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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;quarter-back, post: 1750846, member: 47022&quot;]I understand the concerns with fake coins and, even worse, fake slabs.&nbsp; However, the attempts to counter-act the fake slabs actually may be enhancing the problem.&nbsp; It seems that about once a month someone comes out with a new slab style. Unfortunately, all of the variations just make them easier to counterfeit.&nbsp; Unless one is an expert in slabs, it is difficult to know which slabs may be counterfeits, and which may just be the latest thing that will &quot;eliminate&quot; the problem.&nbsp; It is far easier to fake a slab than it is to fake a coin.&nbsp; Look how many bad coins are purchased because the number checked out.&nbsp; In my opinion, the TPGs should pick a slab style and just stick to it, and then focus on getting hi-quality images of the coins.&nbsp; The vast majority of pre-modern coins can be identified by die markers such a mintmark position and shape, re-engraving patterns (very much overlooked in my opinion), die scratches, etc.&nbsp; I would rather buy a coin that could be identified by die variations than pay for a coin where I have to rely on identifying a real slab.&nbsp; My 1909-S Lincoln was purchased raw based on the repunched mintmark.&nbsp; The TPGs would better serve the community and probably enhance their value by putting hi-res images on their web sites.&nbsp; Server space has got to be cheaper that slab re-design.&nbsp; Given the ubiquity of cell-phones with web capabilities, nearly anyone could check a coin in minutes. That&#039;s my two-cent piece worth.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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