What Do You think of PCI?

PCI is a very interesting company. It has received very mixed reviews, regarding their grading, abilities to spot problem coins etc. But my question for you is, What do you think of PCI? Thanks. Enjoy the thread.

 

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The vast majority of the time, they overgrade.

I did purchase a proof Indian head cent in a PCI holder that I purchased for $50, and I feel it was undergraded. I broke it out of the slab and sold it at an appropriate grade for a decent profit.

This, however, is the exception instead of the rule, in my opinion.

 

Overgraders.

 

I'd never use it , but I do have a bid on a coin in one of their slabs , that I plan to get cheaper because it's in their slab .
rzage

 

I do not think you should use them. They are going to certify most all of your counterfeit coins.

 

They are known overgraders. They used to be not quite as bad but not they are a lot worse.

 

I have bought 2 or 3 of their slabbed coins. I thought they were undergraded or correctly graded but at a very good price. I always check out something for sale in their slabs if it is something I want.

 

Inconsistent, and getting worse about overgrading. There are worse graders out there, like SGS of course, but I would not send a coin to PCI.

 

A good thing too. They have been out of business for the better part of a year. Their assets were purchased by David Lawrence Rare Coins and under DLRC PCI has been dissolved. DLRC owns and operates Dominion Grading Service which is using the existing stock of old PCI style holders they purchased, but the graders and the grading process are completely different than when the company was PCI.

 

The older, green label PCI holdered coins have a good reputation, the later, gold label ones do not. A classic case of "buy the coin,not the plastic."

DGS seems determined to build a market for their coins, from what I can see so far, they are holding a pretty tight line on grading. I also like that they holder 'problem' coins with a description on the label. They are not doing bulk submissions of modern items, which I think is good. Because DLRC owns DGS, people are suspicious that they will overgrade their own coins. However, I personally believe that DLRC puts their reputation first, and will maintain a strict standard for DGS grading. Of course, time will tell!

 

Interesting thread. I have some coins from back in the late 80's that are graded by the old PCI company, they are close to being correct at least according to what I have comparable to PCGS and NGC. I think the DL group will do an ok job at what they are doing, to much at stake to risk favoritism. They are trying to establish themselves in a very "clik" market. I would actually use them right now over ANACS or ICG. There is two companies that give me the impression that they are in the water in the middle of the ocean trying to be saved and grabbing anything tossed their way.

 

I agree with your statement! With that said, I will say that you can pick-up some real bargains because a coin is in a PCI holder. I have picked up quite a few coins that were in PCI holders and graded at say MS-66 that were actually MS-64's but I paid MS-60 or less money for them. I broke some of them out and sold them raw at fairly nice premiums!


Frank

 

I look at all PCI coins very seriously as a buyer. You have to buy the coin not the slab. I have had PCI 63 that has gone to NGC 65 and I have had PCI 65 that has gone to NGC 63. These two particular examples of which I'm thinking were error coins.

Very best regards,
collect89

 

"Piece of Crap Inc"

had a trade dollar slabbed by them that turned out to be fake.

 

Bought a 1904 MS 64 Rd 1904 IHC in PCI holder and sent in to NGC and they said it was altered color. Learning experience for me. I can see now the altered color secondary to studying a lot of altered color coins, but when I bought it I couldn't tell. The MS 64 was accurately graded in my opinion.

 

I have a couple of coins in PCI gold slabs that I am very happy with. As always, buyers who know what to look for and study their series can find bargains in those holders. (I'm no expert, I think I just got lucky!)

 

I wish to thank all who have nominated my posts.

 

I think your next post should be: "you're welcome."

 

Rofl

 

Isaiah,

You march to the beat of different drummer don't you.