Tell me how to detect "Crack-outs!"

razorface1027 · August 28, 2003 3:15AM

I'm new at this U.S. Coin Forum. Can someone tell me how one can detect a 'Crack-out.' I purchase several Morgan Dollars at ebay and am leary of some that I've purchased. I see white lines, nominal in size(maybe a 1/4 inch), running the left and right sides. I've inquired to PCGS via email and their response wasn't definitive enough. Both times consice! Can someone, with expertise, give me a non-concise overview and heighten my awareness? Respondent within this realm or simply email me. I'd greatly appreciate it. twotimetom@comcast.net
Best regards,
Tom
razorface1027

jbsteven · August 28, 2003 3:25AM

the term crack out is a coin that has been fully taken out of a slab.

kranky · August 28, 2003 3:27AM

Just to clear up the terminology:

A "crackout" means a coin that was removed from the holder totally. This is usually done either to send it in again in hopes of a higher grade, or to try and sell raw for more than the slabbed grade would have brought.

Sounds like you are talking about the possibility that a coin was removed from a slab and then replaced by a lesser coin. While not impossible, it's extremely difficult to do. If it was done, you should easily be able to detect it by looking along the seam on the side of the slab, comparing it to a known good slab.

Can you post a picture of what you see?

supercoin · August 28, 2003 3:31AM

I'm guessing what you are describing are normal white spots at the center of each edge along the seams... something to do with the molding or sealing process.

Russ · August 28, 2003 3:58AM

Here's what a crackout looks like:

Russ, NCNE

ursabear · August 28, 2003 5:05AM

Russ,

You "crack me up!"

razorface1027, welcome to the forums!!!

razorface1027 · August 28, 2003 5:33AM

razorface1027 · August 28, 2003 5:59AM

I "Crack me up," which is nothing new! Thanks for your welcome.

razorface1027 · August 28, 2003 6:10AM

Kranky, you "Hit the nail with the hammer!" Per the catalogue I recently received from PCGS; whereas, it has the single color pictures accompanying it, and one of them being the "How to read the certification insert," located the bottom of the right side of the holder it states in bold black 'tamper evident seal'. What do I look for? Now, to further clear the confusion about my inquiry: Yes, I do know what a "Crack-out" in the literal terminology is...I, like PCGS, wasn't explicative enough when rendering what I consider my dilema, and Kranky hit a homerun. Thanks Kranky.

barberlover · August 28, 2003 6:12AM

Russ, I've always wondered how many of those empty slabs used to contain undergraded kennedy halves ?

keets · August 28, 2003 6:15AM

in order to identify a crack-out, you'll need to be at the scene of the crime!!!!!

al h.

Russ · August 28, 2003 6:22AM

<< <i>Russ, I've always wondered how many of those empty slabs used to contain undergraded kennedy halves? >>

Les,

The answer would be "quite a few".

Some contained overgraded Kennedy Halves, though. The NTC slabs, for example. But, they were ones that were Accented Hairs not labeled as such, so I picked them off cheap.

Russ, NCNE

razorface1027 · August 28, 2003 7:18AM

To Keets..LMAO...You use or someone uses a hammer. I used to use GIANT BOLT cutters, sure to open any/all TAMPER-PROOF holders in my earlier anarchist days of COLLECTING coins. I got real and followed suit like most prudent collectors.

Bear · August 28, 2003 8:38AM

Im tellin, Russ does crack.

Cam40 · August 28, 2003 10:17AM

Or if you see a coin in a slab (top third party slab..PCGS, NGC usually..most other slabbed coins in lesser holders are overgraded the first time anyway) that is obviously overgraded, that usually means it was a crackout.

Tell me how to detect "Crack-outs!"

Comments

Leave a Comment

Tell me how to detect &quot;Crack-outs!&quot;

Comments

Leave a Comment

Tell me how to detect "Crack-outs!"