This business was drowning in fraud when PCGS launched and if something wasn't done quick, the size of the hobby would be but a mere fraction of what it is today without TPG.
And would that have been a bad thing? I could argue that rampant fraud was a good thing for the long term health of the hobby, much as forest fires are in the long term good for forests. (I could also argue the other way.) Regardless, PCGS played their cards and we've played ours. Let the chips fall where they may.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Bear, I understand the need for corporations to innovate and keep competitive. The problem here is the TPGs (all three) have re-defined a numismatic term which has caused many to pay premiums for a coin because they believe it to be something it is not. I think a great program could be "US Mint Early Release™". This is an honest marketing gimmick that would create very little confusion. It could be hyped just like any marketing program and at least from my position I do not believe the TPGs would lose any credibility. It is exactly what it is. However, First Strikes are not first strikes in the true numismatic sense. To me it is no different that Haggar justifying his AGC MS grades because he uses the standard from his book and not the ANA standards. But without that being disclosed with his product it is by itself very deceptive.
Let me ask you this...can you agree with me that there should be a disclaimer on the slab defining what First Strike represents?
<< <i>This business was drowning in fraud when PCGS launched and if something wasn't done quick, the size of the hobby would be but a mere fraction of what it is today without TPG.
And would that have been a bad thing? I could argue that rampant fraud was a good thing for the long term health of the hobby, much as forest fires are in the long term good for forests. (I could also argue the other way.) Regardless, PCGS played their cards and we've played ours. Let the chips fall where they may. >>
Andy, can you ever make a stand on something posted here without saying you can argue the other way? You are one of the most wishy washy people I've ever seen.
And, Classiccoins, are you related to MRJBONDS or just forget to change your login or something? Must be something in the air for 2 such posts in under a 24 hour period
The question in the OP of this thread was "do you think pcgs and cu has any regard for numismatics and the hobby itself?". I know that they do and I challenge anyone to prove otherwise.
With regard to the First Strike thing? IMHO, that is a bad thing and I don't like it at all. But we all have our opinions. Everyone makes mistakes and I wish they would not have done it. It's part of the evolution of numismatics. Eventually...I hope... things will regress back to the basics.
As a "for profit" corporation, of course PCGS/CU has a high regard for numismatics and the hobby. This should be quite obvious. How many ways can some coin enthusiasts show the "sour grapes" side of their nature? It's rather sad sometimes...
I wonder what our motivation was to spend untold sums setting up and maintaining these forums so that you could jab at us for free?
Pretty lame response considering this forum "makes" PCGS money by keeping people in the hobby and specifically in PCGS slabbed coins. Also, I hope you don't think it's "very" expensive to run a message board. If you're spending too much you're probably being taken' by some expensive hosting company. Just look at how many 15 year olds out there that are running message boards!
Why no mention of all the YN events PCGS sponsors, coin education workshops, giveaways, donations to the ANA, etc.?
PCGS and all of the other TPGs are for-profit businesses. Good for PCGS that the founders saw a need and filled it - pure entrepreneurism. The fact that they are and continue to stay as the premier grading company is even more impressive.
I am certain that both PCGS and their parent company CU have a high regard for numismatics and the business of numismatics both. I believe this to be a requirement for success in any profession - would you gladly do business with any professional that did not have a high regard for their profession? Could they be successful in the long run without that high regard? I do not believe so.
Comments
And would that have been a bad thing? I could argue that rampant fraud was a good thing for the long term health of the hobby, much as forest fires are in the long term good for forests. (I could also argue the other way.) Regardless, PCGS played their cards and we've played ours. Let the chips fall where they may.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
the realities of competition and profitability. The presence
of PCGS for the protection and preservation of the hobby
does more for ther hobby
then any periodic gimmic ,that may annoy the purists in the
hobby. Life itself is a great compromise composed of all shades
of gray. The important thing is to collect what you like and enjoy
your hobby.
Camelot
<< <i>NO! >>
How long did it take for you to come up with this response?
Where is the proof for your objectionable response?
"Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
Let me ask you this...can you agree with me that there should be a disclaimer on the slab defining what First Strike represents?
<< <i>This business was drowning in fraud when PCGS launched and if something wasn't done quick, the size of the hobby would be but a mere fraction of what it is today without TPG.
And would that have been a bad thing? I could argue that rampant fraud was a good thing for the long term health of the hobby, much as forest fires are in the long term good for forests. (I could also argue the other way.) Regardless, PCGS played their cards and we've played ours. Let the chips fall where they may. >>
Andy, can you ever make a stand on something posted here without saying you can argue the other way? You are one of the most wishy washy people I've ever seen.
And, Classiccoins, are you related to MRJBONDS or just forget to change your login or something? Must be something in the air for 2 such posts in under a 24 hour period
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Well, it depends...
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
They tried a new concept and it seems to work so why stop.
The signature series must not have been too successful since I don't recall seeing one in awhile.
I think it is good that they try different things to reach as many people as possible and look forward to the next new idea.
With regard to the First Strike thing? IMHO, that is a bad thing and I don't like it at all. But we all have our opinions. Everyone makes mistakes and I wish they would not have done it. It's part of the evolution of numismatics. Eventually...I hope... things will regress back to the basics.
Pretty lame response considering this forum "makes" PCGS money by keeping people in the hobby and specifically in PCGS slabbed coins. Also, I hope you don't think it's "very" expensive to run a message board. If you're spending too much you're probably being taken' by some expensive hosting company. Just look at how many 15 year olds out there that are running message boards!
Why no mention of all the YN events PCGS sponsors, coin education workshops, giveaways, donations to the ANA, etc.?
<< <i>do you think pcgs and cu has any regard for numismatics and the hobby itself? >>
Yes. Thriving hobby = more successful business. You do realize that PCGS is running a business, right?
<< <i>. . . and registry sets for proof state quarters is silly beyond belief if you ask me >>
I don't believe anyone did ask you. But thanks very much for letting us know.
<< <i>Andy, can you ever make a stand on something posted here without saying you can argue the other way?
Well, it depends... >>
Coin's for sale/trade.
Tom Pilitowski
US Rare Coin Investments
800-624-1870
I am certain that both PCGS and their parent company CU have a high regard for numismatics and the business of numismatics both. I believe this to be a requirement for success in any profession - would you gladly do business with any professional that did not have a high regard for their profession? Could they be successful in the long run without that high regard? I do not believe so.
Check out my current listings: https://ebay.com/sch/khunt/m.html?_ipg=200&_sop=12&_rdc=1