So after browsing some coin collecting subreddits last night I came across this story of a 1792 quarter pattern being damaged by its original NGC holder. It was knocked down to an XF40 during the crossover, which is apparently when the damage was noticed. https://www.reddit.com/r/coins/comments/8b0mfa/ngc_holder_prongs_damage_1_of_4_known_judd13/ Does anyone else have more information? I tried googling for more information but the only thing I could find were the reddit post and a thread on Collector's Universe (story link below). What a tragedy for the owner and numismatics in general. People started bringing out pitchforks in the CU thread but it did get me thinking. Does PCGS or NGC have any specialized inserts, prongs, or any other holder for these softer metal coins? Is it something they've ever done in a sample slab? I ask with ignorance because I'm a raw collector at the moment. If they have never been offered before I would hope this unfortunate case makes them revisit the idea. Collector's Universe story: https://forums.collectors.com/discu...-j-19-in-white-metal-crossed-from-ngc-to-pcgs
I've had NGC decline to grade several pieces (all lead or tin-lead) because of the concern that the holder could damage the coin. The newer PCGS holders are much better for this due to the difference in how the coin is held in place.
To own an example of the very first quarter minted damage or no damage. Either way it would be a pricey specimen
At the time NGC probably didn't. The PCGS prongs have a bigger surface area that supports them a little more and are more flexible, but both have non prong options as well.
You are correct and something I should've mentioned. The old HA photos do show some existing damage, perhaps something with the way it was originally displayed or stored? However, the rim indentations caused by the prongs seem far more obvious and distracting now. Still a beautiful coin, just an unfortunate incident!
