Couldn't it also be helpful to collectors who want to learn more about their coins, or assist in sight-unseen transactions (as more and more of these occur with each passing year given the popularity of the Internet and sites such as eBay, Teletrade, and Heritage)? Why does it always have to be... I don't understand it, so it must be bad? I just don't get it, and eddie you're smarter than that....Mike
Well then that makes a difference, Mike, as it gives some meaning to these things. You're inferring more discriminating standards, but from observable phenomenon. Geeze, I'm starting to sound like a damn scientist. But, you know what I mean. Good one.
We're writing at the same time. FWIW, I accepted the above a long time ago. EDIT: It's not that simple, Mike. You've been in some of the other threads on CAC. We're basically putting your side to justifying some meaningfulness in the things. Take them out of the "pure ornamental" for us. That's what you did a little bit, in your earlier reply. Thanks.
Have you used their service and/or ever offered a CAC coin for sale? And, do you feel the same way about NGC's and PCGS's crossover services and plus grading as you do about CAC?
Not sure "gimmick" is the word I'd use. I for one don't rely on an outside source to tell me what coins are eye appealing for the grade. I suppose if you were blind it might be worth it, or like what Mark mentioned, you intend to sell to people who have to have all the latest sticker fad envy, then it might be good. Guy
CAC's expertise can also be of great benefit to those (myself, included) who don't catch problems on certain coins. Even as a former grader at NGC, I can learn a lot from John Albanese and CAC. Of course there will always be those who bash CAC without having used their services and/or say that they don't need the help. Some of them literally, have no idea what they are missing.
Player11, I don't claim to know your background but your statement makes me think you may not know much about CAC. Here's a few things to consider: 1. John Albanese knows more about grading coins than me and 99.9999 percent of the coin collecting community. If you haven't read his bio, take some time and do it. I have yet to meet anyone knowledgeable in the field that has criticized him (and yes, I know some dealers who are not pro-CAC). So a CAC sticker is like his signature that the coin is an A or B coin for the grade and not a C coin. And that the coin is not "messed with". 2. CAC coins in general will bring more in auction than non-stickered coins. Some might contend that this is marketing or uninformed buyers, but I think it is a lot more likely that Mr. Albanese has accurately identified the best coins and they naturally will bring better money. 3. You can learn a lot by having a group of your coins run through CAC. The cost is only $10 per stickered coin (nothing for those that don't sticker) and by going through your results, you will learn something. 4. There is a misperception that a coin that does not sticker is always an inferior coin. This simply isn't true -- a beautiful coin may be slightly overgraded and reside in a holder one higher than CAC thinks it should or is a C coin for the grade. It could still be a wonderful coin, just a casualty of gradeflation.
I'm not disagreeing with you on the basic principal, Mark. But seriously, with the PCGS and NGC + system and CAC, where do we draw the line? Even you have to admit there can only be so many secondary opinions worthy of residing on any coin's slab. I suppose this is why the majority of my coins are raw. It has nothing to do with my opinions on the TPG's themselves, but rather how I prefer to collect like collectors have for thousands of years before there were TPG's...I see a coin I like and don't need a second opinion to back that up. CAC has a definite place in the hobby, but what next? How many more professional opinions do we need to validate the enjoyment of the hobby? Guy
This always confuses me when someone digs up a year old thread and starts an active post , rather than start a new thread. Anyway , all that needed to be said , has been said. I too am a supporter of CAC . I don't mind paying a premium for coins that have received their signature sticker of approval. I have two recent purchases which I will be submitting for their review.
For myself, I draw the line with CAC's additional expert opinion on some coins - for many other coins, one opinion is enough. For yourself and other collectors - I think everyone should collect in whatever fashion you please. And whether someone is in favor of or opposed to grading companies, CAC, etc, I feel that there is no cause to be disrespectful or rude to others who feel differently. For example, you don't see a need for grading companies or CAC with respect to your collecting , but (unless I missed it) you don't go around bashing them.
Having dozens of threads on a subject cause problems sometime when researching. It does occasionally help to continue a old thread instead of starting a new one imho.
I can't say I haven't used them. Like was mentioned though, Mr. Albanese and others in the field don't need to be bashed, and hopefully I didn't come off as sounding like I was doing so. The service has a purpose, and how a collector uses it is up to their individual needs. Maybe it's an aquired taste. I know I used to hate TPG's to the core, but now I hold a lot of respect for them. Guy
For the collector, I think the CAC service offers value in terms of grade and surface validation. I own 3 CAC coins, all of which I think deserve the sticker. I've read that CAC is not as reliable with early copper coins. Have you found this to be true?
Perhaps you have a point. I need to pay more attention to want is going on. I have made some incorrect comments in some some threads because i'm making some awful mistakes. My low vision certainly is a big part of the problem.
Flash from the past. Here's a CAC stickered large cent: Does it look like a solid 65 RB? Have fun...Mike
That's a beauty. It's stickered; does it look solid 65 RB? No, it looks 66 RB to me: virtually mark-free except for a few dings on Liberty's crown and the leaves. The slight weakness of strike around the perimeter of rev. shouldn't affect grade. Or is it a 65 with gold sticker?
