First off, I cannot believe how complicated the process is. But, to my question. I want to submit 5 coins. The grading materials say to put them in 2.5 x 2.5 flips, but no stapling or taping. Question is, how do I make sure they don't come open during transit if I can't staple or tape them? Is it the rubber band around them that is supposed to keep them sealed?
Are you using cardboard flips? I've found the all mylar flips are the best. Like the one in the picture here: Coin Flip - What is a Coin Flip?
Well, despite them telling me not too, I stapled my flips. I didn't have immediate access to air-tites, so I will accept the $1 penalty per coin. I sent 5 coins, 2 that were previously in NGC MS-63 holders (hoping the come back the same), and 3 that were bought GEM BU from Coast To Coast coin. I am hoping for MS-63 from them, but wouldn't be surprised if they come back AU-58 or MS-60.
Hopefully, your Coast to Coast coins won't come back as "cleaned", as one of mine recently did. See my results in this thread: http://www.cointalk.com/t77512/
It is tough letting the coins go like that and I would not use an airtite. But when my father sends them in - it is two rubber bands to secure them. You get use to it - even though I still sweat a little.
When I started sending coins into NGC, I ordered a pack of Saflip 2x2 PVC free flips. Cost a few dollars. I then put the coin in there and stick a rubberband around them. I never had any problems. I always package them up really good too with bubble wrap. Good luck.
I have a question, if I was going to send 5 silver quarters in out of a proof set, could I leave them in the mint packaging and would NGC break them out?
That's good information to know. I always thought you had to break them out yourself and put them into flips or they would send them back. Maybe I am thinking of PCGS. TC
I agree. I've been looking into submitting some stuff just to see what they get there. But it seems like a very complicated process to get started. And IMO, the fees seem high for the quality of service you get. $16 per coin for the economy service? 5 coin minimum? And that will get you a 39 day turn around? Then you have to pay extra fees for variety designations. So the cheapest possible submission is basically $80 in fees for 5 measly coins, plus shipping and insurance down there and back. Figure over $100 min. for any submission. And the economy is currently a 39 day wait. Then you might end up getting the worthless details grade, purple label after all that when you're least expecting it. Thereby achieving nothing but authentication from the deal. I believe it just doesn't pay for the average collector to submit stuff themselves unless they're really curious and have money to burn or they're trying to hit it big playing the PF70 game. I might try it once but I'm betting I won't feel good about it afterwards. After adding up the cost, it's no wonder there are so many loose coins left out there.
You betcha ! You're absolutely right ... slabbing isn't for everybody, and it isn't for all coins. There are several reasons, and the #1 reason is cost. With that in mind, it's odd how many low value coins wind up in slabs. Of course, another major reason is that many of those loose coins won't pass muster. Be careful with raw coins ! Be especially careful when comparing raw coins of the "same" grade with slabbed coins and think you're getting an "awesome deal" buying raw. In some cases, those raw coins sell for less than the "same" coin in a slab for good reason - the raw coins have problems. In particular, early US silver has very little quality raw stuff; all the good ones are slabbed.
