Expert: Joe Hylas - 3/22/2008

Question
QUESTION: "Joe, I'm interested in searching SACAGAWEA coin rolls for submission for grading at PCGS/NGC and want to know the best possible way to increase my chance of getting high grade coins. Are US mint rolls better/worse than bank rolls? Is there a difference between them? or please advice if there is a better approach."


ANSWER: Good Morning!

The rolls are the same whether they be bank or mint rolls as far as I can tell.
Most people who do what you do cut the coins out of mint sets.

That doesn't mean you won't find high grade coins in the rolls though.  Remember that the grading services have a prescreen policy whereby you designate the grade you want for coins in a large lot and if they don't make the grade they return the coins ungraded and simply charge $1 or $2 per coin.

Regards
Joe Hylas

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Great answer didn't even think of mint sets. duh. BIG THANK YOU!  Didn't know about prescreen policy either does NGC or PCGS have a prescreen policy?  Is so, do I need to contact them first before sending in coins as prescreen? and how many coins is considered a large lot? finally where is the best sourse to buy mint sents?
Thanks Allyn

Answer
Get the mint sets from large dealers who advertise in CoinWorld.  The ones on eBay have been picked thru by people doing what you want to do.
I believe 100 coins are required for prescreen, check with PCGS/NGC
There should be a spot to check off on the submissions forms, no need to contact them.
Regards
Joe Hylas