Dealers vs Internet Bids

I used to think that also. Then some years back at one of the many coin shows I go to I was telling a dealer that I would like to buy a certain coin of his but would not be willing to pay extra because it was in a slat. He mentioned OK I'll give it to you for an unslabbed price. He bent down below the table and with an assistant opened the slab and showed me the coin unslabbed. I said just as a joke put it back and I'll buy it. He did and I couldn't tell that it had been opened. Later I discussed this with him in detail and he was telling me that many dealers know how to open certain slabs and replace a coin. No big thing, only it is easier with certain ones than others. I always thought all slabs were sealed but obviously not so. Not really sure if this was for real so I asked a few other coin dealers I know. They all agreed. Easier than most people think. Now I look at every slab carefully but just don't know how I would know if it was tampered with.

 

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Interesting topic. Carl, do you remember what grading company the slab was from?
I've heard certain slabs can be popped open with a twist. Also I have heard there is a special tool used to open slabs.