PCGS Expands Variety Attribution Service

Variety has been called the spice of life and collecting by variety is definitely the wave of the future in the rare coin market. In the 19th century, most people collected by date only and paid very little attention to mint marks. In the 20th century, collecting by date and mint mark became popular, along with collecting obvious varieties. Previously, collecting by die variety has been the realm of a few dedicated specialists but, recently, there has been a significant growth in the number of die variety collectors, a product of the explosion of information and the fascinating appeal of coin varieties.

PCGS has always recognized major varieties: the classics such as the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse cent, the 1937-D three legged Buffalo nickel, and many others. Recently, PCGS decided that it was time to recognize more varieties; in fact, it was time to recognize all of the most popular varieties. In August 2006, PCGS began attributing the most popular VAM varieties of Morgan and Peace Dollar varieties. To launch the new Variety Service, PCGS graded and attributed the fabulous Lloyd Gabbert collection of Morgan and Peace Dollar VAM varieties, perhaps the finest such collection ever assembled.

In September 2006, PCGS began attributing (on a small test basis with a few major collectors) all classic American coins from 1793-1838 using the most popular reference books for each series. PCGS is now ready to offer variety attribution in the following classic series:

• Half Cents (1793-1857) by Cohen numbers
• Large Cents (1793-1814) by Sheldon numbers
• Large Cents (1816-1857) by Newcomb numbers
• Half Dimes (1794-1837) by Logan/McCloskey numbers
• Dimes (1796-1837) by John Reich Society numbers
• Quarter Dollars (1796-1838) by Browning numbers
• Half Dollars (1794-1836) by Overton numbers
• Dollars (1794-1804) by Bolender and Bowers/Borckardt numbers
• Gold Quarter Eagles, Half Eagles and Eagles (1795-1834) by Bass/Dannreuther numbers

PCGS has already had the privilege of grading and attributing an impressive variety collection of Bust Dollars assembled by Dr. Hesselgesser - one of the highest quality Bust dollar variety collections ever assembled, if not the finest. The Dr. Hesselgesser collection will be displayed in its entirety at the next Long Beach Coin Show, February 15-17, 2007.

Eventually, PCGS plans to attribute all post-1838 coins using the most popular reference works (i.e. Snow for Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents, the Cherry-Pickers Guide,etc.). Previously, such attributions were handled under our Mint Error program. Effective immediately, all submissions for variety designations must be made under the PCGS Variety Service.

The fee for the PCGS Variety Service is $15 per coin in addition to the normal grading fees (determined by service level). The Variety Service will add approximately 3-5 days to normal turnaround times. To submit coins under the PCGS Variety Service, simply check the appropriate box on the submission form. Coins for the Variety Service must be submitted separately from non-Variety Service coins.

Important note: PCGS will guarantee not only the grade and authenticity of every coin…but also the variety attribution!

For complete details about the PCGS Variety service, visit www.pcgs.com or call a PCGS Customer Service Representative at 800-447-8848.