Right way to submit proof coins?

[Popsiclman]

If I suspect that a coin in a mint or proof set has an error, what is the right way to have it authenticated? Do I send in the whole package from the hard plastic container for S coins for example, or remove just the suspect coin? Same question from P or D coins in their cellophane? Thanks!

[occnumis2021]

if you can post some good pics, we can better advise you how to proceed. it isn't a cheap process so verifying that it is an error/variety and if the "potential" value merits the costs is imperative.

[MintErrors]

It depends on several things.

1. Where do you propose to send these coins? Is it to a third party grading service like ANACS, NGC or PCGS?
Or, is it to some one like variety vista or other attributor ? It is best to ask the people you plan on sending the coin into than us, because we don't know their services, nor insurance protocols nor their pricing tier.

2. SOME - not all third paty grading services have to ability - not that they may be willing to do - encapsulating an entire mint set. This might not be the best Idea, unless the majority of the cpoins would have the same issue... say, 3 out of 6 coins in a mint set were doubled dies, or they had strike throughs, etc.
You have to take into account that those multiple layers on encapsulation may render the ability to see the error or variety very difficult.

3. Proof coins are proof coins, whether in or out of the mint packaging. Its up to the owner to decide whether they wish to break the coin out and send separately. You BEST know the TPG policy and make comments on EXACTLY what you want done, or they will simply do what they think <?> is right. They may remove the coins and slab just the coin in question, unless they are told exactly what you want done. I would have to say, in my opinion, Most people break out the coin and submit it separately.

4. Be EXTREMELY careful should you break out proof coins to be examined and encapsulated. I use cotton white inspection gloves and take my time when I am breaking coins out of mint/proof sets. I only handle them once by hand, from mint or proof set to a plastic flip and that is it. Fingerprints will show up extremely easy on proof coins and may affect what people may offer on the coin. Don't try to wipe off prints from a proof coin, the appearance only will go south from there.

As OCC has said, your proof coin error best be a winner winner chicken dinner type of error, or the cost of getting it slabbed by a third party grading service will outweigh the value of the coin. In the end, it is YOUR choice on whether to get it slabbed or not fall on you. It doesnt have to be about cost - it can be a sentimental reason, first proof error found, or other reason to have it graded/ slabbed/ examined.

Know the final cost before you send a coin in. ANACS is probably the cheapest as I type, but they may add costs to error examinations. Typically, it will cost about $8 to mail it to the TPG. It will cost on average $19.00 to have it graded and slabbed at ANACS. Then return shipping to you is not cheap, typically it runs about $24.00 since the TPG has to insure the product and uses UPS or FEDEX to do return shipping. That was ANACS pricing. I believe NGC and PCGS charge considerably more that that. I am not too sure about their total cost, but a simple call to them, or a visit to their website, or an authorized PCGS or NGC dealer location might be able to tell you more. ANACS has reps at a lot of coin shows. You can find more info on what shows they attend and see them there. They will sit down with you and try to find a service and cost that you will feel comfortable with. Most TPGs if they take it in there, you save that shipping TO them, but the return shipping is still required, unless there is a special ( ANACS has "ANACS insider" specials all the time).

Good luck.

[Popsiclman]

Many thanks. A lot to think about and I appreciate all the detail. I'm going to post some pics also.

[Popsiclman]

I've attached some pictures. The first two are of a 1970 S Kennedy that may (or may not have) some doubling. The second is a Kennedy half from a 1965 SMS that has some marks I dont understand. Thanks.

[MintErrors]

The coin with the IN GOD photo has a strike through near the D in GOD. Not sure if it is just in that area ot not, but it's a struck through fiber or something similar. Not something thas has much value, especially versus the costs of encapsulating at PCGS or NGC.

[MintErrors]

I cannot quite make out the 1970S to say it's a DDO. it may be best for you to look this web page over and see in you can match up your coin to the examples on varietyvista. Itmight just be, too minor to list. I know the mint has a habit to strike a proof coin twice in order to get that perfect look, but I don't know what years they practiced this. I've seen some official US Mint videos showing the method, but don't know if it was 100 % standard practice.

http://varietyvista.com/12%20Kennedy...s%201970-S.htm

U S Mint making of proof coins....

https://youtu.be/LZMAY-53a-A

[Popsiclman]

Thanks to all. I really appreciate it.