Incredibly frustrated with PCGS

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pruebas
pruebas Posts: 5,284 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited December 17, 2025 12:58PM in World & Ancient Coins Forum

In the Spring of this year, I sent a package to PCGS with three orders. It was entered on 24 April.

The Walk Through went through in a week. A little slow, but acceptable.
The World Economy sat for 162 days (111 business days) before being returned. And the fee calculation was wrong.
The US Special Issues (all US Mint medals, so not that difficult) is STILL at PCGS after 202 days (137 business days) and counting.
This last order was in grading for several months and has been in encapsulation for about 1.5 months.

PCGS Customer Service gives me lip service, but no ACTUAL help. Nothing they say happens.

Between the billing errors, the extreme delays, and lousy customer service, this is literally insane.
How can a company be run like this?

Comments

  • SimonW
    SimonW Posts: 1,582 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Dang…that’s insane. I haven’t had an experience even remotely like that.

    I'm BACK!!! Used to be Billet7 on the old forum.

  • MEJ7070
    MEJ7070 Posts: 951 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @Pruebas Is there anything really rare or any varieties being attributed that could possibly be a cause? Like maybe their guy who attributes whatever you have and comes in 1-2 times a year is overdue for a visit?

    Sorry to hear your order is taking forever! Here’s to hoping it pops through soon for you.

  • Boosibri
    Boosibri Posts: 12,714 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 13, 2025 5:48AM
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    @TomB said:
    I think those who now own PCGS realize it is the 800-lb gorilla in the room and, therefore, they can do what they want in terms of staffing levels and customer service since folks will keep coming back regardless.

    Nat Turner and that group only care about PSA. PCGS will be a grape left on the vine as along as sports cards thrive.

    NGC has devolved at an equally faced pace so the competitive balance remains intact.

  • TwoKopeiki
    TwoKopeiki Posts: 9,969 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 13, 2025 6:17AM
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    That's unacceptable. The company should take a hard look at their corporate culture and the mission / vision for the organization as they are not living up to it.

    Collectors Universe Inc. (the parent of PCGS and PSA):

    Mission:

    “To provide protection, liquidity and education through industry leading collectibles authentication and grading services.”

    Vision:

    “To lead the global expansion of the collectibles market by delivering an unequaled customer experience through industry expertise and technological innovation.”

    I guess unequaled can be unequally bad, but I doubt that was the spirit.

  • lermish
    lermish Posts: 4,999 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @TomB said:
    I think those who now own PCGS realize it is the 800-lb gorilla in the room and, therefore, they can do what they want in terms of staffing levels and customer service since folks will keep coming back regardless.

    This is exactly right. To paraphrase myself from another thread, unfortunately, given the unflagging demand for their services, I don't see PCGS having the desire to spend additional money on any non-revenue producing services.

    Sorry @pruebas , I know how frustrating that is. Hope it gets resolved soon!

    chopmarkedtradedollars.com

  • realeswatcher
    realeswatcher Posts: 536 ✭✭✭✭
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    @Boosibri said:

    Nat Turner and that group only care about PSA. PCGS will be a grape left on the vine as along as sports cards thrive.

    Cards and some other collectibles are doing well again, but it's not exactly like the coin market is lagging so badly as to be ignored...

    These delays have clearly been a problem off and on the past few years, though I think the more esoteric material I'm sure pruebas submitted is likely playing a role here beyond the norm (though 7 months is ridiculous).

  • jt88
    jt88 Posts: 3,564 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November 13, 2025 1:55PM
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    Maybe PCGS is out of plastic to encapsulate your coin. They might be waiting for the material for the holder ( My guess only). It happened to me once they return them to me as no service but I know they grade those coins. When I sent them in second time they grade them. However, they should have communicate with you no mater what since it is very long time wait.

  • cinque1543
    cinque1543 Posts: 611 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November 13, 2025 4:08PM
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    @jt88 said: However, they should have communicate with you no mater what since it is very long time wait.

    I think you hit the nail on the head. Whatever the issue is, there is no excuse for not communicating on a regular and meaningful basis.

  • Abuelo
    Abuelo Posts: 2,059 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    Until CAC starts encapsulating world coins...

  • pruebas
    pruebas Posts: 5,284 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    So after 146 business days (215 actual days), the coins were shipped back to me.
    And of course, PCGS made multiple attribution mistakes. These are US medals, not even difficult!

    Separately, they overcharged me on a prior order and after over 2 months after they agreed to refund me the overcharged amount, it still has not appeared.

    I have filed a credit card chargeback today. Will let you all know how it goes.

  • cacheman
    cacheman Posts: 3,132 ✭✭✭✭
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    I'm so glad I don't participate in this game.

  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 23,189 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    I have filed a credit card chargeback today. Will let you all know how it goes.

    Well, I guess that is your last direct submission to PCGS!

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • pruebas
    pruebas Posts: 5,284 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @TomB said:
    I have filed a credit card chargeback today. Will let you all know how it goes.

    Well, I guess that is your last direct submission to PCGS!

    I would think PCGS should just do the right thing and we both move on. Neither side wants to lose the business relationship. But it needs to be fair to both sides.

    I’ve been more than fair waiting over 2 months (longer than the stated time) and reaching out to CS on multiple occasions, but enough is enough.

  • xCandia
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    @Abuelo said:
    Until CAC starts encapsulating world coins...

    Do you know anything perhaps about that? I am collectors overseas (Europe) and CAC in one of the only TPG companies that I found good.

  • TomB
    TomB Posts: 23,189 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    CACG already has a list of world coins they will certify. It can be found on their site.

    https://www.cacgrading.com/grading/coins-accepted

    Thomas Bush Numismatics & Numismatic Photography

    In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson

    image
  • Abuelo
    Abuelo Posts: 2,059 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    @xCandia said:

    Until CAC starts encapsulating world coins...

    Do you know anything perhaps about that? I am collectors overseas (Europe) and CAC in one of the only TPG companies that I found good.

    CAC encapsulates modern coins like Libertads, commemoratives, etc. But likely at some point they will expand, and other services will feel pressure. I am really sure they are feeling it in the US coin market.

This discussion has been closed.