For years, I’ve waited for a coin I want to appear at a reasonable price in a GENI slab. Finally got one. First, a bit about the most important part … the coin, of course. It’s an 1898 French 2 francs, matte finish proof. This was the first year Oscar Roty’s famous semeuse (French for female sower) appeared on a coin. It’s appeared often on French coins ever since. It was obviously an inspiration for Weinman’s walking liberty half dollar design. In addition to the sower, the obverse has the inscription, REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE. “O. Roty” is at the bottom. The reverse has the denomination, year and an olive branch. Near the edge is LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE (liberty equality brotherhood). GENI (Gradations & Expertises Numismatiques Internationales) is a grading company in Paris. They have existed for about 10 years. They grade mostly French coins but will accept coins of almost any nation as well as ancients. They use the 70-point scale and the same terminology as PCGS. Website is https://geni.expert/. In my opinion, they have the best slab by far. Pictures are below. It’s only 2 inches square and a little thicker than a NGC slab. The labeling is on the edge which is one reason for its small footprint. You might think this is a disadvantage because you have to tilt the coin to read the label. However, this only takes a second. Where edge-labeling shines is when slabs are stored on edge in a box. With edge-labeling, there is no need to go through a box one slab at a time to find the one you want. Just read the edges. Yes, edge labeling complicates slab photography a bit. At least three pics are needed … obverse, reverse and the edge with main info. The square edge and small size allow the slab to stand easily on edge. So, if you want a coin to admire on your desk or shelf, just set one of these on edge where you can see it. Where this slab is outstanding though is providing a great edge view. See below. No NGC or PCGS slab gives this great an edge view. The only real improvement I can think of is adding a chip to help prevent counterfeiting. Mike
Strange and cool, yes. I love the way that it features the coin rather than logos. But to me, having to read multiple edges to get all the info makes this a non-starter. I also don't think it leaves much opportunity for comments about varieties (boo), problems (maybe they just don't slab problem coins), or "first strike"/"special edition"/"celebrity signature" annotations (GOOD).
