Is This First Generation PCGS?

I believe this is first generation PCGS slab but I am 100% sure. If it is, how much over the worth of the graded coin would you go on the slab? Also, there appears to be a nice crack on the back of the slab so that may diminish it's value. It's too bad about the

crack on the back.

 

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This is NOT a first generation PCGS slab.

The Old Sarge

 

That looks like a PCGS 3 to me.

 

That type is referred to as a "Doily" because of the intricacies in the label.
Quote from Ian Russell:
"The Doily holder is one of the most coveted holder/label types of certified coins. It was produced by PCGS for a short time from August 1989 through January 1990. Only a few of these slabs survive today and many believe that the graders were conservative during this time".

However PCGS resurrected this style for a while last year I believe, as competition to NGC's Retro Black slabs. I've seen prices for original "Doily's" fall a bit since then.

 

So is this an original "doily" slab? If so, it's a shame it's cracked on the backside.

 

It's original and I've seen cracked ones before that still brought a premium, but since the re-issue I'm not sure what the market would be on these. ??

 

But aren't we all?

 

I saw an advertisement on TV for CrackMasters, they can fix that.

 

The newly issued "doily" like slabs were only made for one of the big-time submitters to PCGS and I have not seen them have a negative effect on the real original "doily" label slabs. From what I've seen, most collectors of the old slabs think the new ones are pretty dumb and aren't really collecting them. But they are certainly not losing their love and interest in the originals! If anything, the new ones should ultimately increase interest in the old original slabs as more people are exposed to these new ones and eventually learn about the originals.


Now, regarding the slab in the OP, it is certainly an original PCGS "doily" label slab. Having one w/ a $20 St. Gaudens isn't too rare, but certainly more desirable and marketable than if it had a Morgan Dollar or a Mercury Dime which are a bit more common. That said, the condition of your slab is poor and when collectors are paying a big premium for the plastic holder, condition matters a lot. Not only is it damaged on the reverse in a focal area, but it isn't clear from your photos (which are cropped) whether the outer stacking ring is present. I assume from the damaged condition that it was likely broken off and is missing which also hurts the value. All that said, it's still collectible and worth a premium.

 

I didn't take the pics so I can't vouch for what may be missing. This coin is up for auction next month and I happened to notice it and remembered a thread about the "doily" slabs and wondered about this one. Thanks for all the info. I'll have to decide whether to bid on it or not.

 

Something else to think about too is...what is your motivation to get it? Are you wanting the coin, the slab or both? Some people like to collect slab types and IMHO that is a perfectly acceptable hobby. However, if that is your desire here...if it were me I would pass because the slab is in rough shape. Are you more after the coin? If so, what do you think it grades? The reason I ask is a lot of people get caught up in the "old slabs always upgrade" mindset and overpay. This is not the truth. Even back then, sliders existed. Yes, grading was more conservative but because of that...many of the coins that would upgrade have already been upgraded. Thus, we are left with a lot of those sliders still in the slabs. A lot of people forget about this and I have seen coins sell for prices well above their grade...when you actually look at the coin.

I admit, it's a cool piece. I would just say do your due diligence and decide what you are willing to pay in advance.

 

Have not seen it in hand yet. Have to wait until 7-7 to get a chance to look at it. So I'll make my decision then.

 

that's what I was thinking. just go by your judgment of the coin. you can get then re-slabbed cheap.

 

There is a fee to reslab...it's not bad. But, in this case...I guarantee this coin will sell for more than the COIN itself is worth because of the slab it's in.

 

For this particular coin? Probably not even that.

 

I honestly don't know. I have no interest in collecting slabs. I just know some do. I wouldn't pay $100 over what I thought the coin was worth. But some people will because they also like to collect the slab types.

It's just like any other hobby.

 

That slab isn't worth any premium--in fact, it is a huge distraction. I would not buy that coin, unless I intended to resubmit it for re-slabbing.

 

I disagree completely. The slab may not be worth anything TO YOU (or me for that matter)...but there are a lot of people out there who pay a premium for them, even when they are banged up. I personally wouldn't pay anything extra for this piece...but some would.