Detecting a Tampered Slab

meps · June 4, 2003 1:14AM

What is the best job some of you have seen at tampering with a slab? SOmetimes I see bubbles and scratches under the seam along the rim of a slab. Should one be examing the slab edge with a loupe, or will a tampered slab be so obvious, it'll jump out at you?

Is this the right forum for this kind of question, or would this be better in the PCGS forum that homerunhall answers?

paigowjohnny · June 4, 2003 1:20AM

I've cracked a few slabs lately to upgrade some album sets. Strictly a "hammer and screwdriver" affair on the balcony of my apartment. Observations....

ICG: Came apart very cleanly with minimal damage. A really careful person could probably split one of those and put it back together without anybody knowing.

PCGS first generation: Same thing

Current PCGS, NGC, and ANACS: A frigging nightmare...plastic everywhere...no way to salvage. Somebody with a really small and fine saw could probably split an NGC or an ANACS on the seam, put it back together, and maybe fool the average schmo. PCGS...I'm not so sure...the seam is so tight on them.

nwcs · June 4, 2003 1:30AM

The hologram is a great indication. From what I have seen, if exposed to heat it will become opaque.

DragonOfFire · June 4, 2003 1:45AM

I hav only 1

pontiacinf · June 4, 2003 3:58AM

dremels work wonders

jom · June 4, 2003 4:11AM

I'm just wondering if maybe more effort should be put into being able to detect tampered COINS rather than worrying about the slab.

Just a thought.

jom

meps · June 4, 2003 6:37AM

Good point jom. As I learn how to grade, detect original toning from AT, etc, I rely on slabs. Here's some poetic candy for the thread:

As I lay me down to sleep, I lay my misgraded slabs by my feet. If I die before I wake, tell my wife the slabbed 67 is really a 68.

boz · June 4, 2003 6:44AM

<< <i>As I lay me down to sleep, I lay my misgraded slabs by my feet. If I die before I wake, tell my wife the slabbed 67 is really a 68. >>

Very good!!

K6AZ · June 4, 2003 6:46AM

This topic comes up again and again, and always with the same misinformation. The only slab that can be opened and resealed to the point where it can not be detected is the PCI slab. All others will show signs if they are opened. I am talking about current slabs.

As far as cracking slabs easily, my weapon of choice is a large five inch C clamp. Works like a charm.

topstuf · June 4, 2003 7:04AM

Someone should start making SLABSTITY BELTS!

Russ, Russ, RUSS ????

Barry · June 4, 2003 7:26AM

<< <i>This topic comes up again and again, and always with the same misinformation. The only slab that can be opened and resealed to the point where it can not be detected is the PCI slab. All others will show signs if they are opened. I am talking about current slabs. >>

And as I've said in a previous post to you, Eric (on RCC), I don't know about that. Here are some ANACS slabs I've cracked:

They were cracked in my vise, and split right along the seam. It happens that way about 75% of the time. I expect to be at ANA Balto show, and would be happy to show them to you, if you go. As an experiment, I'd like to put a coin back in, glue it shut and see if the ANACS guys can detect tampering. Can anyone suggest a glue to use?

ER · June 4, 2003 7:27AM

Crazy Glue

Skipper53 · June 4, 2003 9:31AM

Be careful choosing the glue as some chemicals can cause wierd toning themselves.
I believe the pros use sonic welding but those machines cost a fortune.
Skipper

Barry · June 4, 2003 9:54AM

I just want to try it as an experiment, not to get into the reslabbing business

. One problem is I don't have the coins available that are on the labels. Guess I can stick a random coin in, and cover it with adhesive tape when I show the slab to the grader.

eagle7 · June 4, 2003 10:05AM

Come on guys, all it takes is a little imagination. All slabs except the PCGS ones(after the first gen) can be placed on a piece of leather, held on their sides by two fingers, rapped sharply close to one edge and then the other edge with a rubber mallet and they will pop exactly into along the seam. This is especially true with the NGC slabs. You can get at least 80 percent good breaks that way. Anyone can mess up a piece of plastic with screwdrivers, hammers, a vise or any number of other destructive ways. I throw mine away, but I cant speak for everyone. If I found this out by accident, imagine what someone who was actually trying to get a clean break could do!

docday2003 · June 4, 2003 10:56AM

Well I have to say that this thread is a little scary...I hope that there aren't any people out there who try to do this professionally....

K6AZ · June 4, 2003 3:51PM

The problem with all this (and yes I have seen those slabs Barry) is that ANACS, NGC and PCGS slabs are sonically welded. You can pop a slab perfectly in two, and reglue it, and it will be easy to spot when compared to one that hasn't been opened.

Detecting a Tampered Slab

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