How does one go about having coins graded by PCGS? Is it expensive? Do you send then off? I acquired quite a few Morgan dollars from my step father a few years ago. 5 are CC mint marks, in plastic (I guess) cases that say uncirculated. They do all seem to be very pretty coins, very little wear, lots of luster. Also a few gold coins that are encased but not graded. Also, how can you tell if a coin has been cleaned? Any help would be appreciated. There are quite a few coins here, would it be better to start with a local coin shop and then submit?
I'm just a newbie, but yes, you send them off. You can also have a LCS (local coin shop) submit for you and it may be cheaper if they will do that for you. The LCS can also take them to a coin show and submit them there (saves you a few bucks on shipping, at least *to* the TPG). Costs vary. TPG websites give prices.
I'd get some local opinions or post pictures here to see if folks think they are worth grading, if they've been harshly cleaned, etc. Very friendly group here.
WyCo: you need to become a PCGS member to be able to send coins directly in for grading. I don't know their yearly fees. I am a member at NGC and I get 5 free submissions for the ~$100 annual fee. If you don't want to pay the yearly membership, than you can either use a LCS or find a PCGS member to submit them for you. Before you go to that trouble, it would be good to understand what coins you do have. You mentioned 5 CC Morgan dollars. Can you share the dates? Do you have any grading experience? IMO, some coins just arent't worth the money it costs to have them graded. Figure a $30-$40 per coin fee when all is said and done. If your goal is to protect the coins, then I recommend buying some airtites. Please post dates and pictures if possible. Many will be able to give you sound advice on the coins. Without knowing the coins potential grade, it's impossible to give accurate advice.
Thanks, I need to look at some of the threads on taking photos of coins, getting way too much glare and too many shadows.
Just to give an idea, there is an 87 graded MS64, 80S graded MS65, 85O graded 64PL,and an 83O graded MS65. 3 others that say uncirculated on their cases, an 82CC, an 85CC and a 83 CC. Also an 83CC, 84CC and a 78CC that are not graded, but are in hard plastic containers and very nice condition. Another 15 that have really sharp detail and luster, then another 14 that look circulated.
Post some photos for us to see. I can tell you the 1880-S is a very common date and are easy to find in high grade. Assuming it's accurately graded at MS65, it's not worth the price to submit. I would say the same thing for the 1887, 1885-O, and the 1883-O. As for the CC dates...none of the dates you listed are especially rare, but all CC Morgans have value. Before spending your money on getting them graded...I'd post photos here and lets us look at them and grade them. That will help you decide what's worth doing. Also, what is your motivation for having them graded?
The ones with a grade, were graded already by one of the grading companies, NGC Not sure of my motivation to tell you the truth. Curious maybe, in case we want to liquidate them at some point, lots of reasons I guess
Also, I wrote a couple of years back about the one kilo "coins" I have from him. Crazy dragons with diamond eyes, etc. I guess I want to make sure what I hold on to is worth holding on to
Cruddy pictures, but you can understand why I have questions. I will do a bit more research and come back later with questions
Two things. When you post a picture, can you make sure it's right side up? Second, put a list together of the Morgan's and their grade. If they are already in a NGC holder, IMO, there is no need to send them to PCGS. List example: 1878-CC: ungraded 1882-CC: MS64 GSA graded by NGC BTW, that 1883 CC you posted is in a GSA holder. It doesn't look like it was graded yet. Tough to tell from the picture, but looks to be around an MS64. That way we can take a look and give some guidance. The 78 and 85 CC coins are of higher value (depending on grade) than the 82, 83 and 84. The 83-O that's PL will also has a little more value.
