collector learns lesson

I would like to think that reputible collectors and dealers look out for the best interests in the hobby, not just the best interest for thir wallets. If, as a group, we cannot look out for collectors just joining the hobby, letting them learn and gain experience as they grow - are we not setting the stage for them to be used/abused?

 

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Just as well wish for global peace.....worth pursuing, even if it can't be reached.

 

One point of logic could be as follows: Collector A has a potentially valuable coin he would like to get slabbed. Submits it, but it comes back in a body bag. Collector A decides to obtain a different example, so sells the first one to Collector B. Collector B, unaware of the prior submission, submits it again with same bodybag results. Collector B dies, Collector C purchases the coin from Collector B's widow and sends it off to a tpg......

If it had been slabbed and noted with all pertenent info the first time, it likely would not have had the subsequent submissions. IMO, grade assignments by the tpgs are somewhat down the list of "value" of their services, especially with fluctuations of grading standards which even the tpgs have admitted to. Authentication IMO is the most valuable feature of their service, which is why I believe the tpgs should slab every submission.

I believe there are a substantial number of collectors that would purchase a lightly (or perhaps even more severe) cleaned coin in a slab if they could be sure it was authentic (in a slab). I realize that cleaning causes damage and as a general rule should not be performed, but collectors did not shun cleaned coins near as much in the past before the tpgs. It was routine for many collectors to periodically "clean" their coins. Again, that example is just used to illustrate the lack of the a "stigma" in regards to cleaning in the past, not promoting cleaning by any means! Some series, such as Bust halves, would have very few examples residing in plastic if truly any coin that was ever cleaned was not eligible for slabbing. I even believe they should slab the submitted fakes and counterfeits, and note accordingly. Not only do some of those have substantial value, but if even a small portion of the fakes remained in the slabs, that would be fewer (raw) fakes out there with the potential to be passed off as authentic. I look at the submission situation as the submittor is paying for their full service/opinion, I think he should receive the full service and rendering of their opinion.

Besides, if the coin is rare enough, valuable enough, possesses a good pedigre, or whatever the reason may have been, even the top tpgs have slabbed cleaned coins, and yes, even HARSHLY cleaned coins! If they will do this for some, why not for all?

 

I can just imagine if archeologists had the mentality of the average well informed coin collector. They could open up a 5,000 year old tomb in Egypt and look through the artifacts...

"This golden statue has been cleaned. This silver bowl has a rim nick. Here's a golden ring from Mesopotamia. But this is Egypt so it must be countefeit. Melt this junk down and seal up this place. There's nothing here of value."