I haven't looked at the coin in a while, but I don't recall that area being crystallized. It may be slightly chipped, or it might just be an irregular flan. I'm not sure off the top of my head. In any case, I'd be happy with an opinion on authenticity. I considered that, but economy has a $300 limit, doesn't it? The only tribute pennies I was able to find under $300 were fakes, fourrée, or had some very serious issues.
How about sasanian coins? I confirmed that for some reasons NGC does not authenticate sasanian coins.
Is this an option on request? I know they do photos for things that don't fit their plastic (small, large, thick) but I did not know you could get something other than a plastic box for regular coins from NGC.
Heritage has been having many of their lots issued just with a photo certificate from NGC, saying you can get it slabbed by contacting one of their employees. I suspect this may be because of some backlash by dealers who said they weren't able to view the coin for lotviewing and therefore couldn't render a fully informed opinion (which is a very, very valid issue). I'm not sure if there are extra hoops involved for us mere mortals but it is at least a possibility. (See this lot as an example, not my coin unfortunately: https://coins.ha.com/itm/roman-impe...093.s?ic4=GalleryView-ShortDescription-071515 )
NGC doesn't holder Sasanian coins because they can be fragile and they can break when put into the cores, either in half or chip on the edge where the prongs are. Barry Murphy
Paul M., Yes there is technically a $300 limit for economy service. With the chipping on the edge this coin could slide through at that level. Barry Murphy
That's actually a somewhat interesting alternative to a Sear certificate. I'd be interested to hear if anyone knows more about how to get an NGC photo cert.
Since NGC is willing issue a photo cert without encapsulating the coin, the problem of fragility of the Sasanians is negated. Don't slab it; just issue a photo cert .