PCGS graders don't wear gloves?!?

This may be old news to some or even most, but it was news to me. I just watched the video on how PCGS grades coins for start to finish and I was surprised to see that they did not use gloves to handle the coins. I know the coins are less likely to tarnish once they are sealed, but I figured they would wear gloves none the less.

Here is a link to the video: http://www.pcgs.com/process.chtml


Anyone know why they don't use gloves???


I am a newbie here....so I might be missing something obvious.

 

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They use those Kentucky Fried Chicken (lemon smell) wipes after lunch.

Ben

 

Do they wear face covers to prevent getting breath vapor or spittle on the coins? I'll watch the video in a bit.

-Jeff

 

You will probably be surprised to learn that they don't use loupes that much either.

 

There is no assurance that the cotton gloves don't have some substance on them that is harmful to the coins.
Also, it is easier to drop a coin accidently when wearing gloves. Gloves are mostly for show and aren't superior to clean hands in my opinion. Regular old fingers are a wonderful gripping invention.

 

To me, it doesn't matter that much as they are pros, and they do know how to handle coins. As long as they keep there fingers on the edge of the coin, it should be just fine.

Phoenix

 

Maybe they touch the coins and oil them up, and then declare the grade lower, just for kicks and giggles! But really they only touched the rims which is not "illegal" in the numismatic community, In my opinion.

Greg

 

Seems like I read somewhere (I read a lot but remember very little) many of the TPG people do not use gloves because it is more difficult to handle the coins. Also as Phoenix said These guys/gals feel they are good enough to handle to coins on the edges or rim with no harm the coins. Well that is what I read...Probably. Now if i can just find my remote control I would be very happy.

 

Don't blame 'em, I've never used gloves. Just makes it difficult to grip the coin.

 

I just watched the video from the original poster's link. These guys not covering their mouth and noses to prevent people breath and spittle from getting on the coins is one of the stupidest things I've ever seen.

I've spent my whole life working in the semiconductor manufacturing business...and preventing any particulate matter is paramount to the best yield of computer chips.

I know I'm comparing apples to oranges, but, I'd much rather have particles of dust on my coin than the possibility of corrosion causing materials on my coin.

Once it's slabbed, it's gonna have problems. How many slabbed coins have a nasty spot or two just from being graded and encapsulated because something from the grader's breath or body got on the coin?

I don't own any slabbed coins and I know it's a necessary evil, but what if an expensive coin gets one tiny spot on it because the grader's don't protect them from contamination?

If I ran PCGS, every coin would be opened in a cleanroom type environment and every person in that environment would be required to wear shielding at least on the face...and NO cups of coffee allowed near the coins.

I'm rambling...sorry.

-Jeff

 

The rant of mine above is directed towards high grade MS specimens. Maybe they give them some protection? Great job there David Hall. How much does it cost to get one coin graded? Way freakin' too much for the way they handle them!!!

 

This is why SGS graders are SUPERIOR.

They wear hockey gloves and drink a lot on the job. Enough Vodka and anything looks like an MS70!

P.S.

You should (or shouldn't?) see their girlfriends.

 

Well, at PCGS, their hands aren't always clean!

A friend of mine collects Proof AGE's and sends them in for PCGS grading. A couple of years ago he pulled them out and found that one had a big fat fingerprint on it.:headbang: I don't think he every followed up on it. After all, who do you blame? PCGS? or the US Mint?

 

clembo, that is one of the funniest things i have ever read. i damn near wet my pants!!!!! the sad part is i can imagine the Hanson brothers working for sgs and grading coins while playing with their race cars.

 

ROFLMAO !!!!!!!!

I just wear clean washed hands, nothing more

 

I find that odd. But not suprising. Another reason to dislike TPGs. I've never used PCGS. Do people really send coins via FEDEX? They don't insure money. I think thats taking a big chance.

 

To really be technical stuff also falls from your scalp all the time. If you have Dandruff, for example, those flakes also fall on your coins. Sweat, nasal mucus, spit, breath, tears, oils and acids from your fingers and much more could be infecting those coins. The thing your forgetting is they are not thier coins, those are yours, so why should they worry. Now are we supposed to wonder how the flu manages to travel so far?

 

One of the reasons I like circulated coins is that they are already 'battle-hardened" by exposure to all sorts of things. I would much rather own a circulated coin that commands a certain price because it is somewhat scarce than an uncirculated coin worth the same amount because of the condition. I have always valued scarcity more than condition.

 

Clem, this guy is inducted into the Slapshot club !
Get him a Root Beer !