Dipping and Cert coins?

I have been lurking over on the PCGS and NGC sites. Alot of talk about dipping. Are the certified coins by these companies possibly ever dipped? Especially the Morgans and other high grade silver, or would they body bag it if they thought it was dipped at one time?

Thanks Tony

 

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I'm no expert, but there seems to be a general consensus that one quick dip of a silver coin is usually indetectible.

As far as the TPGs treatment of dipped coins goes, they can only bodybag (or net grade) those that they detect (or think they have detected). Anyone who thinks they are infallible is asked to please contact me off-forum about some bridges I have for sale in the New York metropolitan area.

I have a silver ¥1000 Olympics coin that was given to me by one of the Beautiful Bride's relatives in '64 when it was minted. I immediately took it out of the mint case, which had a kind of faux plush finish on what seemed like celluloid, and kept it protected from any contact with anything that might tarnish it. A year or so ago I sent it in to PCGS to see if they would agree with my MS67 grade, and got it back bodybagged for cleaning!

 

Sometime last year, we sold an NGC MS66 Winged Liberty dime. When the buyer received it, he said that he felt it had been dipped. He took it to a local coin show and asked some dealers and they agreed. Quite frankly, it wasn't something that I noticed but we accepted the return. I still don't know for sure if it was dipped, but it made me a lot more cautious with TPG coins - even those graded by the top 2.

 

The grading services consider two catagories for cleaning. How well was it cleaned, and how rare the coin is. Most of the ultra rare coins were polished or coated with wax or some form of sealing protection. Most of the coins housed in the Smithsonian museum are covered with wax. All of course would receive the blessing of the grading companies.

 

excuse my ignorance, but what exactly is 'dipping' ?

 

Dipping refers to a form of cleaning. There are a few coin cleaning liquids that people will dip the coin in to remove tarnish or to brighten the coins appearence. It does however leave a dull look to the coins surface.

 

Thanks all, I was just wondering, since my latest foray into the slab world has begun.

Tony

 

Tony,

Be careful in the slab world. Do not let the slab stop you from buying the coin. No opinion on grade or eye appeal is more crucial than your own.

 

thanks

Thanks Nat, Yes, I am doing 64's in as white as I can get, nothing against tones coins but I prefer toning on older coinage. I only am buying NGC or PCGS.

thanks Tony

 

Just don't assume that PCGS or NGC is always correct. Learn to cherry pick the slabs. Especially the older slabs. These slabs contain plenty of coins that can upgrade under the current standards. Picking up a MS-65 coin in a MS-64 holder is an ability of those who learn the basics of grading. This will help you build a fantastic collection.

 

Thanks

Thanks for the info, Yes, I can understand what you mean about cherry picking. As I said in an earler post, I am doing Walkers 41 to 47 all mm's. I am hoping to build a beautiful white set.

thanks Tony

 

Walkers are a tough set to complete in true gem states. Many of the San Francisco issues are very weakly struck. The war years are especially hard to find.
Look for strong strikes in the area of Lady Liberty's left hand and sandle straps. Finger seperation on the right hand are also important area to look at.
When you find your gem coins, please post pics. I know that all here will enjoy seeing them.

 

I am collecting the same series. I love the walkers, they are sooo beautiful!
Chris

 

thanks

thanks Nat. for the info on the hands and sandals, I will definately check this out when out buying.
I agree Wankler, I am going with the 64's as the prices are still affordable and hopefully I can get coins that are much superior to 63's

Tony