My Experiences with SEGS Grading

I left off two other possibilities in my Eureka Moment. Proving the reverse is not Sheldon Reverse A does not prove it is Sheldon Reverse B just because those are the only known pairings of Sheldon Obverse 3.

Another die could have the same obverse clash marks (though I haven't found one yet), the reverse could easily be another 1800 reverse (there are several good candidates like the 1801 NC-1 uses the 1800 S-203 Reverse) or another Reverse, known or unknown, or both.

 

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Is everybody to polite to really say what it would grade at a real TPG? It looks like a poor EF 20 to me.

 

The Europeans and Aussies would call it "VF - as struck", meaning it has the details of a coin in Very Fine grade, but has full mint luster. I think that is the best way to give an accurate description of weakly struck uncirculated coins showing no wear.

 

I have a friend that has been a dealer for 35+ years and is a former ANA President. He asked me what percentage of coin dealers knew how to grade, and I said 10%. He said that was probably pretty accurate nowadays unfortunately. I have purchased coins in lower-tier TPG slabs for more than Grey Sheet for the grade listed (they think they should be 1/2 of the listing according to the GS). I tell them I bought the coin, not the plastic, and they are amazed when I get it back from one of the big two in a higher grade than was listed on the slab. I bought the coin.

 

To bad he didn’t ask what percentage knew how to read.

 

You don't need to know how to read, just wait until the video is posted.

 

You have to remember that O coins were usually poorly struck , thus the weak strike over the ear and the Eagles chest is likely do to bad dies or or improper spacing . Thus I see no wear just weakness . If you look at 100 New Orleans coins , probably 90% will have weakness in those areas .

 

Mr. Larry Briggs is the best there is and I have trusted 2/3 of my collection to SEGS. I like the personal service, time spent on me, understanding any issues with any coin I have, and honesty and integrity in grading. I say the people who will not accept a SEGS coin, but will take a PCGS or NGC at faith values are more illiterate in coin buying. It is odd that the so called experts from the other grading services value and use Briggs when they have questions. Doug McDaniel

 

Mr. Larry Briggs is the best there is and I have trusted 2/3 of my collection to SEGS. I like the personal service, time spent on me, understanding any issues with any coin I have, and honesty and integrity in grading. I say the people who will not accept a SEGS coin, but will take a PCGS or NGC at faith values are more illiterate in coin buying. It is odd that the so called experts from the other grading services value and use Briggs when they have questions. Doug McDaniel

 

Mr. Larry Briggs is the best there is and I have trusted 2/3 of my collection to SEGS. I like the personal service, time spent on me, understanding any issues with any coin I have, and honesty and integrity in grading. I say the people who will not accept a SEGS coin, but will take a PCGS or NGC at faith values are more illiterate in coin buying. It is odd that the so called experts from the other grading services value and use Briggs when they have questions. Doug McDaniel

 

Hey, I admit PCGS and NGC carry a big name and reputation and they do a great job. However, I am saying that SEGS is every bit in their league regarding knowledge and ability to apply the correct grade to a coin.

For example:
I sent 3 coins that were previously graded by 3 other grading services. They were removed from their slabs prior to sending to SEGS. You may be surprised, but they all came back the exact same grade from SEGS as these previous slabbed coins, I bought from various dealers, were previously graded. I had a 1909S VDB wheat penny formerly graded XF40 by ANACS and it came back XF40, an 1831 Capped bust dime was an NGC XF45 and it came back XF45 from SEGS, and a PCGS 1871 Liberty Seated Dollar graded VF35 and yes it came back a VF35. Plus I got the die variety added, a nice slab with and easy to identify top printed view, and at a better cost.

Time for you guys to quit buying into the politics and recognize SEGS as a top tier grading service.

 

Okay, let's say we do. Now how long before the market as a whole does so? Until then, you've just reduced the liquidity of your last two coins by a substantial amount.

"The market can remain irrational longer than you can remain solvent."

 

This is a good point, which I would like to reiterate here. My biggest concern with the coin is whether it was cleaned. It is difficult to tell from the pictures one way or the other. I am leaning toward not cleaned but cannot say for sure. The OP who had the coin in hand would probably know or have an opinion on this.

I have purchased SEGS Morgans before and I have been pleased with them overall because I valued them based on the grade I saw, not the grade assigned. The ones I have bought were always within a grade of the SEGS grade but on rare occasion I have seen SEGS slabbed coins that looked off by 2 or 3 grades to me.

 

I've been doing business with Larry Briggs for years, and he's among the top numismatists in the country, period. I trust his grading and especially value his ability to peg varieties; be they on colonial coins, coppers, Liberty Seated, etc.

I've long found his grading to be conservative and spot-on target. My only "complaint" of sorts is that he can be "brutally honest" when describing details' coins. Thus, when submitting a seriously impaired details' coin, I simply request that it be labeled "genuine" along with the variety.

I personally prefer the SEGS holders above all others and appreciate the top-read labels. I've found the holders, ones I've had for many years, to be more scratch resistant and durable. Since Larry does so many shows, I can save $$ on shipping, too, and not have to worry about pieces getting lost in the mail! I've even gotten free overnight service at a few regional shows. Then too, while I've seen fake PCGS holders out there, I've yet to see a fake SEGS holder.

Larry always treats regular customers well, and he has quite a following. Anyone seeking a rare variety would do well to consult him; this, as his inventory is most
extensive. What's been said about his long-standing health issues is true, and that may explain his understandably having a bad day .... we all do, at times. Also, he's sadly experienced the sadness of some trusted folks stealing from him.

Add to this that none of us likes selling a rare coin, only to have the buyer flip it and make a few grand on it. Larry enjoys selling to and servicing serious collectors as opposed to coin-flippers, those who play the slab game. IMHO, he's far more focused on the coins, per se, and enjoyment of the hobby than the commodity value.

 

Not long ago I purchased a coin from an on-line dealer who had a nice Morgan slabbed by SEGS, it was an 1880 O rated at MS 66. It looked great but when I got the coin i immediately called and advised them I would be returning the coin. I got no argument from the company. The 66 turned into at best a 61-62. I do not purchase much on line but if I see one of interest I will make a bid. NEVER AGAIN on anything graded by SEGS.
Semper Fi

 

I will not buy / bid on them (Segs).

The TPG accepted by eBay, the old TTR, GC? are Anacs, ICG, NGC, PCGS. The market prefers PCGS / NGC (only 2 shown in bluesheet).

 

While this original post was from 2015, I for one was glad to read the entire post and responses. I gained some knowledge doing so, and for that I am grateful. What is sad, at least to me, is that @CLV1 hasn't been seen since 2017. I think his post shows a lot of insight and information that would make his posts a good addition to CT and new collectors. Wonder what happened to him?

 

Not to mention can't sell it on eBay as a graded coin anymore, limited which auction houses you can use, and they very likely will sell at a discount