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To crack or not to crack that is the question.

Is it better to face the possibility of extreme prejudice? Or, just crack that sucker out and submit it to whom you will.

It seems to me there is a perception out there that certain grading companies are somewhat prejudiced about the other's grading methods.

So, do you think it is better to crack a coin out of it's holder and submit it "raw" to one of the others, or attempt a crossover in the holder it came in?

Next question:

This is a perception of mine. How many of you have ever submitted a "raw" coin that you are really sure makes the grade, and actually gets the grade it deserves?

How many have submitted a coin that meets the top grade known, and actually received that grade?



I want to thank all of you for everything you've posted in these forums. Even with 45 years of "collecting" behind me, I've learned a great deal since I've been here(1 month).

You can teach an old dog new tricks!

You guys are great!

Thanks!
I should say " My wife thinks I need help."

Comments

  • blu62vetteblu62vette Posts: 11,945 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think it really depends on the coin and how much is at stake if you crack and then have a problem coin. With mine I would rather have a holder than no holder so I tend to try crossovers. It also depends on the coin and the reason for submission, whether selling the coin or for my collection. A commonly counterfeited coin is better in any holder than no holder.
    http://www.bluccphotos.com" target="new">BluCC Photos Shows for onsite imaging: Nov Baltimore, FUN, Long Beach http://www.facebook.com/bluccphotos" target="new">BluCC on Facebook
  • sinin1sinin1 Posts: 7,500
    why do you want the crossover?
    what is the motivation for doing it?


    for the 3rd world slabs, it is a no brainer

    for ANACS and ICG, it depends on what is on the slab
    and what you want to be on it
    -- there are some varieties that ANACS has on their slab, where it would not be worth the cost
    of getting the same on a PCGS slab

    for NGC/PCGS we are back to
    how well do you grade
    and upside ve downside

    keep in mind, if it is close, since they can not see the edge or possible problems on the edge
    they will pass

    which is why a crack-out has a slightly better chance of crossing than a slab
    but with the crack-out an occasional no-grade may be found
  • BroadstruckBroadstruck Posts: 30,497 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>I think it really depends on the coin and how much is at stake if you crack and then have a problem coin. With mine I would rather have a holder than no holder so I tend to try crossovers. It also depends on the coin and the reason for submission, whether selling the coin or for my collection. A commonly counterfeited coin is better in any holder than no holder. >>



    image
    To Err Is Human.... To Collect Err's Is Just Too Much Darn Tootin Fun!
  • My last crack I turned a $ 3500 coin into a $ 375 coin....lol...
  • My last crack I turned a $ 3500 coin into a $ 375 coin....lol...

    Boy, thats nothing to laugh at!! Mind if I inquire as to which particular coin/date/MM, etc???


  • << <i>My last crack I turned a $ 3500 coin into a $ 375 coin....lol... >>




    your crack out only changed the perception of value, the coin should have remaind unchanged.......... image


  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,599 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I started by trusting my eye. If a coin is mis-graded, it's mis-graded.
    Having never cracked a coin out of a holder and submitted it I don't think I'll start now. I just send them in for crossover /or for a 'minimum grade' that I select on the submission form, in the event that I think the coin will upgrade.

    I personally think if a coin is worthy of a PCGS holder, it's not worth cracking out. Let the pros do the dirty work. Why risk hurting yourself ? If I'm going to let them push the car, they can push it and I will steer.

    Joe
  • lkeigwinlkeigwin Posts: 16,893 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Good advice here. Most of the time a cross with minimum grade is your best bet. Each situation is different.

    If you choose to crack, be very confident in your coin. There are many sad stories to read if you poke around, about bodybags.
    Lance.
  • "why do you want the crossover?
    what is the motivation for doing it?


    for the 3rd world slabs, it is a no brainer"


    Motivation? To make sure that the coin, either for sale or collection, has the highest value possible. Most of the time that means a PCGS holder. I don't want to be disappointed 15 years from now
    if I sell my collection, only to find out that half don't meet PCGS standards. If I find the rejects now I can sell and replace them.




    Next question:

    This is a perception of mine. How many of you have ever submitted a "raw" coin that you are really sure makes the grade, and actually gets the grade it deserves?

    How many have submitted a coin that meets the top grade known, and actually received that grade?
    I should say " My wife thinks I need help."
  • ColonialCoinUnionColonialCoinUnion Posts: 10,087 ✭✭✭
    For the average, non-expert grader, I would say that cracking any coin out is probably more likely to result in a downgrade than it is in a cross or an upgrade.
  • MidLifeCrisisMidLifeCrisis Posts: 10,550 ✭✭✭✭✭
    If I were trying to cross a coin into a PCGS slab, I would NOT crack the coin out of another TPG slab to do so.
  • Thank you,

    That seems to be the direction of consensus unless the coin is grossly misgraded, and sometimes even then.

    I am leaning toward that choice.
    I should say " My wife thinks I need help."
  • pennyanniepennyannie Posts: 3,929 ✭✭✭
    I am going to crack 5 anacs/ngc ms 63/64 v-nickels. I would not crack any higher graded ones myself.
    Mark
    NGC registry V-Nickel proof #6!!!!
    working on proof shield nickels # 8 with a bullet!!!!

    RIP "BEAR"
  • sinin1sinin1 Posts: 7,500
    Motivation? To make sure that the coin, either for sale or collection, has the highest value possible. Most of the time that means a PCGS holder. I don't want to be disappointed 15 years from now
    if I sell my collection, only to find out that half don't meet PCGS standards. If I find the rejects now I can sell and replace them.



    if that is the case, just buy them and keep them in PCGS slab


    the reason you get 'bargain basement prices' on coins in other slabs, is they are bargain basement coins compared to PCGS

    the new PLUS grading will make it even more so

    you have to be a rather good grader to be able to consistently be able to know how PCGS grades the series


    even comparing JUST NGC and PCGS on a few series, you can some can tell
    this will get this designation from NGC and this will get from PCGS
    and it will be worth $XX in this and $XX in that


    there arre some very astute people around here and as an example
    with 50's-70's proof/SMS coins
    they know which service to send a particular coin to be able to maximize value
    because of the grade/designation



    so when buying your coins, don't buy by the cover - actually look at the coin, and make sure the cover fits

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