GoldenGriffin

Thank you. I think you're probably right about waiting before grading if it was a coin swap. I can't see how a staff member at PCGS would cause those hairlines. The coin came out of original capsule and checked for any signs of hairlines after I bought it in 2021 and again just before carefully transferring it into a new coin flip. Loads of bubble wrap for protection, usual due diligence before and after sending to PCGS for grading. Sad, but at least I have one. They're very rare in that size, so still incredibly lucky to have one.

Hi @JohnV66yes, as with all my coins ive sent directly to PCGS for grading, very carefully take out of capsule, I check again for signs of hairlines or other debris in natural light, or strong lighting, like I do when I receive the coin after purchasing. Never blow on the coin with my mouth, but use a camera lens blower if needed. Then holding the edges of the coin, put it into a new flip. No signs of hairlines when I put into a new flip. Sorry to hear about NCS anf thank goodness for Dave!

I think I know who you mean. I've never sent to a 3rd party always direct. I always check my coins when I receive. Definitely something fishy here. Can't do anything though.

I sent direct to PCGS, which in theory carries less risk.

PCGS did the grading. Hairlines, who knows? If you enter the certificate and see the images, you can see all the hairlines on the obverse. Not good.

The Grffin of Edward III returns from PCGS. Very shocked at a PR66! Obverse has hairlines all of a sudden visible to the naked eye which weren't there when it was with me. it would have gone striaght back to the RM in 2021. Mine is the only one graded so far at PCGS. I feel this could be a coin swap. Let's see if any other Griffin's all of a sudden get graded much higher. The 1oz Dragon at PR67 I understand because I bought it from a dealer who posted images of a pristine coin but when I got it, I could see why they graded it a PR67. FFS! Bar Stewards! Anyway, rant partially over, at least I have one.

...

Another PCGS "graded goodie", PR69 for this beast of a Red Dragon... it felt like Christmas came early this morning!

And 2 x PR69's from PCGS, still happy! 😊

Another lot of grading "goodies" returned to me from PCGS. 2 x PR70's, really happy!

The una and the Lion has not come out every year, whereas the sovereign has and the collector base is significantly higher by a very large margin. The other Great Engravers aren't as well known / collected over the decades. I Just have to cross my fingers 🤞

Apologies, off-topic, but I did receive a thought in my head today. Great Engravers, William Wyon, George and the Dragon. Gives me the wobbles every time I think about this coin! There has been a significant collector base for sovereigns for decades, and I wondered if the RM will release a quarter oz gold proof version to meet the significant demand? Definitely one I'd buy if I could.

Another 3 coins back from grading at PCGS; 2 x Queen's Beasts and 1 x King Charles III coronation. I'm really pleased with the results. I'm in love! 😍

I found out from the RM that it's an "interpretation" of the Royal Arms. I wish I also had the 1 oz gold, it's absolutely stunning - you can see the beautiful design much better!

I'm due to receive my quater oz gold King Charles III Coronation from PCGS - they've added 'Royal Arms' on the holder, which I assume is correct?