I am a type collector and for some time have needed the Small Eagle Half (1796 1797) to complete the collection. After a long search a dealer located one and in a complex 3-way trade/purchase I bought a 1797 XF Half. It was taken to the TPG (NOT NGS or PCGS) for a regrade (in hopes it would get AU) and while inspecting it under a microscope someone noticed something "funny" with one of the stars. After infrared and "other" tests the owner reluctantly gave permission for a clamp to be used and suddenly - the star popped out! It had been uniquely and expertly plugged (quite commeon) and had been graded by one of the BIG TWO. The dealer was furious, the TPG quietly satisfied and the owner swore he knew nothing about it BUT happened to have a 1796 Half (also XF) that he said he would give instead. (He also has 1797 MS61). I guess this proves that even the TPG gods make mistakes and all those lesser companies regularly trashed sometimes outperform. I would LOVE to hear the conversation between the owner and the TPG. But all's well that end's well - I got the coin and completed the collection. It is on the web at www.rodinsquarters.com if you are interested. Good luck and I love this forum.
No It was not ANACS It was ACCGS on the West Coast, the company that grades both sides. They have become increasingly severe in their grading, probably as a reaction to the widely-held view of "grade creep". Maybe I should return to PCGS or NGC - LOL.
I certainly would have returned it - but you wouldn't have any luck at doing so with the coin out of the slab. Now - another matter of curiosity. The star covered the plug - I can understand how that would work - on one side. But what covered the plug on the other side ? Do ya know ?
What value is the guarantee of the grade if you can't pop the coin out to have it regraded under expert conditions? Ruben
The guarantee is only valid if the same company re-grades it. If the coin is in an NGC slab - only NGC can re-grade it and have the guarantee honored. Same for any of them. Otherwise how would the original grading company know it was the same coin ?
