Coin Collecting News
Editor’s Note: Coingrader Capsule occasionally runs series, such as “Crossover-, Under- and Out,” about submitting coins graded by one company to another company, either to enjoy a premium or to qualify the coin for set registries. This week we start a new series on coins stickered by Certified Acceptance Corporation (CAC), a numismatic firm whose [...]
Editor’s Note: Coingrader Capsule columnist Michael Bugeja published a commentary in the April 18 issue of Coin World questioning a PCGS policy banning “plus” designations at the Economy service level and an NGC policy banning CrossOver coins from all grading companies, except PCGS. Each case is considered separately here for Coin Update readers with explanations [...]
Readers of Coingrader Capsule know that occasionally we cover online estate auctions, noting peculiarities of grading and bidding on Internet and advocating for clearer photos of obverse and reverse as well as fair policies that include reasonable buyer’s fees and return policies. One of the top houses perfecting those basics is Western Auction whose owner, [...]
[Sing to Old Gray Mare] Them Old Green Holders ain’t what they used to be, ain’t what they used to be, ain’t what they used to be. … Them Old Green Holders ain’t what they used to be, many long years ago. … We’re talking coins in old green PCGS holders–specifically, coins labeled MS66. In [...]
In an earlier Coingrader Capsule, “Genuinely Concerned about PCGS,” we covered what appeared to be an increasing number of grade-worthy coins being returned in “Genuine” no-grade holders. PCGS uses a numerical code for no-grade coins that may have been cleaned, tooled, doctored, artificially colored, scratched or otherwise flawed. The company’s rival, NGC, also holders no-grade [...]
As regular readers know, Coingrader Capsule discusses coin grading and the various varieties and designations associated with a grade, including metallic conditions from patina to PVC contamination. Today’s column concerns the latter and a service provided by PCGS to remove spots that might arise due to contamination after a coin has been holdered. First, some [...]
The art of artificial toning is not in the alchemy but in the ability to identify natural vs. chemical patina. Some tones happen naturally because coins are stored in various types of cloth or cardboard holders containing sulfur or other compounds and materials that interact over time with copper, nickel and silver. However, because toned [...]
The Free Dictionary online defines “sleaze” as a condition of low quality or dirty appearance. Other meanings have to do with dishonesty and ethics. Let’s focus on “low quality” as a condition of a coin. Let’s discuss ethics, too, and dispense with dishonesty as that is a state of mind, which cannot be easily proved [...]
When you purchase gold coins online, you have to be especially vigilant, because even good photography cannot capture such fake details as: 1. Sunken letters or dates. These are mottoes or numbers that look as if someone deflated what should be a crisp, normal-looking font. 2. Tool marks. These are tiny, altered or raised surfaces [...]
A Dremel® is a wonderful rotary tool that serves as a drill, router, sander and even engraver. In the right hands, doing home repair, a Dremel can be indispensable. Put that tool in the hands of a “coin doctor,” and you’ve created a numismatic version of Dr. Frankenstein. Reading about coin doctoring on popular Internet [...]
