Listen, All I meant to imply was that most people, yes collectors as well, have no idea who the sculptors are, certainly not the less known sculptors, nor do they want their autograph. If you are so passionate about these people, (yes they are in fact more talented than I could ever imagine or hope to be) then you buy their autographs. Numismatics is about coins, NOT AUTOGRAPHS. It was the grading services that made it all about autographs. Novice collectors are being tricked into purchasing autographs because they believe it somehow adds value to the coin. IT DOES NOT ADD VALUE TO THE COIN. The grade adds value to the coin, not the autograph, and anyone who pays more for an autograph is just fooling themselves. Good Day!

“These people”, like me and the other very talented artists who design and/or sculpt the currency you collect, serve America in either full-time capacity as US Mint sculptor engravers or jury-selected contractors in the US Mint Artistic Infusion Program. Without “these people” you would not have coins and medals to collect, sell, transact with or bitch about. “These people” take this work very seriously and work long and hard on it. “These people” are incredible artists who inexplicably take a lot of ordinance and flak from the American people they serve so proudly. I care deeply about “these people” and it is a privilege to serve along side of them. “These people” are in fact known by many who know their coins and medals. “These people” are heroes to me. Why not reach out to some our Nations coin designers and sculptors and get to know us a little better. I’m sure my colleagues would be more than happy to get to know you too. Take the time to care in an informed way about who does this work, and you may find your coins to be even more valuable than face denomination. Be well in interesting times. All my best – Jamie Franki AIP Designer, United States Mint.

This is a fairly complex subject. But, I only purchase PCGS authenticated/graded “slabbed” coins as my personal preference since they tend to bring more overall when you go to sell them (plus, PCGS is the only publicly- owned stock corporation third-party coin grading company, as all the other coin grading companies in this industry are privateIy owned & I don’t trust them basically. I own Collectors Universe company stock (NASDAQ:CLCT) & they own PCGS & other similar companies. I do not collect autograph labels because they cost extra to have slabbed & the autographs are common ones mostly. Call PCGS or NGC headquarters & ask them for names of their authorized dealers who might have an autograph label you may want.
As for “Early Releases,” “First Releases”, “First Day of Issue” etc. & other such “special” labels, IMHO they mean nothing (the U.S. Mint does not recognize such terminology on coins they sell & warn consumers about such false “first strikes” & “early”-type labels) & are just a marketing ploy to get you to pay more, as almost none of the approximately 6,000 coin dealers in the USA will pay you extra for these labels when you go to sell the coins, unless they have a specific customer that really needs it as a “must have” item immediately. Even then, the coin dealers just go by the certified coins dealer price guides for a basis of their offer to you on a particular slabbed coin.
PCGS & NGC list all coins they grade by the type of label in their official population reports weekly listings as separate listings. That will give you an idea of how many exist in the marketplace for any particular label you are researching. It is up to you, of course, if you want to pay a premium to get a specific “fancy” label that is really just window dressing IMHO. As always, the caveat “Buyer Beware!” is always good advice. Good Luck in your search Kerrie.

Happy collecting & investing!

NumisdudeTX

Seth,
Where do you find these autographed labels? I have looked at the list of people in the autograph program at both NGC and PCGS, but I can’t find anybody selling them. They say available at specified dealers, but don’t give the names of those dealers. I’ve only seen a couple of names out there, but those names are everywhere and it doesn’t make them very limited. So, do these autographed labels really make your slabbed coin worth more? Does having the words “Early Release”, etc… add value? I’m confused about what adds value to the label, core or slab and why to choose one over the other. Can you add some clarity or tell me where to find an updated book or website on all labels, cores and slab shapes with mintages ever produced?

He designed the ‘MONKEY’ nickel…..

The funniest part about these ridiculous labels is that no one even knew who this guy was before the label. They should start selling coins with professional athletes signature on them. At least then, there would be some value to the signature!!!! Totally ruing the hobby with these worthless labels!!!!!!! No one knows or cares who these people are!!!!

NumisdudeTX

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