PCGS customer service just FAQ'd me!

CoinHusker · July 7, 2005 10:35PM

I have a SAE registry set that I started when i first got interested in coins (big, pretty, easily available, relatively inexpensive) but recently discovered that 8 out of the 20 have turned in the slabs, developed milk spots.

I posted a question on the Q&A forum about it and got a quick repsonse from Homerun saying to submit them under the "grading guarantee" and I'd be taken care of. Great!

So, I sent a question to customer service via email asking for the procedure to follow to return my coins and got a response about 9 days later from a rep who thanked me for contacting PCGS customer service and gave me a link to the FAQ page.

I doubt he even read my email, just looked at my subject line and FAQ'd me.

I guess I should have just called in the first place.

LeeG · July 7, 2005 10:43PM

The free MS69 SAE I got for joining PCGS has developed spots also. So looking for this answer too.

CoinHusker · July 7, 2005 10:53PM

<<

The free MS69 SAE I got for joining PCGS has developed spots also. So looking for this answer too. >>

I think the answer is "Stay away from slabbed SAE's". If I was starting over, and know what I know now, I wouldn't have ever started my SAE collection. The problems I've recently experienced (40% of my set turning

) and the lingering doubts of when it will happen to the rest has me really questioning the wisdom of my earier decision to start the set.

AC7DX · July 7, 2005 10:53PM

I got this 2 days ago...

Thank you for contacting PCGS Customer Service. You can go ahead and fill out a submission form and check "Other" and write in "DH Spot Review" send them in. Make sure you write a note indicating where the spot is on each coin. There will be no charge for the service but you will be responsible for return shipping. Be advised that the coin most likely will be cracked out of the holder.

If you have any further questions please call Customer Service at 1-800-447-8848

CoinHusker · July 7, 2005 10:58PM

<< I got this 2 days ago...

Thank you for contacting PCGS Customer Service. You can go ahead and fill out a submission form and check "Other" and write in "DH Spot Review" send them in. Make sure you write a note indicating where the spot is on each coin. There will be no charge for the service but you will be responsible for return shipping. Be advised that the coin most likely will be cracked out of the holder.

If you have any further questions please call Customer Service at 1-800-447-8848 >>

At least you got a response. Now, I don't know how optimistic it sounds, but you got a response at least.

RegistryCoin · July 7, 2005 11:00PM

I don't have many Silver Eagles, but if I did, I'd hold on to them until PCGS comes up with something. I think that pcgs is just as concerned about this problem as are the collectors. PCGS will likely do something. They have to. They can't keep paying for the returns. They would have to just stop grading these coins under their guarantee. Essentially, pcgs is getting screwed by the mint's finish on these particular coins, imho. If you're patient, I think things will work out.
ps: Edited to add the "m" to any, as I purchased one today - a '94PR70, pop19. Will wonders ever cease?
But if you do wonder why, here is my reasons: This coin has a three weight in the Silver/Gold Proof Eagle Reg. Set, and I wanted to see, first hand how this works with the weighting of the gold set(s), and eventually, with the Complete Eagle Set. I think some kinks will have to be worked out concerning the weightings. Proof Silver/Gold Eagle Reg. Set Weights
Also, I notice something very interesting about this coin. As the pop goes up, the price remains relatively constant. If you check Teletrade's past auctions of this coin, it sold a while back for $2200 when it was a pop9, and later for same price when it was a pop17, and recently sold, as a pop19 for $2300. Another thing is that the pops of some pr70s are not just going up. At times, we see pops of 70s move downward to adjust for those 70s with spots that have been removed from the pops. Go figure...

CoinHusker · July 7, 2005 11:06PM

<< I don't have any Silver Eagles, but if I did, I'd hold on to them until PCGS comes up with something... If you're patient, I think things will work out. >>

I hope so, it's just so d@mn disappointing. 40% of my set and some of the spots are so large it has completely destroyed any eye appeal whatsoever.

LeeG · July 7, 2005 11:31PM

I read somewhere that PCGS has hired Scientist's to investigate this concern. So they are being Proactive.

RegistryCoin · July 7, 2005 11:34PM

My guess is that this is a large problem, and, again guessing, probably the reason for the mint's new satin finish. PCGS, unfortunately, to my knowledge doesn't have a clause in their guarantee protecting themselves from the mint producing an inferior product. But, fortunately, to my knowledge, pcgs has honored their guarantee just as if the problem came from their grading room. Although required to do this under their guarantee, pcgs, from what I've heard, has remained most business-like and gentlemanly regarding this issue, but, I'd guess, they probably shake their heads in dispair each time a spotted eagle is returned. This has probably cost them money, unnecessarily, perhaps prompting them to try to come up with a solution. This thread may generate some feedback from pcgs on the matter. Link a copy of the thread to dh@collectors.com and see. Good Luck!
ps. LeeG, I have heard the same.

dwsblue · July 8, 2005 12:05AM

I just got 9 SAE's back that I sent in for milk spots, all were graded PR69 DCAM. 7 came back, PR69 DCAM, without milk spots, 2 in body bags with a check. Put the 7 on ebay, SAE's are just not worth the trouble.

stev32k · July 8, 2005 1:58AM

I have a total of 26 SAEs from 1986 all in airtite holders and none of them have developed spots. I also have an original mint roll (the plastic tube) of 2002 and none of them have developed spots.

Bochiman · July 8, 2005 2:52AM

Question.....do people see this problem with other TPG's slabs? Notably, NGC?
I have a set, in my SDB, of PCGS slabbed MS69 SAE (86-05) and when I put the '05 in there in Feb, there were no spotted coins.
I haven't checked lately.

But, I am wondering if this is happening to NGC as well or just PCGS...and, if not NGC, then what is the difference?

magikbilly · July 8, 2005 2:57AM

<< I read somewhere that PCGS has hired Scientist's to investigate this concern. So they are being Proactive. >>

Good. I hope they get asked about the wisdom of long term storage of metal in wood boxes while they are there.
Billy

ShuShuBat · July 8, 2005 3:29AM

i believe they have stated that they are performing tests on the wooden boxes. It is just a game of waiting.

CoinHusker · July 8, 2005 4:38AM

<< SAE's are just not worth the trouble. >>

ms70 · July 8, 2005 4:41AM

Ahhhh, forget it.

Geoman · July 8, 2005 4:56AM

Don't know if this is relavent....

But I have 2 sets of ASE (not proof) from 1986 to current. None of mine have any milk spots on them, or have changed color in the least. I keep them in 2x2 Intercept Shield holders, and then place all the IS holders in an IS box.

lordmarcovan · July 8, 2005 5:04AM

<< PCGS customer service just FAQ'd me! >>

And apparently, you're pretty faqqin' mad about it, too!

CoinHusker · July 8, 2005 5:33AM

<< 

<< PCGS customer service just FAQ'd me! >>

And apparently, you're pretty faqqin' mad about it, too!

>>

And for some reason I feel like a need a cigarette.

magikbilly · July 8, 2005 5:47AM

<< i believe they have stated that they are performing tests on the wooden boxes. It is just a game of waiting. >>

Yes, after a ruckus was raised in here and it became known they were apparently marketing them without any testing or knowledge of the inherent danger the materials chosen present to metal. I imagine we will see a new slab before the box testing is completed. I find it interesting, and so will MrSpud, that IS Shields were used to store some coins that remain unchanged.

Billy

CoinHusker · July 8, 2005 10:20AM

<< 

<< i believe they have stated that they are performing tests on the wooden boxes. It is just a game of waiting. >>

Yes, after a ruckus was raised in here and it became known they were apparently marketing them without any testing or knowledge of the inherent danger the materials chosen present to metal. I imagine we will see a new slab before the box testing is completed. I find it interesting, and so will MrSpud, that IS Shields were used to store some coins that remain unchanged.

Billy >>

That is interesting, Thanks!

PCGS customer service just FAQ'd me!

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