5 coins, you would be about 150 bucks ahead.

ARCO · January 27, 2019 9:11AM

It feels good to get coins into holders, like you are part of the club. The PCGS stockholders thank you.

TwoSides2aCoin · January 27, 2019 9:18AM

I'm excited for you and we all have to start somewhere. I share your enthusiasm. And those who sound a little brash here , ( I believe) still have your best interests in mind.

DRUNNER · January 27, 2019 10:06AM

It is always a great rush to get back coins . . . that 'wait' can be interminable !

But yes . . .tune your eye in time to those coins that possibly could more warrant the costs associated with certifying. I have also certified some for various reasons that may not have warranted it from a cost perspective . . . . but if you think this rush is fun . . . . . .wait until you get a great score, which will happen someday!

Drunner

And so it begins....

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