PCGS Won’t “Fix” My Backwards Lincoln for Free - Here’s Why! (See bottom of replies)

cameonut2011 · September 4, 2026 7:57PM

If so, it would have been nice to tell you that prior to shipping it back to give you the option to pay to have it reholdered. I agree that it is not a mechanical error.

winesteven · September 4, 2026 8:27PM

@cameonut2011 said:

@winesteven said:
It turns out the “Original” submitter of this 1955 PR68RD Lincoln Cent supposedly requested the coin be inserted backwards in the holder. So when I submitted it a month ago for a “Free” mechanical error fix, they returned it to me, as is. They just emailed me if I want it reholdered in the “normal” position, I have to pay to get it reholdered, along with round trip shipping. I’m going to pass, and keep the coin the way it is.

Steve

Did you write the coin was holdered in the wrong orientation and that you wanted the obverse up with your request?

Absolutely YES, but they returned it in a new holder, but still facing the wrong way. They now tell me that if I want it fixed, since the original submitter wanted it backwards, I would have to pay to reholder, in addition to pay the round trip shipping!

Bikergeek · September 4, 2026 9:52PM

I have asked PCGS for at least one of my half dimes to be holdered with the reverse in front. A coin with the cud on the reverse, and I calculated that the position of the prongs in the holder would show the cud more cleanly if I flipped it. They accommodated me, and it turned out nicely. (Just a details coin, but the cud was the point of interest... and I had a voucher to use or lose, so I wasn't deeply invested either way).

@winesteven , I like the wheaties in front.

I can't see how the value would be impacted either way. It's a $100 coin (per the price guide). So, unless you are building a display of slabs and want continuity (all heads facing front!) then it's a cool novelty.

Maywood · September 5, 2026 6:31AM

It's always best to know all the details first.

jmlanzaf · September 5, 2026 6:54AM

@PerryHall said:

@MFeld said:

@LeeBone said:
That happened to me also, kinda, sorta.
I had an off-center Wheat Penny that I wanted to be holdered with the reverse showing. The first time it came back it was showing with the date labeled as 1959-82.
There was plenty detail showing on the wheat ears to be recognized as this not being the case.
Sent it back with more explicit instructions to hopefully catch their attention.

I next received the coin back with the correct dated time frame of 1909-58 but it was still holdered the wrong way as requested.
I figured I'd just keep it as is and not spend more time and money.
Just frustrating when it seems that it shouldn't really be that hard.

Just out of curiosity, how do you know the coin isn’t a prohibitively rare and extremely valuable 1959 (or later date) wheat cent?
😉😉

No authentic wheat cents are dated after 1958.

It is rather amazing, given all the mint shenanigans over the years, that they didn't intentionally, accidentally make one.

PerryHall · September 5, 2026 8:22AM

@jmlanzaf said:

@PerryHall said:

@MFeld said:

@LeeBone said:
That happened to me also, kinda, sorta.
I had an off-center Wheat Penny that I wanted to be holdered with the reverse showing. The first time it came back it was showing with the date labeled as 1959-82.
There was plenty detail showing on the wheat ears to be recognized as this not being the case.
Sent it back with more explicit instructions to hopefully catch their attention.

I next received the coin back with the correct dated time frame of 1909-58 but it was still holdered the wrong way as requested.
I figured I'd just keep it as is and not spend more time and money.
Just frustrating when it seems that it shouldn't really be that hard.

Just out of curiosity, how do you know the coin isn’t a prohibitively rare and extremely valuable 1959 (or later date) wheat cent?
😉😉

No authentic wheat cents are dated after 1958.

It is rather amazing, given all the mint shenanigans over the years, that they didn't intentionally, accidentally make one.

Today, the mint would make 1000 of them and add a special privy mark to a random hundred of them and then charge $750 for each one. They would then sell in out in about 38 seconds.

oldabeintx · September 5, 2026 9:40AM

When I display my slabs (types) in trays I often show one reverse.

JBK · September 5, 2026 10:19AM

@oldabeintx said:
When I display my slabs (types) in trays I often show one reverse.

That's actually a really good idea.

The slabbed cent in this thread could be used for that purpose, and has become a conversation piece in its own right.

PCGS Won’t “Fix” My Backwards Lincoln for Free - Here’s Why! (See bottom of replies)

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