@jmlanzaf said:
But you said "...just be talking about how nice the coin is." I just don't see how 45 or XF45 is any different in that regard.
That comment is driven by the notion that discussions about whether something is MS or AU includes some level of understanding of use and intent. Use and intent only indirectly influence the condition of the coin, if at all. The only thing that should matter is the current physical state of the coin. That's all that can be seen and assessed. And it can be done without any understanding of the pathway the coin took to get from the dies into the grader's hands.
Competition is a good thing. If they merge into a single company, you essentially have a monopoly and there's nothing preventing them from raising their fees.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Competition is a good thing. If they merge into a single company, you essentially have a monopoly and there's nothing preventing them from raising their fees.
As a professional coin grader for nearly 42 years, this is what I would like to see introduced. That the Q.C., or final grader to give a brief written description on the characteristics, pro or con. Or potentially answer a short question as to strike, luster, surface reflection, toning, or reasons why it's bad, or did not make the the next grade, proof or business strike. It's not hard to do generally. I'm sure any additional written info given will be subject to an argument and that's probably why it is not done. I have thought about introducing this at ANACS. J.P. Martin
50 yrs in Coins, 40 yrs Certifying/Grading, 30 consecutive years teaching ANA Summer seminar, 1998 Numismatic Ambassador award, 1998 Doctorate in Numismatics, Glenn Smedley Award, ANA Governor 200/2011, Author/ Host of ANA's best selling video's, courses on grading & counterfeit detection. Taught over 1,100 paying students, Secret service agents, San Diego to Boston, Anchorage to Miami, including 2 coin cruises. Free presentations. NLG book and video awards. ANA photographer, SEM operator, Appraiser, Contributor to Redbook, Numismatist, Coin World, Numismatic News ANA Grading Guides, 40,000 Volumes in my Library, Founder ANAAB, ICG, 1995 ANA collector services appraisal/conservation, First full service Ancient coin grading service. OD Navy 75-77, WIU 77-81, Coin dealer 1981-1984, 60 year Collector U.S./ 50 Year Ancient coins. 2011-date ANA Advisory Committee. Lifetime member ANA, ANS
Semi-retired Professional Grader(ANACS) and married, Father to 3 teenage boys in Denver area.
Competition is a good thing. If they merge into a single company, you essentially have a monopoly and there's nothing preventing them from raising their fees.
Monopolies don’t usually result in lower prices or better service.
OL I will answer those concerns of the slightly tongue-in-cheek post.
How is all this competition doing for your fees right now?
Monopolies or antitrust assumes control of a market or behavior that attempts to stifle competition. Those do not automatically transpire.
Efficiencies in some marketplaces with consolidation have a net benefit to all tiers. Would not a consistent grade from a top tier TPG help eliminate price dislocation, strengthen values, and give consumers confidence?
@P0CKETCHANGE said:
Improve coin imaging/photography. Not just a slab shot but also a decent obverse and reverse shot.
One of the TPG's has done that, and I'm impressed.
I recently sent in a batch of ungraded CC GSA's to CACG. For $5 extra using economy (regular is included), you get hi-res photos of the slab front & back, 2 dual shots, obverse & reverse close-ups, and two slab shots in JPEG. (8 pics total)
Not bad! ⇊
I'd like to see PCGS match what cac is doing and speed up their grading times. Cac has a $15 a coin tier for silver dollars. For low value coins many people want to get them certified for a number of reasons. Also the ability to check a box for a quick dip to remove residue, pvc, etc. would be great. Anacs has a $14/coin submission special and dealers can get even better "bulk" deals with them. They also have a per invoice conservation option so you get coins conserved at their discretion.
@KOYNGUY said:
As a professional coin grader for nearly 42 years, this is what I would like to see introduced. That the Q.C., or final grader to give a brief written description on the characteristics, pro or con. Or potentially answer a short question as to strike, luster, surface reflection, toning, or reasons why it's bad, or did not make the the next grade, proof or business strike. It's not hard to do generally. I'm sure any additional written info given will be subject to an argument and that's probably why it is not done. I have thought about introducing this at ANACS. J.P. Martin
Wonderful idea. Would pay extra for this service.
A similar service at coin shows would be valuable, a consultation. Charge $100 or so for an opinion and evaluation. Or base the charge on a coin’s value. Great way for a retired grader to make some serious cash.
@oldabeintx said:
Faster turnaround would seem to
be something very achievable. Not sure why this is an issue at all nor why it has gone on for so long.
Typical American corporate story—$$$.
They don’t pay a high enough salary to attract enough graders (or they don’t want to pay for more graders).
@pruebas said:
Typical American corporate story—$$$.>
They don’t pay a high enough salary to attract enough graders (or they don’t want to pay for more graders).
But it was that way before they went public and PE $$$ got involved.
Having to grade up to 800 coins a day -- as someone noted in talking to an NGC or PCGS grader at FUN 2024 or FUN 2025, can't remember which -- is not "best practices" IMO.
Imagine Sotheby's saying each auction will only last 45 seconds so they can sell more items.
Plus grading is here to stay and was a fabulous “creation” for both collectors and dealers. But, it stopped at the 68 grade, which was unwise and ill-conceived IMHO. PCGS should create the 69+ grade as this would be a great advancement for both collectors (on a budget) and dealers alike.
Wondercoin
Please visit my website at www.wondercoins.com and my ebay auctions under my user name www.wondercoin.com.
Our host should send their entire photo department over to GC for a three month internship on how to photograph coins from the "guy" over there. And they should take copious notes.
Comments
That comment is driven by the notion that discussions about whether something is MS or AU includes some level of understanding of use and intent. Use and intent only indirectly influence the condition of the coin, if at all. The only thing that should matter is the current physical state of the coin. That's all that can be seen and assessed. And it can be done without any understanding of the pathway the coin took to get from the dies into the grader's hands.
IG: DeCourcyCoinsEbay: neilrobertson
"Numismatic categorizations, if left unconstrained, will increase spontaneously over time." -me
Big 3 merge into one...
Lower fees, higher volumes, lower overhead, more margin, faster turnaround, better consistency...everybody wins.
😉
Competition is a good thing. If they merge into a single company, you essentially have a monopoly and there's nothing preventing them from raising their fees.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Monopolies don’t usually result in lower prices or better service.
While lowering standards
Latin American Collection
Faster turnaround would seem to
be something very achievable. Not sure why this is an issue at all nor why it has gone on for so long.
As a professional coin grader for nearly 42 years, this is what I would like to see introduced. That the Q.C., or final grader to give a brief written description on the characteristics, pro or con. Or potentially answer a short question as to strike, luster, surface reflection, toning, or reasons why it's bad, or did not make the the next grade, proof or business strike. It's not hard to do generally. I'm sure any additional written info given will be subject to an argument and that's probably why it is not done. I have thought about introducing this at ANACS. J.P. Martin
50 yrs in Coins, 40 yrs Certifying/Grading, 30 consecutive years teaching ANA Summer seminar, 1998 Numismatic Ambassador award, 1998 Doctorate in Numismatics, Glenn Smedley Award, ANA Governor 200/2011, Author/ Host of ANA's best selling video's, courses on grading & counterfeit detection. Taught over 1,100 paying students, Secret service agents, San Diego to Boston, Anchorage to Miami, including 2 coin cruises. Free presentations. NLG book and video awards. ANA photographer, SEM operator, Appraiser, Contributor to Redbook, Numismatist, Coin World, Numismatic News ANA Grading Guides, 40,000 Volumes in my Library, Founder ANAAB, ICG, 1995 ANA collector services appraisal/conservation, First full service Ancient coin grading service. OD Navy 75-77, WIU 77-81, Coin dealer 1981-1984, 60 year Collector U.S./ 50 Year Ancient coins. 2011-date ANA Advisory Committee. Lifetime member ANA, ANS
Semi-retired Professional Grader(ANACS) and married, Father to 3 teenage boys in Denver area.
Provider a date on the label when the item was graded.
OL I will answer those concerns of the slightly tongue-in-cheek post.
How is all this competition doing for your fees right now?
Monopolies or antitrust assumes control of a market or behavior that attempts to stifle competition. Those do not automatically transpire.
Efficiencies in some marketplaces with consolidation have a net benefit to all tiers. Would not a consistent grade from a top tier TPG help eliminate price dislocation, strengthen values, and give consumers confidence?
I'd like to see PCGS match what cac is doing and speed up their grading times. Cac has a $15 a coin tier for silver dollars. For low value coins many people want to get them certified for a number of reasons. Also the ability to check a box for a quick dip to remove residue, pvc, etc. would be great. Anacs has a $14/coin submission special and dealers can get even better "bulk" deals with them. They also have a per invoice conservation option so you get coins conserved at their discretion.
Wonderful idea. Would pay extra for this service.
A similar service at coin shows would be valuable, a consultation. Charge $100 or so for an opinion and evaluation. Or base the charge on a coin’s value. Great way for a retired grader to make some serious cash.
Not sure it was answered or anybody commented....but what about getting a grade along with a DETAILS label ?
That way, we know if not for the cleaning what the coin would have gotten.
Typical American corporate story—$$$.
They don’t pay a high enough salary to attract enough graders (or they don’t want to pay for more graders).
But it was that way before they went public and PE $$$ got involved.
Having to grade up to 800 coins a day -- as someone noted in talking to an NGC or PCGS grader at FUN 2024 or FUN 2025, can't remember which -- is not "best practices" IMO.
Imagine Sotheby's saying each auction will only last 45 seconds so they can sell more items.
Cool thread!
Plus grading is here to stay and was a fabulous “creation” for both collectors and dealers. But, it stopped at the 68 grade, which was unwise and ill-conceived IMHO. PCGS should create the 69+ grade as this would be a great advancement for both collectors (on a budget) and dealers alike.
Wondercoin
Our host should send their entire photo department over to GC for a three month internship on how to photograph coins from the "guy" over there. And they should take copious notes.