TPG For Colonial Tokens

Can I ask why you are looking at TPGs for tokens?

Its a pretty narrow market and TPGing isn't going to mean much in the end to a knowledgeable collector. Any who care about a rare variety vs a common issue probably don't need it validated by a third party. If it's a $1000 coin going to an online auction then maybe, and then it would depend on where you want to target the sale (Canada or USA).

The hardest thing about tokens is knowing the strike characteristics for each series, and while I can't tell you which TPGer is more knowledgeable in that department all I can reiterate is that in the end TPGing is for the arm chair quarterback type collector.

If all you want is a shiny holder I would suggest after market slabs. If you want expert advice just hang around here and soak up for FREE.

Thanks for the responses.

Wade - My question arose from recent auction experience. I was not impressed with the work of the TPGs. I thought the auctioneers generally did a better job of grading the raw tokens relative to what I saw in TPG holders. Just made me wonder whether I was being overly critical when reviewing the TPG material.

I would like to add that your "not impressed with TPGs" might be relative to the particular series you were exposed to. Did something look over graded? or under graded?

As Doug pointed out, some these can fool a lot of knowledgeable (knowledgeable in other areas) collectors.

Below is a good example of a Bust and Harp that many might think to themselves VF30 at best, when in fact it is high AU.



Another 1820 Trade and Nav that looks badly worn, but these were so weakly struck (especially evident in the centers) that they always look F12 - even when they are AU

Wade

Great photos.
Concerning the NCG AU 50, I believe a technical grade of XF 40 would have
been more accurate. Sufficient detail remains to preclude a lower grade.
The Chest Strap is not completely merged with the pectoral muscles. A line of
demarcation exists betwixt the hairline and the face. The tops of the initials
have not merged into the ground, likewise with the tip of the Dragon's tail. The
reins across the Horse's Neck are not yet merged into the Neck. On the reverse,
the double borders of the quadrants within the Shield have not merged together.
Serriations are still evident in the Pineapples. The Anchor Rope Dots atop the
Battle Axe Handle, the Sword, and the Anchor Shaft have not completely merged into
the Handle, Sword, or Shaft. The fields are funky. From the photos I suspect cleaning,
but some porous planchets or rust may also be to blame.

Concerning the Bust and Harp...
AU 55. The Feathers within the Wing are distinct, as with the facial features. The Stems
of the Shamrocks are distinct. On the obverse, the brow, eye lids, nose, and lips are
sharp and distinct. Unfortunately, many at first glance observe the lack of detail of the
lower section of the hair and contribute this to wear and tear. For this lack of detail to
be attributed to wear is not consistent with the overall condition of the token. Wear has
uniform characteristics and is not isolated to a specific area of the token. This lack of
detail is not caused by excessive wear; this detail was lacking either from the die, the strike
or some other cause.

Likewise on the Trade and Navigation. This anomaly is found on all of this series. The absence
of central detail can not be attributed to wear as this wear is isolated and if wear, the remainder
of the token would shew evidence of excessive wear. The vertical water lines of the waves shew no
wear, likewise with the portholes, and ladders, and riggings, etal. The centre figure on the obverse
is notoriously devoid of detail. How can this be attributed to wear when the details (pebbles, etc))
of the ground not be affected. All beads and legends are crisp. Another AU 55. The last two were
"as struck," whereas the St. George does shew wear.

doug

More to consider.

Typically most wear first occurs to the rim and legend. The
rim is normally the highest in relief. The rim is designed to
protects the devices. Coins are normally picked-up by the rim
or edge. When carried in a pocket, what area readily contacts
the cloth. And it proves most difficult to pick-up a coin from
the centre.

With this in mind, we must re-focus our perspective and work from
the outside inward.

Concerning the TRADE AND NAVIGATION token, the rim shews little
evidence of wear. The beads are crisp and the legend is sharp.
Working inward, the outer devices are bold and strong. The
devices progressively weaken as continuing inward.

The weakness of the centre of the devices can not be attributed
to wear, but to the inferior workmanship of the die.

doug