v/d Merwe

Here’s a 2005 South African MS R1 with a mintage of 256. Nearly 6000 points on the registry too. I have proofs with lower mintages but this one is low for a MS coin. There are lower mintage years in this series for those that likes a challenge.

XF40

Hi missed you on the BOB forums. Agree that these sets look better in their mint issue cases ungraded. I am participating in the NGC registry sets hence me wants them graded. I am not really bothered on potential upside in value having a higher graded coin BUT having a coin that’s graded right for its condition would be nice compared to what’s in the registry. If it raises the value it’s a bonus be it a very nice one. Apart from a few select years they are not high cost to purchase. Some sets will probably be cheaper than the grading fees on the set. Hobbies hey? I am a firm believer in buying the coin and not the holder. Seeing noticeable marks on the obverse of Queen Elizabeth bust especially on the 5 Shillings in slabs up to PF 66. Then comparing to a PF63 and thinking NGC got the slabs mixed in grading.

Thanks for all your replies. I tend to agree with your opinions. I will update if/ when I ve resubmitted any in future submissions.

Yes it’s mostly South African Union Proof coins. They are minted pre 1960. These proofs always look different in hand compared to pictures for various reasons as you all know. Especially if there’s toning. In hand there will be no hairlines even under magnifying for those that I decide to submit for grading. Photo is for reference regarding Union proofs.

Thanks for your reply Mark. I will do thou maybe later in the year when turnaround times calmed down. Do you recommend resubmitting in current holder or to break out and summit raw?

Happy new year fellow collectors. I have been submitting coins for grading to NGC since 2008 and have been getting higher grades on my submissions recently compared to older ones. In hand most of my older graded coins looks better than my more recent ones which been submitted in 2020. I heard about grade inflation but didn’t give it much thought till I can compare with personal experience. If cost is not a drawback is it not then worthwhile to resubmit and expect a higher grade? I see that NGC can be 3weeks + behind on some submissions and are recruiting new members of staff offering sign on bonuses. Could it be inexperienced graders or rushing through invoices to blame? The saying goes buy the coin and not the holder but when PF63/64/65 looks superior to recent PF67 graded ones I am beginning to be sceptical.