"PCGS has detected over 5,500 counterfeit coins submitted in the last 12 months" I would have figured a much higher number. If every collector in the US would write congress, it would be a really cool thing. At the same time, we would just be in line with all the other fake stuff that comes into the US. It's great that PCGS is trying to help. It's a tough battle.
They need to make ALL fakes illegal, stamped copy or not....they should never be allowed to enter customs.
Nothing will happen. China proclaimed (in front of a bonfire that they claimed was filled with bootleg DVD's) they were going to put a stop to counterfeit merchandise. That was in 1999. How'd that work out everyone? Dear PCGS: it's suppose to get worse, then better, then worse for, like, forever dudes. "Better antibotics make better bacteria." Psychopath's Bible
Same PCGS attorney in the "delegation of professional numismatists scheduled to meet in Washington on June 27 with Congressman Lamar Smith (R, Texas), Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary" who filed that frivolous coin doctor complaint that got nowhere. Boy I sure hope he has better luck here.
This is a crisis and threatens the integrity of collecting, potentially, in all areas. We need a new piracy and counterfeit czar to be tasked and empowered to go after the crooks with a stretched out arm. I just hope Congress and the President wake up to this before it is too late.
From a collector's perspective, I like how PCGS is trying to tackle one of the largest problems facing all collecting. However, as a business, why would PCGS want to limit the number of counterfeit coins in the US? Although the "threat" would still exist if there were less counterfeits, some may find that authentication of some of their not-so-valuable coins would not be worthwhile........ Just my 2c
I sent my first coin to be authenticated to ANACS in 1979. I thought it was the "deal of the century" for 10 bucks. I didn't realize at the time that I was taking anti botics (fixes a problem but makes you weaker) because I didn't want to realize it. It was cheap and easy. When TPG's started in 1986, the effect was the same. Even though issue was grading the incentive to learn authentication disappeared. We are dead center in the Quaker oil commerical: "You can pay me now or you can pay me later." Later is here. It will get better when we learn authentication, like we should have been doing all along and stop buying this junk.
