Well now PCGS is grading replica paper.

I can't see how that's possible, you wouldn't believe the stuff people are sending them to be graded. I am waiting for some coins to come back I sent them. so I check the open and recently shipped orders for other people just to see what other people send in. I can't believe how many people spend 5 times the value of a coin JUST to get it slabbed. Crazy! That is unless you are trying to scam someone by slabbing a coin.

A lot of these orders sent in are priority rush, which is like $75-100 a coin! And people pay this all the time, sometimes for 20 coins at one shot. I can't imagine how they could be in financial trouble.

 

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So, we're talking a "genuine imitation" here? Appears to be driven by marketing as noted previously. What they really sell is "Reputation". That is a precious commodity, and can be diluted very easily. We have all seen examples of big brand names that have diluted their reputation for short term gains in the retail market place. Once lost their reputation will be very hard to regain.

 

I've seen tokens that were stamped "COPY" in NGC slabs over a year ago.

 

They might find a little interest out there, but I think most exonumia collectors have little desire to own slabs, and IMO slabbing has little benefit regarding tokens. There are very few counterfeits in general, "problems" are not near the issue with tokens as they are with regular coinage, and it is rare to see high value differentials between grades. I can buy my own slab case or intercept shield for a far lower cost than a submission to a tpg if I am concerned about protection. But you are correct in that some would participate, and thus PCGS increase their business. I imagine tokens worth less than the submission fees would also be submitted. Good for the tpg, not so good for the collector.

 

Just a Fad !!!

I see this as only a fad that will fade away......only my opinion.......

 

This replica is a really cool looking piece. Most collectors will never own a real one. I can see where a collector would want it in a holder to match other notes in his collection.

 

you mean TPGs, right? Because I think so!