1915 Barber Half Dollar Before And After PCGS Conservation

Winesteven
My cynical remark referred to paying for restoration, not the grading fee.
Why the cynicism? Past grade inflation, which does appear to be a reduced problem. True View photos that don't look like the coin, and exaggerate toning color. I have one of those coins myself. Straight grading "commercially acceptable" cleaned coins, including some just awful Seated dollars.
But I am skeptical by nature.

I agree with the comment on PCGS True View's which I often call "Not So" True Views, but that's a separate issue.

Regarding PCGS Restoration, I've had a couple of slabbed coins submitted where they determined not to restore, so I was only charged the $10 Evaluation fee. They could have decided to do very minor touch up, kept the slabbed grade the same, and then charge me a new grading fee AND 3% of the value as the Restoration fee, instead of charging me only the $10 Evaluation fee! Why did they do that, when they could have made more money at 3% value fee plus a new grading fee? Maybe they were honest?

Steve

I fully agree that not everyone who submits coins to PCGS for Restoration is happy. Sometimes collectors are disappointed that the coin was not accepted for Restoration. Other times collectors are not happy with the job the Restoration team did. Finally, sometimes collectors are unhappy that their coin, after Restoration, was not bumped up at least a "plus" in grade.

Eye appeal is so very subjective. While my personal experiences with Restoration has been very positive, I also sense from participating on various forums over the last few years that overall collectors are surprisingly pleased with the results. As such, I take it upon myself to share my experiences with others on forums that have not given it a try, often due to misperceptions. "Education" is good for all of us.

Steve

You're correct regarding the pricing model based on a % of value. Unfortunately on life, right or wrong, this concept applies. Financial professionals often charge a % of assets under management, and while the % is often slightly lower for larger accounts, an account of $2,000,000 may pay an annual fee of $15,000, where a $500,000 account may pay a fee of about $6,000. In my opinion, that larger account is not taking 2.5 times the time of the smaller account. Same thing for Realtors selling houses, and Attorneys charging fees for handling estates. Maybe it's not right, but it is the way it is.

To take advantage of that fee structure, submit coins for Restoration of lower value in lieu of having more expensive coins submitted!!!!

If submitting a coin for restoration that is in a PCGS holder, they guarantee that the coin will not downgrade. What if upon cracking the coin out they notice that PVC or corrosion has eaten away into the surface of the coin beyond conservation? It could be in a spot along the edge that isn't visible in an older holder. I wonder if they would pay out a guarantee on the coin even though the guarantee states:

The PCGS Guarantee does not apply to coins exhibiting environmental deterioration subsequent to PCGS grading and encapsulation. This deterioration may include, but is not limited to, spotting, hazing, PVC contamination, changes in color, and corrosion.