Mail Bag – Should I Only Buy Slabbed Coins?

US Mail Bag

Today’s Mail Bag question comes from Amanda and it is a question that many modern collectors face. Should I buy slabbed coins and only buy slabbed coins? The answer, like so many in our hobby, depends on you. They write, Hi, I’ve been collecting for a year now and I’ve started buying slabbed coins from NGC and PCGS. Is that the best way to collect? It seems safer as they are likely genuine coins and …

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PCGS Begins Certifying Qualifying Proof Like Coins

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Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has begun offering the desirable “Prooflike” designation to qualifying Mint State Coins, Tokens, and Medals. It applies to both United States coinage as well as world coinage. As of July 1, all mint state coins, tokens and medals, U.S. and world, that meet the PCGS Prooflike standards now are eligible for PL designation. Brett Charville, PCGS President PCGS defines Prooflike when on a coin’s surface there is a clear reflection …

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Review – 7th Edition of Grading Standards for United States Coins

Grading Standards for United States Coins 7th Edition

When it comes to coin grading, there are few books that hold the stature of The Official American Numismatic Association Grading Standards for United States Coins. This year, the 7th edition of this grading tool was published, bringing welcome improvements to the already outstanding grading guide. Editing by Numismatics stalwart Kenneth Bressett and with narrative from Q. David Bowers, the book not only provides you a wealth of information about grading your coins, but also …

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Mail Bag – Is There a Good Coin Grading Book?

US Mail Bag

Today’s Mail Bag question is from Carl B. and it concerns coin grading books. They write, Hi, I wanted to ask what you think is a good coin grading book. I’ve been looking and there are a lot of them. I’m new to coin collecting and I’m looking for a book that will help me get better and grading what I have. Carl First Carl, thanks for your question and taking the time to send …

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NGC to Accept Submissions at The Long Beach Expo

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For those who will be attending the famed Long Beach Expo in a few weeks time, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, or NGC, will be there to accept your coin submissions for grading. As they are doing this weekend at the Whitman Summer Expo, NGC will be accepting coins at the Long Beach Expo from Thursday, June 6 through 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, 2019. The Long Beach Expo is being held at the Long Beach …

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NGC Creates Special Holder for American Legion Coin and Veterans Medal Set

NGC 2019 American Legion Silver Coin Holder

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation, or NGC, has announced they will be offering special holders with special designations for the upcoming release of the American Legion Proof silver dollar and the American Veterans Silver Medal. The designations of “Early Releases” and “First Releases” will also be available for the Mint sealed set of these coins that arrive at NGC within the first 30 days of release. As readers likely know, the American Legion and Veterans Medal set …

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NGC to Accept Submissions at the Whitman Summer Expo

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Good news for those of you who will be attending the Whitman Summer Expo later this month. NGC will be there and will be accepting regular submissions for coin grading throughout the event. The Whitman Summer Expo is happening at the Baltimore Convention Center from Thursday May 23 through Noon on Saturday, May 25 During that time, you can go to the NGC Booth (#562) and drop off your coins. NGC notes that cut-off times …

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NGC Creates Special Holder for Uncirculated 2019-W Lincoln Cent

NGC 2019-W Uncirculated Holder

As they have done with the 2019-W Lincoln Cent in Proof and Reverse Proof, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) is creating a new, special holder for the upcoming Uncirculated variant of the coin. NGC is celebrating this particular 2019-W Cent with a special attribution of First “W” Uncirculated Cent, as well as NGC’s West Point Mint Gold Star Label, both of which are provided for no additional fee. NGC Press Release As readers know by now, the 2019 Uncirculated …

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NGC Creates Special Three-Coin Holder for 2019-W Cents

NGC Multi-Coin Holder for 2019-W Cents

NGC has announced a new, three-coin holder will be available for the 2019-W Lincoln Cents that have been produced by the US Mint. The three-coin holder will hold the Uncirculated, Reverse Proof, and Proof variants of the 2019 Cent produced at the West Point Mint. Unfortunately for the majority of collectors, the holder is only available to those who make bulk submissions. That is, at least 50 sets of all three coins with an additional …

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Quick Tip – Best Way to Verify Coin Certifications

NGC Certification Verification App

You are looking at that rare Barber Dime online or at a coin show. It’s a 1893 graded at MS-65. Book value says that this coins should be around $250 but a dealer is willing to sell it for $50. It’s NGC certified according to the slab so it has to be legit, right? That’s when verifying a coin certifications is critical. Unfortunately, not necessarily. Coin fraud is a significant problem in our hobby with …

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