I've been seeing these all over ebay. Are they just basement slabs or is it just a third tier grading service? How badly do they overgrade coins? I haven't bought any and don't plan to, but I was just curious about them. How do they get away with selling them on ebay?
Here is Conder101's info on these slabs from another forum: "GSA is a fourth tier self slabber that has been around for about eight months to a year. [note this post was written in late 2012] The shells are those developed by a company called Certified Silver Investments. CSI started off years ago marketing NGC look alike slabs and then began their own slabbing service using this slab shell design. Their slabbing service did not last long, and they became a marketer of the shells to various other fourth tier services. At least somewhere between ten and fifteen other "services" have used this slab shell."
By the way, these are ok to sell on ebay as long as they are listed as raw coins (no mention of grade). And, if buying then price these coins as raw. The 69 cameo shown here is quite likely a common pr 64-67, most likely with very weak cameo devices.
Also the slabs are NOT sonically sealed, it's just a friction fit. You can pop them apart by very gently tapping the slab on the edge - at about a 45 degree angle so you are tapping on the outer shell while the force is on the inner shell where the weight of the coin pushes it apart... Or two suction cups should do too.
Thanks Tommyc03; I just joined Coin Talk recently and enjoy the site.. There seems to be a group of members with a lot of knowledge in coins & currency. Have been collecting for over 50 years myself as a hobby buying , selling and appraising. Member of two clubs at present and willing to help others in this interesting venture. Ron W.
A noble venture Ron, way too few folks today willing to go out of their way. I've been collecting 48 years myself.
