Slam me if you wish, but take responsibility for your coins being bagged!

The biggest problem I see with individuals submitting coins is they are not experienced and do not know what to look for. On a weekly basis I have collectors bring me coins to submit that look "good" or "nice" that I will not submit because they have been cleaned. I'd recommed that before you start buying and submitting coins to be certified you spend a year or two going to shows and looking at coins in slabs and those which have been cleaned. Knowledge is key. None of us are automatic experts in any field and I believe that is where the problem begins.

I'm not perfect in submitting coins either. I've cracked coins out of one holder and had another service holder the coin lower. If you would look at my submissions, you would see coins that came back cleaned. I submitted a 1914 D Lincoln that a blind man could tell was cleaned to PCGS and, yes, it came back cleaned. Even though I told the owner when he was pulling the coin out of his shirt pocket the coin was cleaned, he was sure the coin would holder because it was a key date. It was his money for express service to waste and he was adamant about sending it in.

Sometimes, we have to step back and take responsibility for our actions. Is it PCGS' or NGC's responsibility to educate us before we start the slabbing game? NO, it is our responsibility!

My major suggestions are:

1)do your homework,

2)learn all you can about the natural color of copper, silver and gold,

3)attend shows either local or national,

4)talk to experienced dealers and collectors,

5)join a coin club and

6)wait until you are seasoned before you send coins in for certification.

Flame away, but it gets old reading how the experts were incorrect and novices with very little time under their belts are correct.