When numismatic coins are graded from the most popular grading companies like ANACS, PCGS, NGC and ICG, they are enclosed into a sealed, heavy plastic case for various reasons. For example a coin that was slabbed and certified by ANACS states that the coin was graded by a professional numismatic grader. The grader must have years and years of experience to personally inspect the coin and assign it the grade of a numismatically perfect MS70 for example. So why did the grading companies decide to enclose numismatic coins in a sealed, heavy plastic slab? For security and accuracy. The plastic slab is sonically sealed. This means this container was sealed with the use of sound waves to 'melt' the plastic together rather than a glue or heat. It requires special equipment to do this type of sealing and a special type of plastic that has a glue strip designed for this kind of sealing. This type of sealing results in a 100% tamper proof container. So, there is no way someone can open this slab and replace the coin inside or mess with the grade inside without you knowing about it. Furthermore, this provides a secure means to deliver the accuracy of the grade itself and to protect the coin. Also, sealed in the slab is the assigned grade of the numismatic coin. The grade was determined by top graders in the field of numismatics. Not only was the grade determined but it was also examined to find out if the coin might be counterfeit or have any other flaws that could prevent the coin from being graded. The paper insert is the guarantee of the top tier grading companies as to the grade and authenticity of the coin itself. [FONT="]2. For protection and storage[/FONT][FONT="]. The slab will protect the coins from damage in case you accidentally drop the coin. However, you do not want to engage in any type of destructive behavior by taking a hammer to the slab. This will certainly break the slab and damage the coin. The grooves on the top and bottom of the slab are made for easy stacking and storage for collectors.[/FONT]
So why did the grading companies decide to enclose numismatic coins in a sealed, heavy plastic slab? In reality, everything that you stated are the benefits of TPG's slabbing, but the under lying reason to begin with was coin dealers applying their own grades on coins that wern't consistent through out the hobby. There was also a lot of MS coin bought for AU/XF prices but immediately sold at MS prices. There was also an abundance of coins sold at a MS grade but in reality the coins were only high end AU. The grading services put everyone, dealers/buyers alike onto the same playing field so to speak and a lot of shady deals were averted by buyingand selling only certified coins.
And the reason why it's sealed in plastic like that and is made tamper-proof is because of human nature: too many people out there are tempted to lie and cheat and make money off other people. So let's say the TPG's only sent you back your coin with a letter explaining the grade they gave your coin, say an MS-65. Too many people out there would be tempted to grab another identical coin in say, an MS-60-63, and then pair it up with the MS-65 letter and go to market :thumb: and then make a boatload of money on people's ignorance (I'm being sarcastic). The tamper-proof plastic is a necessary but unfortunate piece. I believe in the mission of TPG's, personally, but it's that plastic case that keeps me from sending my coins in. I would be happy to ship all mine off to get graded and receive back a letter with the grade, rather than have my coins entombed forever.
So, in simpler terms, it was created for the same reason as padlocks, security systems, and hand cuffs...dishonest people. But, we get the added bonus of a safeguard from the elements for your prized coin.
