From my experience in the past it is not necessarily Proof/Unc sets, but a commemorative Gold/Silver/Clad coin. When I had purchased weeks/months after release, more often than not I received a returned coin due to imperfections & production issues, fingerprints, dust, and an overall disheveled replacement of the coin, COA, etc. Currently, if I want something for myself or for speculation/resale, I just buy it within a week of release(not that it is perfect either),it gives me better odds I think..The order of placement on the Mint shelves vs Minting/strike freshness is debatable. At any time during production, a worn/dull die is replaced with a new sharp die and the results on the coins are noticeable..So one coin on the shelf is poorly struck/lifeless. And the coin right next to it on the shelf is a superb sharp Gem. That’s where the crapshoot comes into play(early or late purchase I suppose anyway?) The milk spots developing on coins post slabbed and in OGP capsules are a problem on ASE’s & Silver Commems., but not any other coins from what I gather..
The Early Releases/First Strikes are a joke, yes. They are submitted for grading within 30 days of release, and that’s it. They could be the last coin struck and still qualify for the label–And that’s all it is–A label. But there is a huge Market for labels–Love em, or hate em..
I’ve blabbered enough, thanks for the discussion..
Rick

E1,
I know you are ‘done’ with the corporate/b-s work environment these days? And there’s no turning back. But you could be a consultant down the way in Newport Beach, No?.. You and my Father(passed) could have a conversation or two…He was an engineer at Motorola from 1960-90ish in Phoenix. I’ll dig out an artifact he left me–A microchip timeline.. ’60’s the size of a Morgan, ’70’s a Dime, ’80’s a Pencil eraser–You get the idea. I look at my Android and see a part of him! Think back to Nasa back then–Huge Computer Rooms…

Rick,

I know it would be very easy to implement pattern recognition software and optical systems to automate the grading process. Most of that is commercial off the shelf equipment these days. That is what I did with micro, nano and pico form factor sized mechanical parts in the semi-conductor and disc drive industries. Also, there is probably a lot of Cleanroom Technology that could be implemented into the grading room and slabbing room environments.

Cheers

Rick,

Yes, they do it bare handed. There was an online video somewheres made by NGC or PCGS showing the grading process in the grading room. My only concern is that they didn’t wear face masks to act as a spittle guard to protect the coins from spittle. A saliva drop will turn completely and deeply black on a silver coin in a couple of years. This is where black carbon spots come from.

The grading process is actually very quick. Nothing fancy. However, with the NGC cameos and ultra cameos, I suspect some kind of instrumentation is being used to determine th emirror reflectivity from the field and its contrast ratio to the device. The graders also rely heavily on their photographic reference library.

When I dip, I use powderless latex gloves, a mask, and tongs. When I handle dry, I use white cotton gloves and a mask always.

“Even more interesting, the Graders do not wear gloves, nope.”

Have coins ever come back with fingerprints and sneeze spots? I’ve never had anything graded and this piece of information doesn’t make me want to start. Does the person submitting the coin have to sign a waiver? Can a grade be appealed? Is there liability if the grader degrades your coin?

Sound advice, and Fauci approved!

On that note..It’s interesting to me that the TPG’s do not use this precaution?
Even more interesting, the Graders do not wear gloves, nope. Not even rubber/surgical gloves? Correct me if I’m wrong…
A precaution to not drop apparently–Tactile handling on the rims only. Correct E1?..I’m going off of memory?–Read it at the NGC site not long ago…