Thank you so much for your understanding and cooperation.

Best Regards
Joses.

Thanks E1,
Masterfully laid out, comprehensive, and easy on the eyes and ears-so to speak. I just may copy that for future reference.
Great advice on what to look for, and what to avoid. The Industry advancements–all of it!
One day, I may fully implement those guidelines and maxims and have an equal knowledge base, but I doubt it. I’m late to the party my friend. I use several of those tips, just never all at once unfortunately. But you never know, there’s always room for improvement.
An enthusiastic learner? Sure. An Expert? No, and that isn’t my goal necessarily. If I can learn enough to be an expert on a certain coin, series, or fixer upper coin? Icing on the cake bud!
My only claim to fame is a couple of coins that are considered desirable with a low mintage, and a condition rarity or two–nothing overly spectacular in the big picture. To me though, they are a proud accomplishment, just like all of us I suppose–we’re proud of our collections no matter what they consist of.
I’m having a good time sharing, and picking up a few tips along the way. I can accept a failure now and again–AKBob says it’s Tuition!
Keep up the great stuff you do around here E1–Always appreciated more than you know!
BTW thanks for the Extra “V” diagram, great stuff.

The two ANACS “V”‘s? Well there safe back with me since I took the safest option on those. They’re standing by for now.
NGC doesn’t want to deal with crossing ANACS coins(in holder assessment).
NGC will deal with crossing PCGS coins(in holder assessment).
PCGS will deal with the crossing of both ANACS and NGC coins(in holder assessment), as seen in my results–but they are stingy with what they cross, no doubt. Remember neither one likes to show their cards too often…
As Kenny used to sing…
“You’ve got to know when to hold’em–Know when to fold ’em”….

I’m having some fun with my coin quests. I’m seeking to freshen up a couple of older coins surface wise, and presentation wise at the same time. The raw OGP coins too, that’s where I’ve seen the most value gained. The fresh look & storage perks, I’ll take it, no regrets.

This little guy below just got out of the bath today.
Tomorrow is picture day and he has a new outfit that he’ll put on. Let’s see if we can ‘spot’ anything out of the ordinary?
I have my hopes, but they’re not too high–it’s safer that way….

Now your knowledge should be equal to mine.

You’re an expert.

Cheers

If you want to become a high-end coin dealer or a high-end coin collector, it is always best to focus on the upper echelon of the coin supply, as it has the highest liquidity. Simply, to acquire the right coins in the right grade. Coins that are rare by mintage and/or rare by condition – should always be your guiding maxim. One should also strive for coins that are appropriate for the grade, at the top of the grade, or better than the encapsulated grade. Any historical mintage claim as to the coin’s rarity or scarcity should also have weight in the assessment process. Finally, select coins that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye and photograph well.
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Modern coins that are in the MS/PR category, should be spotless/brilliant or beautifully toned with nice colors. Even more important, coins with difficult spots, fingerprints, and environmental damage should be avoided. Also, try to determine if the coin has already been dipped. All coins should be dipped, but only once in their entire lifetime. Look for coins that have been in the same TPG holder for 20-30s and have never been dipped. Then you can better gauge if the coin is chemically stable or not. Fixer upper coins and problem coins cost time/money to make them marketable. Most preferably, you want all of your holdings to be highly liquid starting at the time of purchase.
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The Science of Numismatic Conservation has advanced significantly in the last decade. TPG holder design, digital photography, and the chemical science of numismatics has improved greatly as well. The digital photography work provided by the TPGs is spectacular. These photos are superb for mechanically evaluating: the centering of the strike, strike fullness, strike detail, sharp digs, and die varieties. However, the presence of PVC, the actual color/shine of the coin, and small striations are not deterministic when using these Full-Front-On photographs. Yet, this technology is extremely desirable to buyers and sellers. Black light image technology may help with this dilemma. A perfect picture is no guarantee of a perfect coin and yet it adds to one’s purchase confidence. That is why, in-hand ocular inspection in the appropriate lightening will always be the best method of evaluation. A marketable coin must be in a highly desirable grade, have a respectfully low mintage/population, and photograph well. In a nutshell – let the junk fall to the floor, fix what you can, and grab the highest grade most attractive material that you can logically afford. Conservation/Recertification is a logical revenue generator. If you are careful, it works most of the time. However, pre-conservation expectations vs. the end results may not always agree. Additionally, the three TPGs may not always agree either. You can chalk up any misfortunes to the price of experience and then let that misfortune sit in a box for 20 years. Anything numismatically significant will appreciate. 

Rick,

This is not the best place to discuss inferential statistics in detail. However, I generated these histograms based upon the Extra V population numbers. Hopefully, they will provide some additional insight. As for the two ANACs coins that did not cross, I have these recommendations: 1 – put them back and forget about them, 2 – Try your luck with NGC, 3 – Sell them on the bay with a Buy It Now price you find acceptable.

✔️!

REB,
On the other hand, I could also be considered a…
“Slave of Encapsulation!”

Thanks, now everybody settle down. It may not seem like it, but this is my first rodeo doing this. There will be more crosswalking and/or jaywalking activities depending on the outcomes? There’s more going on as we speak. So more ‘stories’ coming up!
I’m happy to oblige and share these little ventures, tips, and lessons learned. It makes for good coin talk?
So stay tuned, and perhaps benefit later from my being a crash test dummy…
I either make it for the next test, or retire quietly in the ”parts department”!

“Emperor of Encapsulation!”

LOL.

BTW, Nice job Rick!