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Viewers of Coin Update know that I have posted several articles about the beautiful toning patterns of older green-label PCI-holdered American Silver Eagles. This was one of my most popular posts from a few years back.
Here’s an image of some of my PCI/PCGS crossovers:
Shortly after the above article was published, and after I had sent part of my ASE collection to PCGS as crossovers, I received an email from a Coin Update viewer. He wrote:
I’ve read a few of your blogs on PCI-toned Morgans and Silver Eagles. I’ve seen your crazy set on PCGS. I have a question on PCI eagles crossing over to PCGS holders. I’ve crossed all of my pretty ASE’s over to PCGS to get the TrueView images. I’ve been doing this for the past 3 years or so. I have a major problem with them going bad as soon as I put them in PCGS holders. Just wondering if you have had a similar experience? Beautiful PCI Eagles turning dark around edges, 2+ months or so after TrueView. It’s like they build up mold on the edges, it’s not mold, but that’s how it looks. It gets worse with time. Just wanting to know if this has affected you to, and what to do. I’ve recently started not crossing them.
Note that the PCI label states 100% white. The mold-like color here turned the patina to black.
So here again, we cannot place blame on PCGS. As noted, the toning might have stopped in older PCGS holders. And as you can see, it continues in some PCI ones.
Nevertheless, prices for these PCI/PCGS crossovers have skyrocketed to more than $1,000 for a typical rainbow-colored coin. A few years ago, the most I would pay would be a few hundred dollars.
The purpose of this post is to advise you to check the coin against the TrueView before making a bid or buying one.
I found these coins on eBay, and the seller was conscientious, not using the TrueView image but photographing the coins so there was no mistaking the color. Because Gold Shield holders typically come with TrueView, I will show you the photo next to the eBay coin whose colors exhibit the same type of discoloring when compared with the original photo.
These are still lovely coins as they contain nice patterns. But the darkening color might continue.
It is also true that these PCI/PCGS crossovers can develop even more beautiful colors, as in this example. The above photo was taken three years ago. I sent the coin back to PCGS with Gold Shield for reholdering. Now look at the deepening radar toning:
I have four black swan nickels plus countless other errors on new and old coins. I have copper coated quarter’s and nickels plus dimes. I am not a collector. I need to know the value of my collection. Please advise.
Coin Update does not advise on values.
I have a state quarter 1788 1999 Georgia a bump on his neck what is that called and is it worth anything
Thank you Michael for the article update. I recall buying a few coins from you in the past and I know I’ve said something to you in the past about the unstable toning of PCI ASEs. PCI toned ASEs have been my passion for the last 3 years or so. Just love the colors and patterns! I’ve probably got close to 400 of them now, almost all PCI slabs. Whenever I buy them, I take photos and label the file name with the date so I know how the color develops over time.
Not sure if the source of the toning is the ink in the label or if it’s the white gasket. I’ve done chemical analysis on the green ink and PCGS ink and found that they had the same sulfur content, so maybe PCGS compartmentalizes the label better than PCI did. There is certainly a toning color and pattern difference between the green and gold labels. To throw a monkey wrench into the ink theory is that I have a pair of ASE proofs in Dominion slabs with the typical green label toning. So maybe it is the white gasket? (I’ve done other experiments on this front I will spare you the time. I’ve thought about writing a book or something on the PCI ASE toning subject, just don’t have the time!)
If you break them out of the PCI slab, the toning is going to start to accelerate (once exposed to new oxygen?). Doesn’t mater which TPG they eventually go in or how they are stored. I’ve got a folder of maybe 50 Trueview photos and current photos of ASEs that show the color changing to the ugly side and a folder of maybe 5 Trueviews of ASEs that have gotten prettier. So the majority of the time, the toning of PCI ASEs will accelerate and go terminal.
If you store the PCI slabs in a box at room temperature, then you shouldn’t see much change over time. It has been interesting tracking the changes. If you store the PCI slab in a warm place, the color will advance. It also depends on the toning color and if it’s a green or gold label slab. The change can happen within a matter of days! I don’t recommend storing in a warm place. I don’t think storing them in different types of boxes matters since the slab should mostly be sealed up, otherwise oxygen would make its way into the slab and accelerate the toning and go terminal (for all of them) by themselves, which doesn’t happen.
Unfortunately, a handful of ASEs in PCGS slabs have gone for big money recently, which is an incentive for people to break these beauties out to fetch more money in PCGS. I shed a tear each time I see it because I know they will eventually go terminal much sooner than if they had stayed in the PCI slab. Anyone should feel free to contact me regarding PCI ASEs. I’m actively buying the absolute monster PCI toners – ASEs, ASE proofs, Liberia proofs, anything with beautiful PCI toning!
Dear Aaron, thanks for this post. I had 72 PCI to PCGS crossovers at one time. Only 12 remain, and those do not have the Gold Shield. One has gotten a lot prettier. I don’t think they all go terminal. The toning stops when the chemical process does. Nevertheless, people should be wary of these toned coins and insist on both the PCGS TrueView and the current state photo. Those on eBay only showing TrueView may have something to hide.
I’d agree, not all go terminal. Time will tell how far the colors will change. I actually don’t have many PCGS ASEs to watch their progress, just monitored what have been for sale. Take cert number 28491744 up on eBay right for example. That’s an old cert number and that puppy is toast! Almost no color left. That would be a good one as an example in your article. Many of the ones on eBay right now have lost almost all of their pretty colors and the cert numbers aren’t that old. Couple years? I’m sure not all will become that way like you said, but I can count 5x to 10x more that have. Another odd example is cert number 19138624. The TV was a typical red and orange color, but the color had changed enough from the TV that the person had it re-imaged, which means PCGS re-exposed it. From what is shown now in the TV, it quickly changed to a mind blowing blue for almost the entire coin within a month or two, but after another month or two after that, completely gray!
I’m glad you posted another article warning people to check the current condition of the PCI ASEs in PCGS slabs before buying and not relying solely on the TVs. Another guy (Gunnel) and I have been advocating to keep ASEs in their PCI slabs whenever we get the chance. Sellers on eBay will get frustrated when eBay takes down their PCI listing, not realizing eBay’s policy on them, then crack the ASEs out of the slab and try to sell them raw. I’ve been messaging sellers early to avoid this. If you cover up the grade, eBay will allow the listing to stay up. I realize people want to sell their PCI ASEs at big auction houses, but they don’t allow to sell anything PCI for obvious reasons, so they get crossed into PCGS. Kind of too bad, but I get it. It’s their coin, they can do whatever they want, just want them to know what usually happens to the color though and for potential buyers. If people really want a TV style photo without cracking the ASE out of the PCI slab, there are a number of folks who do a great job imaging the coin in the slab for a small fee or no fee at all.
You mentioned humidity as well affecting the toning. I’d agree with you, but I don’t really know how much it effects the toning. Maybe it was a humid day when PCGS slabbed the coin that day and the moisture gets trapped in the slab, who knows, but the slab should stay sealed up pretty tight to keep moisture in or out (just like oxygen) over time. This would create a limiting chemical reaction inside the slab and the toning should eventually stop in theory, but when it stops, nobody knows. As for the mold-type terminal toning, maybe moisture had been introduced somehow. Not sure. I’ve got one gold label ASE where the plastic slab had come apart along the seam and someone glued the plastic slab back together in a couple of spots and the color really hasn’t changed for the 3 years I’ve owned it, but I keep my coins in a dry and cool place.
Thanks again, Aaron. One of the issues I have concerning PCGS is its refusal to slab PCI Morgans that have the same toning as ASE. I send them raw or slabbed to PCGS. It says questionable color. I send them to NGC and cross over to PCGS for TrueView. Again, in all of these examples, the toning stops when the chemical stops. It’s just the nature. However, PCI toning continues in many examples. And the ones that you state are representative of this. People are asking ridiculous prices on eBay for these. And I wouldn’t bid $50 on many of them.
You think you’d have better success crossing by leaving them in the PCI slab for sure. Weird why they won’t cross. The unstable PCI toning I mentioned above is mainly for ASEs (fresh silver with high chemical affinity), but also for other modern pure silver coins that you can often find in PCI holders. For old silver like Morgans, I think the PCI toning is more stable (lower chemical affinity since an oxide film has developed over a 100 years), but I don’t have any examples and don’t follow Morgans at all, so don’t quote me on that. Just a theory. Same for older dimes and Franklins. Seems like they might have a more stable toning. I’ve got a Franklin proof that has the typical PCI toning and it has stayed that way for years now. It’s even in an older PCGS holder, but that’s also just one data point.
Up above I said, “I have a pair of ASE proofs in Dominion slabs with the typical green label toning.” – I double checked and they are actually in the nearer style “railroad track” PCI slabs from the 2012-2019 era.
Dear Coin Update,
I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for your insightful article on TrueView on PCI (Professional Coin Grading Service) and PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) crossovers. As a coin enthusiast, I found your analysis and explanations regarding these grading services and the process of crossover submissions to be highly informative.
Your article offers several key points that make it a valuable resource for collectors interested in understanding TrueView on PCI and PCGS crossovers. Here are a few aspects that stood out to me:
Explanation of TrueView: Your article provides a clear overview of TrueView, highlighting its purpose and benefits. The detailed description of the imaging process and the advantages of showcasing coins in their best light help collectors understand the importance of accurate and appealing visual representation.
Comparison of PCI and PCGS: The side-by-side comparison of these two well-known grading services is particularly useful. You highlight the similarities and differences, such as their grading standards, holder design, and reputation within the numismatic community. This comparison helps readers make informed decisions when considering crossover submissions.
Crossover Process: Your article delves into the intricacies of the crossover process, including the factors to consider, the potential outcomes, and the associated costs. This information provides valuable insights for collectors who are contemplating sending their coins for reevaluation and potential regrading.
Expert Commentary: The inclusion of expert opinions and experiences from collectors and professionals in the field adds depth and credibility to the article. Hearing perspectives from individuals who have firsthand experience with TrueView and crossover submissions enhances the readers’ understanding and gives them valuable insights.
To further enhance the article, you might consider providing some practical tips or guidance for collectors who are considering TrueView on PCI and PCGS crossovers. This could include advice on selecting the appropriate coins for crossover, understanding the grading criteria of each service, and preparing the coins for submission.
Thank you for sharing this insightful article on TrueView on PCI and PCGS crossovers. Your attention to detail, comparison of the grading services, and expert commentary make it a valuable resource for coin collectors. If you have more informative articles or updates on numismatic topics, I look forward to exploring them.
Thank you so much for your post, Dave. I think your summary above will be of great use to others reading this commentary. The issue with PCI/PCGS crossovers not only pertains to American Silver Eagles but also Morgan dollars. PCGS/NGC label those as artificial or questionable toning. I will try to find out there is this distinction that ASEs can crossover but not Morgans. In any case, the beauty is fleeting for many crossovers. So buyers must be wary.
Thank you for sharing the link to the article titled “Fleeting Beauty: Check TrueView on PCI-PCGS Crossovers” from CoinUpdate.com. While I am unable to access the specific content of the article, I can provide you with a general response and offer some insights on the topic of TrueView on PCI-PCGS crossovers.
When it comes to coin grading and authentication, TrueView is a service provided by various grading companies, including PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), which allows collectors and investors to view high-resolution images of coins encapsulated in their holders. TrueView images are intended to provide a clear representation of the coin’s condition, surfaces, and overall visual appeal.
Regarding PCI (Paramount International Coin Corporation) to PCGS crossovers, it’s important to note that PCI was a grading company that operated independently before ceasing operations in 2012. When collectors or investors submit PCI-graded coins for crossover to PCGS, the coins undergo a reevaluation and grading process to determine their authenticity and condition according to PCGS standards.
The TrueView service offered by PCGS can be valuable for individuals considering PCI-PCGS crossovers. By providing detailed images of the coins, TrueView allows potential crossovers to evaluate the coin’s quality and compare it to the PCGS grading standards. It provides an opportunity to assess any differences in grading opinions between PCI and PCGS.
However, it’s important to approach crossovers with caution and conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Factors such as market demand, rarity, and collector preferences should also be taken into account. Consulting with reputable coin dealers or numismatic experts can provide additional guidance and insights when considering such crossovers.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a PCI-PCGS crossover should be based on individual goals, preferences, and the specific coin in question. It’s recommended to gather as much information as possible and consider multiple perspectives before proceeding with any grading or crossover decisions.
I hope this general response sheds some light on the topic of TrueView on PCI-PCGS crossovers. If you have further questions or require more specific information, feel free to ask.
Thanks so much, Dave, for advancing the discussion. I appreciate posts like yours that add value and insight to my columns.