I've never actually submitted a coin to be graded before... am seriously considering having one sent in to get an idea of what the process is like. I have a proof 1986-S Statue of Liberty Commemorative half dollar that I've lost the original packaging for but it is still in the mint-issued capsule. Yes, I know this coin is probably not worth the grading fee, but would still like to submit it to get a sample for the grading process (thinking ANACS, they seem more reasonable cost-wise and have an easier submission process) and also would like more a more attractive way to keep it than the chipped plastic capsule with no packaging. Checked the ANACS site, they want the coins to be shipped in mylar flips. How would you suggest removing it from its capsule in a way that won't damage it, and how to handle it into the mylar flip, and how to package it properly for shipping? I know this isn't a coin of high value, but value it has I want it to keep, lol... want to practice the process for a coin of lower value before moving to ones more worth grading. Any advice?
I would leave it in the Mint holder and send it to them....I think if you add $1 they will take it out of the holder themselves....then you don't have to worry about messing up the coin. Speedy
Will ask them about that... honestly if they would accept it in the mint capsule and charge me $1 to take it out themselves I'd see that as being worth the dollar, lol. Would save me the effort of getting it out of it and the risk of damaging the coin in the process. I don't think the mint ever took it into account that someone may want to take the coins out of their holders at some point. I have a 1 pound proof from the British mint where the holder just screws open if you ever want to take it out.
HI SPEEDY Do they always take the coin out of the holder or will they grade it and send it back with there logo in the holder it came in? If not a $1.00 seems like not enough momey, just asking I have never sent in a coin for grading so you would know.
NGC will grade Silver Proof Ikes in the Mint holders if you ask them to. All of the other TPGs will remove the coin from the Mint holder and encapsulate it in one of their own holders. Charlie
When I submitted a coin to PCGS in 2003, I put it in a mylar flip, and used cotton gloves when handling the coin. I then wrapped the flip a couple times in bubble wrap. Put one small piece of tap on the bubble wrap, just enough to hold it in place. Put it in a small box and mailed it USPS priority mail with a delivery conformation. Of course I had to pay the $49 to join their club for one year. I submitted other coins that year in the same method. I to just wanted to see how it was done. My first graded coin came back in 17 days, no problems. Jim
About what I did... I didn't get delivery confirmation or insurance though (I'm already paying more than the coin is worth to have it graded, lol, not going to increase that any more with the delivery). ANACS at least doesn't require any membership to submit to them. For the 10 day service they charge $15, plus had to pay $11 shipping and insurance to have it returned. They have cheaper economy and modern (1964 to present) services but have to send at least 5 coins per submission to get those prices. Will let you know what it comes back as... no expert but think it shouls be Proof-66 at least. Doubt it will get cameo though.
Just got it back today... wish could post pictures but my scanner doesn't scan well thru the plastic and haven't had much luck getting my digital camera to get decent pictures of coins. Came back PF-69 DCAM... higher than I was expecting really, chalk it up to inexperience at grading or the fact the scratched up capsule it was in made it hard to get a good fix on a grade. Guess I can see the DCAM when I look at it a certain way... how does one determine whether a proof qualifys for cameo, deep cameo, ultra cameo? I was always impressed my the mirrored fields, but I have seen a modern proof commemorative without them; I know it's judged mainly on the contrast between the devices and the fields, but how much is needed for cameo designations? Anyway other than taking about a week longer than the promised turn-around time (though I noticed they are no longer offering a 10 day service, it's now a 15 day service) I'm pretty satisfied with ANACS. The holder looks great too, grade easy to see, and can actually see the edge of the coin.
They would have graded it after they had taken it out of the capsule... THey are one and the same....PCGS uses DCAM and NGC uses Ultra CAM. Speedy
