The 1888/7 Snow-1 Indian Cent

Well, I got this graded. It was a rough submission overall. Even though I specified the correct Coin # for the 1888/7, they disagreed and graded it as a G04 damaged plain ol' 1888. It is a major variety as well, which does not require the $18 attribution fee. They obviously missed it. If you're thinking this was a one-off, think again. I also submitted two 1873 Double LIBERTYs G04 and G Details (again a major variety), which they disagreed with calling regular 1873s. As well as two 1888 S-2 RPDs, one AU53 and one VF35 that they disagreed with (I paid the attribution fees for these as they are only minor varieties) and called 1888s. I don't know if there was someone in training or they just went on lunch break in the middle of this, but I am scratching my head as to how 5 out of 7 varieties submitted are ignored by three graders, unless only one is doing the attribution.

Luckily, I have read that they understand that there are mistakes sometimes and if I provide the proper images/documentation that I might be able to get this resolved.

That's all for now until next time!
Mike

I don't understand how a reputable grading company can miss an obvious variety when you call it out to them and it jumps off the coin and smacks you in the face- head's up!

It might just be me but I think a decent amount of 1888/7 seem to of been discovered recently. Seems the variety has become more well known over recent years.

I think the attraction and value is largely based on the fact that it is the only overdate for the series, but I do agree that in lower grades the overdate can be difficult to see

I read and reread this and I didn't find which TPG you sent these to.

Was it NGC or PCGS or some other?

I've been meaning to provide an update on the submission. I wanted to give PCGS credit where it is due and say that they did ultimately refund me enough to cover most of the resubmission. But it was definitely not an easy process. First, here's the proof that I'm not just making this up.

Here's all five coins after the first submission, unattributed:






I believe first I sent an email to customer service explaining the situation, and attached images of every coin slab and closeups in a zip file. I waited a month and got no response. I may have sent a second email as well.

Then I decided to call customer service (reluctantly). After taking a good 2-3 minutes of long-winded explanation, their reply was "Wait, what were you asking about?". Ughh. They checked their database and told me what I already knew. I said can I email pictures to support my case? "Yes." Ok, now I already did this twice and sent a zip folder with pictures, is this OK? "No, the zip file won't work, we will not receive the email." Great, how nice of you to tell me this after I had to specifically ask, I was suspicious of something like this.

I ended up sending another email, this time with about 18 photo attachments. They never got this either, so I'm not sure how exactly you are supposed to send images to them if there is a problem with a submission?

By this point, it was getting close to the next coin show, so I decided to drop them off in person. I explained the situation to them, printed out the pictures to submit along with it, and it was resubmitted as a reholder with two variety attributions (three are major varieties so there is no fee). They also put a shipping hold on the order so I can actually review it this time instead of them shipping it out before I knew something was wrong.

I get the grading results online, the two 1888 S-2's were now properly attributed. However, the two Double LIBERTY's and the 1888/7 were STILL slabbed as regular coins. You've got to be kidding me. I call them up, and they tell me the graders didn't agree with my assessment. They were also very condescending saying "well you know the population of the 1888/7 is only 4 in that grade..(so fat chance bud!)" I said did you look at the printout of pictures I included with the submission? "OK, we'll take a look and let you know, I can't guarantee what they will say. I will call you back." Never got a call back. However, a few days later, the three coins were correctly attributed (third time's a charm! )

I called them back to remove the shipping hold, and then tried to make the case that I should be reimbursed for having to resubmit these when I was right all along. They tried to get a hold of a manager to see what they could do. Unfortunately for me, I called late in the day because I work, and they could not reach a manager. They said they would call me back (Lol!). I've heard that one before. At this point I gave up and assumed I would not get anything back. I was just happy to finally get my coins back in correct holders. However, without any indication, I did get a refund on my bank statement for $88. I don't know the cost breakdown exactly, but it seemed fair enough and I was pretty excited. So thanks PCGS!

Here are four of the five coins with proper attribution (I consigned one to auction):

Nice finds! You definitely have to hold the TPG's feet to the fire in these situations. I have had the same type of issue with NGC mutiple times. It's a real hassle trying to send a coin back in and explain your argument over and over again. I'm glad they finally got it straight for you. I myself have a 1925 S Buffalo that I swear is the S/S variety, submitted it as such, but NGC sent it back AU58, no mention of the variety--- a simple no we don't think it is because of "X" is all I ask for. I was thinking of crossing it to PCGS to get the variety on the holder--- I guess I will re-evaluate that idea.

Mike 1487, I currently have two coins with PCGS for the same issue but for 1847/46 Seated Liberty half dollars. They gave it a regular 1847 with no attribution even though I submitted and paid for it. I have sent them both back and have been working with a manager and he thinks that with the info I submitted with the coins and discussing with the graders that they will change it to the correct designation. Unfortunately it is taking quite a looong time. I think that they only have 1 attibutor for all coins because they are not doing a good job at all. Good luck!