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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,617 |
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
Hi all, relatively new to the hobby. I had 4 ATB 5 oz silver coins that I sent into NGC last week to have graded. I got a msg today that all of the coins had spots and that they were a candidate for conservation. I was a little confused, as I wasn't sure what the spots would do to the grading process. SO I called and talked to a guy, who explained that the conservation process was different than encapsulation. So apparently, for $13 additional, they try to clean the coins and then they grade and slab them. The other, option, I think, was to decline the conservation process and then they coins would be returned to me. Then I'd have to chose to resubmit or just leave them as is. I wasn't sure what to do. Was a bit bummed that every coin from the mint was like this. While these are for my own enjoyment and collection, I'll be a bit bummed if these are 67's or something because of the spotting. I guess from now on, I'll have to check coins from the mint with a loupe. Looking with the naked eye is not good enough, I've learned. Have any of you had this happen and if so, how'd it turn out? |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
The mints having a lot of problems with milk spots recently. With those its entirely possible they werent showing when you got them and by the time they got around to grading them they had shown it. Theres nothing you can really do about it as far as I know and I'm not sure what they would even try. Depending how bad the spotting is you might be able to get a 68, maybe a 69 if its just starting but thats a long shot. 70 is out the window with spotting and if they felt the need to say something (unless theyre trying to upsell you) you probably would be looking at a 67ish. Personally I would decline the conservation. For the brand new coins like that youre usually just better off buying them already graded. SilverTowne http://www.silvertowne.com/c-272-ce...aspx#Filter=[Ava=1*EntityIDs=@(52)@*Sort=4] has very reasonable prices on these already graded considering the extra fee they carry at the TPGs for the large holder. It also allows you to pick your grade so you can make sure you get what you wanted |
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New Member
 United States
20 Posts |
Thanks for your thoughts. I'll have to give some though to buying already graded, as its turning out to be a chore this first time. I bought the 2010-2011's all in one shot graded, so like I said, this is my first experience with TPG's. So it seems the 69's go for around $230. Assuming the price stays the same at the mint, the ATB's are running $160 shipped. Adding in $10 shipping, $20 grading, $13 conservation fee (assuming milk spots), and then $24 return shipping (the minimum), that's almost exactly the $230 price. Buying graded, then all I'd need to do is find the mint packaging. I guess my only concern would be to if another 2012 happened and the priced went sky high and I am kicking myself for not buying from the mint. I guess I'll see what happens with the grading with these 4 coins. If I get crappy grades, then buying a 69 for the same price seems like a no brainer. |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Quote:
I guess my only concern would be to if another 2012 happened and the priced went sky high and I am kicking myself for not buying from the mint. They went sky high for all of them too so even if you bought the already graded ones you would have benefited from the price spike assume you made the purchases early. They usually go on sale close to if not the same day as the release. The one thing with the already graded ones especially from Silvertowne is if you want the 70s you gotta get up early on the first day. They sell out real fast since you can basically instantly flip them on ebay for more than you paid from what they charge. In the end though the 69 prices are so close to if not under the price to have them graded yourself there is a value to knowing what youll get. You lose out on the chance for a 70 but you also lose out on the chance for a 68 or 67 so it works both ways. I do think theirs value in getting things graded yourself and I do it quite often. I just avoid ultra modern things since it has to be a 70 to be worth it now and the 5 ounce pucks since enough of them dont even make a 69 that its risky plus the extra fee for the oversized holder. |
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
Well, I feel a bit better. I just got word that after the $13/coin to NCS to remove the spots, I got two 70's and two 69's. I'm happy with that.
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Valued Member
United States
374 Posts |
Someone clue me in. Why have 5oz souvenir coins graded? It not like any have circulated, and undetectable counterfeiting does not seem to be as likely. Are people really paying a premium for this sort of thing? Sorry for my ignorance, I'm mostly into the classic US coins, although I do save the new quarters from circulation. I actually think the 5oz silver cons are quite beautiful, but If I wanted one I would just buy one the from the mint, rather than seeking out a certified one for a premium. |
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Valued Member
United States
317 Posts |
Thanks for sharing your experience and those that contributed to the thread. I'm glad it worked out for you.
I'm also collecting the 5 oz ATBs and trying to stay up to date with anything concerning these coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1511 Posts |
So you did pay for the conservation servise? And they did remove the spotting? I'm very curious as to how they remove spotting... So many people get milk spots on proofs that knowing how to safely remove it would be amazing information...
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
yep, I did pay for the conservation service. I got shipping notice Tuesday, so I checked the cert numbers online and found the grades.
I figured the mail guy would knock on the door with them yesterday, but they were sent registered. I don't even think he carried them, as I just got a slip in the mailbox that the coins are at the post office. Going to pick them up today at noon, so I'll be able to check them out then.
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Valued Member
United States
373 Posts |
I think it's great that they were able to remove the spots.
But I agree, it would be nice to know what process removes milk spots and leaves a PR69 or 70 behind? Seems like a miracle cure!
(BTW, I am not doubting NGC's skills or integrity. And I don't know anything about milk spots. I just think it's amazing - and worth understanding.)
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
I wasnt aware they were removable either. I have some silver kennedys that would greatly benefit from knowing how. Congrats by the way those 70s are a great snag. Money well spent
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New Member
United States
20 Posts |
When I got the email saying the coins had spots and were a good candidate for conservation, I asked whether or not the NGC grader knew these had been cleaned by NCS, and the answer I got was no. Which I think makes sense, but anyway, FYI and FWIW.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,617 |
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Posted 08/20/2013 7:27 pm
