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National Numismatic Collection - damaged slabs
IkesT
Posts: 4,720 ✭✭✭✭✭
I've just been watching a CoinWeek video filmed onsite at the National Numismatic Collection. Near the end, Jeff Garrett introduces some examples of noteworthy coins in the collection.
I was really surprised at the condition of a couple of the slabs. The unique 1828 $5 proof is housed in a slab that has a big internal crack in the plastic. The 1854-S $5 is in a slab with rough/jagged plastic all around the obverse of the coin.
Edit: My primary concern was that the coins might be scratched by sharp plastic. However, it was pointed out that what surrounds the coin is not hard plastic; it is a softer material.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WH7AOWBn9o
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It could be that these are not actually sonically sealed or graded by NGC (or any other TPG) and that they are using blank holders that might be custom cut or shaved to hold the pieces. Regardless, it looks quite sloppy and amateur.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
That doesn't look like an accident to me. It looks like it was purposely cut to get the coin in easier.
I sure wouldn't want that coin popping out and on to the floor while I was trying to get it in!
They look like the PCCB slabs you can buy on eBay and some members here use.
They should just send them through the mail to get holdered properly.
The split on the 1828 $5 holder looks like what would happen if the coin was too wide for the pre-cut hole. The plastic may have split on its own or may have been deliberately cut to allow the coin to fit.
The ragged look on the 1854-S $5 plastic is the result of using an insert that should have been rejected due to manufacturing problems. It is sad to see such a rare coin displayed in a holder that immediately attracts negative attention to itself.
Bought this years ago - said to be the type used for the NNC - easily opened and resealed. Looks better than the examples above but w/o the NNC insert. I suspect both of the above examples were modified.
Here is a Numismatic News article from 2008 about the holders being supplied by NGC.
I don't care how bad they look as long as they are protecting the coins. The coins are not in those holders when used for public displays if I recall correctly.
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NGC slabs national collection
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https://numismaticnews.net/article/ngc_slabs_national_collections_rarities
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"To Be Esteemed Be Useful" - 1792 Birch Cent --- "I personally think we developed language because of our deep need to complain." - Lily Tomlin
Once the coins are in the slab and secure, they are protected - but they first have to go in, and eventually, they will probably have to come out. For research purposes, it makes sense they'd be housed in slabs that can be opened/reclosed, as mentioned by @Lakesammman .
There should never be a situation where the coins might come in contact with sharp plastic. Even if they go into the slab only once (and stay there), that seems too risky to me, with the 2 holders in question.
Thank you for the article link.
That plastic around/near the coin is rubbery, not hard. Have you ever cracked a slab yourself?
"It's like God, Family, Country, except Sticker, Plastic, Coin."
Thank you, and no, I have not. That obviously makes a big difference.
I had assumed it was hard based on the appearance. Thank you once again for the correction!
Looks like a garage slabber at work to me.
I suggest doing it, buy something cheap. It should assuage any fears you may have.
"It's like God, Family, Country, except Sticker, Plastic, Coin."
Almost looks like they made the hole bigger using a cheap hole saw on the last one.