Signed Slabs

[MunkyMan95]

I recently purchased a 1982 Washington Commem certified PCGS PF 69 DCAM signed by the 33rd US Mint Director Donna Pope. My question is, how can we as collectors be sure that these signatures are real? Obviously, if they weren't and someone found out, PCGS would lose their reputation as a high class grading company. But how can we be sure? There is not certification on the slab that says "Guaranteed Authentic" or anything like that. I didn't really buy the coin for the signature, I liked the coin, but the signature sort of swayed me. Anyone else have signature coins like these? Anyone know about the authenticity? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[HaydenTubbs]

This is kind of funny in a way.

Perhaps you should read this article about the sister firm of PCGS which "'authenticates" autographs.You had better hope that they didn't "authenticate" this one: link

 

 

Hayden

[kranky]

Where is it signed - on the slab label inside the slab, or on the outside of the slab?

 

If it's on the outside surface of the slab, I don't think you can be sure it's authentic. On the other hand, there's no real value in them anyway, so there's no reason for anyone to fake them.

[MunkyMan95]

The signature is on the little paper (?) insert on the inside of the slab. Depending on whose autograph it is, it could be worth something. Not Donna Pope, but maybe a former president (or current president) or a celebrity or something.

[EZ_E]

It's authentic. I have one myself. Regardless of who signed, all such slabs are signed under supervision and are all on the up and up.

[MunkyMan95]

Ok cool, good to know!

[James_OldeTowne]

The funny thing to me is that I've never been able to sell such a slab at a premium. So, I'm not sure how important any authentication guarantee would be .

 

James

[MunkyMan95]

That's true...

[Coin]

The Gerald Ford and Nolan Ryan signed ones (limited edition signed coins from PCGS) do sell at a premium . If anyone can get one of these real cheap , I'd love to buy them -whenever I find one it gets out of wallet range quick.

The Donna Pope signed (33rd U S mint director , limited edition) commemorative halves do not have numbers like: 46 of 500 , so I would ponder a guess that the assigned ID/serial number on the reverse of the PCGS holder would have a start and finish run for this edition (anyone know where to find these start and end run numbers listed?) to indicate the amount signed , if not posted elsewhere -like somewhere on the PCGS site.

 

Keep in mind that these signed limited editions (like the Jessica Lynch(sp?) ) are mostly a marketing ploy . One that combines a collectible like a coin with an autograph of a noteworthy or historical person so that you get both the coin and an autograph in one. For some folks , this is a win-win...the TPG has a marketible item and purchasers that like coins and autographs get 2-in-1. For others , this market approach does not have much appeal .

 

Bottom line is : If you like it , and you want something with an added bonus-keep it , but if it was purchased with the idea that it was an investment additive- you should realize the limited market that may want it....The great Baseball player Ryan is more likely a bit more well-known than former Director Pope , and his signature falls on a higher value coin that is still found being re-sold with the Ryan baseball card on which his pose is very similar to that of the commemorative coin.

 

PS , I've got a Donna Pope signed one also and , as a collector , think it's cool because it is a Deep Cameo Proof and the signature makes it a little more interesting than one without-and it makes a good conversation starter.

-John

[mhardin2413]

i tend to agree with a few of the others--essentially, the autographs are gimmicks, so unless the person's autograph is worth something in and of itself, such as nolan ryan's or gerald ford's, i sure wouldn't waste any extra money on them. as for authenticity, i would say if it is within the pcgs slab (and the slab does not appear to be tampered wtih), i'd assume it to be real.

[michael]

send your slabs to me with full return postage and haldling and i will sign them for you my autograph sweet

 

and i will also have them all notaerized so that you know it is my signature

[michael]

 

 

it is a cool collectible concept if you do not pay much extra for this signature and you place most of the value in the coin and the signature is just an added bonus