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Seams cracked on slab, coin switched out scam

nicetoning42107nicetoning42107 Posts: 1,162
in U.S. Coin Forum
This is the second time this has happened to me in a month. The coin's been switched out. The seams of the TPG holder are cracked around 60% to 80% of the way around. This is enough room for the filling and coin to be taken out. A different coin can be replaced and the filling put back in. If it is all done neat enough the seam won't show much evidence of tampering. You'll have to put your fingernail in between the seams to see if they pry open. This is really slick how this is done. The seams have to be broken just so.

I'm not sure if this has been brought up before on these boards, but this is an extra thing to look out for. There are coins that are bad for the grade and then there are coins that are BAD for the grade. Those ones that are BAD for the grade, seriously, check the seams on your slab. This has happened to me with an ANACS (white holder) coin I bought and now an NGC coin. I can't imagine such a thing happening with PCGS or the new ANACS because of how the slabs are designed. Isn't NGC coming out with a new slab design soon? They should pick a design where the coins can't be switch out like this.

Be ever aware.

Please share any stories or information you guys may have concerning this.
A lie told often enough becomes the truth. ~Vladimir Lenin

Comments

  • STONESTONE Posts: 15,275 ✭
    I remember a thread from a year-and-a-half or two years ago about a forum member here being show by a dealer how to do this process.
    It was a scary revelation, and it still is.

    Hopefully someone remembers the thread and can resurrrect it.
  • crypto79crypto79 Posts: 8,623 ✭
    pictures please
  • rickoricko Posts: 98,724 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Did you purchase these from the same source?? Cheers, RickO
  • 21Walker21Walker Posts: 1,762 ✭✭✭
    Were they both bought from the same seller at the same time? Was there a return policy in the deal(s)? These are some of the things that have to be looked at before purchasing. Secondly, if the seller has good pix, do they match the grade on the label?

    Has it been said on this forum before 'by the coin not the holder'?

    Hasn't happened to me just to answer your question.................Rick
    If don't look like UNC, it probrably isn't UNC.....U.S. Coast Guard. Chief Petty Officer (Retired) (1970-1990)

    EBAY Items
    http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZrlamir
  • lordmarcovanlordmarcovan Posts: 43,893 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>This is the second time this has happened to me in a month. >>



    Geez. Remind me not to stand too close to you when there's lightning around. image

    Explore collections of lordmarcovan on CollecOnline, management, safe-keeping, sharing and valuation solution for art piece and collectibles.
  • UnknownUnknown
    This content has been removed.
  • 66RB66RB Posts: 2,516 ✭✭✭
    I have seen a few in the ANACS white holders, and an NGC slab or two myself.

    I saw an NGC slabat a dealer's shop, pointed it out to him, showed him that I was 'chipping the slab away at the seams'(it was crazy glue holding it together), BUT, he didn't believe me.

    Another one I saw was a 1923-S Lincoln in an ANACS white slab graded MS-64 RED , it was a BIN on eBay in FEB. of 2005 for $350. A STupid cheap price. When I recieved the coin a 5 second looksie and I was emeiling the seller to let him know I was returning it and why. The coin itself was recolored and I believe it was whizzed as well. Luckily I got my money backimage And, the seller did not relist the coin.
    Rob
    Lincoln set Colorless Set
    image
  • nicetoning42107nicetoning42107 Posts: 1,162


    << <i>Did you purchase these from the same source?? Cheers, RickO >>



    No, they were from different eBay sellers.

    I was able to return the first coin for a full refund.

    This more recent NGC coin is still pending since I just received it and just notified the seller.
    A lie told often enough becomes the truth. ~Vladimir Lenin
  • ResRes Posts: 1,086
    As a seller, how do you know the buyers won't do the same thing with an original slab? With Paypal, the buyer has really nothing to lose. Switch out the coins and then file a charge back. Pretty scary.
  • nicetoning42107nicetoning42107 Posts: 1,162
    I remind the seller of certain distinct diagnostics(die crack through the neck, gunk buildup around certain letters, etc.) on the coin in their auction picture. And then they will compare that with the coin I send back to make sure it matches up.
    A lie told often enough becomes the truth. ~Vladimir Lenin
  • PTVETTERPTVETTER Posts: 6,028 ✭✭✭✭✭
    somebody's feeling are going to get hurt. image
    along with thier wallet
    Pat Vetter,Mercury Dime registry set,1938 Proof set registry,Pat & BJ Coins:724-325-7211


  • PolarbeerPolarbeer Posts: 37
    Some images illustrating the problem would be nice, so one knows how to identify this. I just started out coin not so long ago and my first coin was in a NGC holder, I'm sure if it was nicly done I would fall for it since I have no prior experience with NGC holders. Looking at my NGC holder it seems glued together, but I don't know if it's supposed to look that way.
  • jdillanejdillane Posts: 2,365 ✭✭✭


    << <i>I purchased one coin in a holder with that kind of problem from an auction house and was sent two coins on approval from two dealers with the same kind of problem with the holder, pretty amazing that these fellows just don't check out the holders close enough before they send/sell them image >>



    I got one a couple months ago from a reputable seller. Me thinks the coin was accurately graded so I did not make a fuss. Had the coin not matched the grade, then I would have. It was a lower grade CBH in an old ANACS slab. I figure it likely was cracked out for a 7070 and carefully replaced later.
  • tahoe98tahoe98 Posts: 11,388 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>This is the second time this has happened to me in a month. >>



    Geez. Remind me not to stand too close to you when there's lightning around. image >>




    .................................image.....image
    "government is not reason, it is not eloquence-it is a force! like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master; never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action." George Washington
  • MadMartyMadMarty Posts: 16,697 ✭✭✭
    Wait until they just start buying slabs in bulk from China and reholdering their own coins! image
    It is not exactly cheating, I prefer to consider it creative problem solving!!!

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