Inexpensive coins, you do not worry if the slabs get scratched. But if you had say, a $10,000 coin ( no I don't have one), and if the slab accidentally got scratched, you would have a hard time photographing it. Not only that, but it might bug you when you go to look it. So..if someone spends the money to get a $10,000 coin graded, then why don't they make a more scratch proof slab. Better yet, why don't they use a thin layer of "Gorilla Glass" a glass made for smartphones, tablets, etc that is VERY scratch resistant. Gorilla glass can be somewhat expensive, I'm guessing it would cost about $75-$100 to use a slab made from it. I know that would cost a lot, but it would be worth it for very expensive coins.
Thats actually a great idea. I dont know what it would cost but 75 to 100 seems high. This motorola electrify that Im typing this post with has gorilla glass. I think all Motorolas do now. Ive had since Oct. and not a scratch carrying it every day. Ive dropped it many times. Its amazing stuff. I bet they do use it for slabs some day.
Then you risk the coin getting lost in the mail and fighting the usps to get your money back. Acrylic scratches far too easily. The slabs are not that durable. I dont know how the scratch resistant ones hold up. Time will tell. One trip to the TPG should be enough if you get a better product.
If I am not mistaken, they sell slab protectors, and slab protector protectors are just around the corner. Kind of like buying a couch, putting protective plastic, putting a slipcover because you don't like the feel of plastic, and then putting a sheet over it to protect the slipcover.
A 10k dollar coin? That's too expensive to not keep in your pocket and those pesky slabs are just too bulky for pockets. So my suggestion is, break that poor coin out and carry it with you at all times so it's secure. :thumb:
These people who do this need to just sit on the floor or buy lawn chairs. What's the point in enjoying something if you're not going to properly use it. It's like the guy who buys the Ferrari to park in the garage and never drive it. Forget that, I'm driving the most expensive car I own a majority of the time to get my money's worth out of it.
Gorilla Glass is scratch-resistant, but not indestructible. I'm a big fan of the Motorola Droids, but have seen two different screens (both Droid X) shatter when the phones were dropped just right. A $10,000 coin should be handled very carefully, slab or not. Protect the slab and handle it gently, and you shouldn't see any scratches. This should apply to all the coins, not just the expensive ones.
I don't know about the necessity of handling them gently. They are pretty tough. If they get too badly scratched, just send em in and have em reholdered. I use my cheaper slabs (Roosevelts etc.) as coasters. That way, when I am done my drink, I have something to look at. The water doesn't damage the slab and I have not noticed any scratching as a result.
When I have a really scratched slab I use really fine steel wool and rub away until the sratches are gone. then I use Meguiar's PlastX and polish the slab with a rag.
