OLD GRADING HOLDER COLLECTION SURFACES

PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE FULL ISSUE PREV FULL ISSUE

V22 2019 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 22, Number 46, November 17, 2019, Article 29

We've often discussed the collecting of old-style third-party grading coin slabs (both regular versions and sample slabs). Over on the CDN Publishing blog, GreatCollections announces the sale of a collection of coins encapsulated in old PCGS and NGC holders. -Editor

GreatCollections is pleased to announce the Ultimate Collection of Rattlers and Old Holders. The collection comprises nearly 100 certified coins that were graded in the early years of PCGS and NGC and have resided with one owner ever since.

The collection of important early U.S. coins includes a 1796 Draped Bust Quarter, graded PCGS MS-64 and a 1796 Draped Bust Dime, graded PCGS MS-63 – both encapsulated in small "rattler" holders, the original type by PCGS. NGC highlights include an 1885-CC Morgan Silver Dollar graded MS-68 with crescent toning and several low-mintage proof Seated Quarters, all in the original "fatty" holders.

Ian Russell, owner/president of GreatCollections said: "We often dream of finding an original hoard of old holders of this magnitude and our dream came true this time! The originality, quality and rarity of these coins are out of this world. 1797 Half Dollars are extremely rare, and this collection has two examples, both in rattlers.

"One of my favorite coins from the collection is the 1796 Draped Bust Dime. Conservatively graded MS-63 in the late 1980s, the coin exhibits original luster rarely encountered on 18th century U.S. coinage," Ian continued.

Some of the old holders have new CAC stickers on them. So are they still old? Are they still collectible, or will slab aficionados turn up their noses because of the sticker? I reached out to David Schwager, author of the Sample Slabs catalog. -Editor

I was intrigued to see the Ultimate Collection of Rattlers and Old Holders. Great Collections has sold several high end slabs, such as the NGC black and PCGS Regency. This collection is in older holders, such as PCGS rattlers. But the slabs themselves, while early holders that often indicate quality coins, are not scarce enough to be collectible by themselves. This is less a collection of premium plastic than it is a collection of excellent coins housed in older holders.

"The coin of most interest to slab collectors happens to be one of the least valuable pieces in the collection. An 1853 With Arrows half dime (NGC MS 61) is in a white label NGC holder, an early type that earns a premium of about $200 over the value of the enclosed coin. The NGC price guide for this piece is $230, so a slab collector might buy it at $400 or so. I know someone who avidly seeks NGC white labels and I'll let him know about it.

"On the question of CAC stickers on valuable slabs, they usually don't matter. CAC evaluates the coin and not the plastic. I would be equally happy with a scarce slab either without the sticker. And if I don't like the sticker, I can always peel it off."

Thanks. I'm not familiar with CAC stickers, but can they be removed that easily? Would they leave a mark on the holder? Removal should at least destroy the sticker, or shysters could slap them on lesser coins. -Editor