Scratches On BU Order

Well, I decided to call them and see what they have to say about it. I got a nice person on the phone and I don't feel she gave me any BS or excuses. She said that since the coin is not graded, it is shipped to me as it was received from PCGS and therefore whatever condition it comes in as what it is. No guarantees unless I order MS-70 that it will be flawless. I hate to accept it, but that does make sense in all fairness. She did offer to give me a refund or exchange if I wanted something else. I told her I'd think about it.

The item were those 2008 PCGS "First Strike" Roll of ASE's. I know, I know, but they were the same price (actually lower priced) as the regular ones so what the hey. Anyway, the packaging, the tube, the product itself is pretty awesome, all except for the fact that the first coin on top has some scratches which stinks. So what she's saying is that PCGS receives them from the mint, packages them as received, and that's what is sold. But I guess that's the luck of the draw. Guess it would be the same with any order of ASEs but maybe I just had unreasonable expectations because of the PCGS tie in. I wouldn't hesitate to exchange it but they don't have these any more so either I just let go of this and get in a regular roll of 2008's or hold on to this. I like the added value of the PCGS "certification" to some people if I ever sell it, but I'm wondering if the top coin scratches take too much away from that. Argh. I dunno. I have a couple days to make up my mind.

What should I do?

Okay, so this stuff happens. Thanks for confirming the mint's less than perfect record. And I'm receiving it third hand (at least) so I can only imagine what kind of horrors could befall a coin along the way and we take all the risk. Guess that's the game we choose to play. I bought these for mostly the bullion value, but I'm happy to take any collector value these have, which is why I'm choosing to keep these anyway. If I were to exchange it for another 20 ASEs in just a mint tube, I could end up with the same or worse, with no additional value (perceived or otherwise). Plus I think I pay for the return postage. No thanks.

This experience makes me want to seek out silver rounds without the ASE premium or worry about the collector value suffering because of the quality. But I also want them to be easy to sell when that time comes. Any suggestions?