CAC Holders Details Coins? Apparently They Do.

I agree that having an image of the green CAC sticker on the label makes things confusing.



This implies that CACG will use different grading criteria for their graded coins. The CAC website states that fewer than half of PCGS/NGC graded coins qualify for a green bean. Therefore a coin graded MS-64 by PCGS that doesn't qualify for a green sticker would have to be graded MS-63 by CACG? This just worsens the problem of inconsistent grading by TPG's by introducing a systemic difference in grading criteria between companies.

What happened in this example is CAC/CACG rejected another straight graded NGC coin. The only difference is that if you send it for grading instead of stickering and they deem it cleaned... it comes back with more issues than just a red sticker you can peel off.

Frog, my 2 cents

I understand them as two distinct services that represent the same professional opinion. The stickered coins get re-certified as "Legacy" inclusions at the same grade through the new grading service. I assume the gold stickers will get grade+1. I also assume there will be some upgrades when the coin is viewed outside the holder and they give the rims an inspection.

I've hesitated when sending some coins to CAC in the past because I didn't think they had a snowball's chance in the current grade unless I was already in so deep it was a Hail Mary. One or two points lower and they may not blink an eye when stickering it. With the grading service, they just put what they deem the CAC worthy grade on the holder to start with.

In the end, the market will determine whether the two services are equivalent. I haven't heard any complains about over-graded CACG certified coins yet.

I will definitely send raw coins for grading at some point if I remain above ground, because the rates are competitive for now.

I would not send a straight graded PCGS or NGC coin in as raw if it was of relative value. I'd send it for stickering. Or for crossover with a minimum grade if the form includes it as an option. I haven't reviewed anything past the tiers and rates yet. I use a minimum grade for NGC coins sent to PCGS for crossover and that has saved a lot of pain.

CAC stickering and CAC grading no doubt have their own issues. That said, I thought they did a pretty good job of at least explaining the grading vs stickering services over at the CAC forum. If you check over there it may answer many of your questions.

Personally I think their angle is to set a very strict grading style. What is the motto PCGS uses for their crossover service? Something like 'the best coins end up in PCGS holders'. I think CAC is saying something similar. CAC stickering has established itself as only selecting high quality coins for the grade. The new grading service follows the same method. They want people to see a straight grade CAC graded coin as far superior to the same grade in a NGC or PCGS holder. A coin with a light wipe that would straight grade at NGC or PCGS is going to end up in a details holder at CAC grading. Thus everyone will want their coins in CAC grading holders as they establish themselves as the 'best' TPG. If this method will succeed for them, only time will tell.