Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 3/2/2008

Question
How do I handle high grade coins starting from seaching rolls to packaging for shipment to a grading service?

Answer
James, I'm not sure how much information you are looking for here.  First, don't ever touch the coins with your bare hands, even just by the edge.  You'll put fingerprints on them.  Use cotton gloves.  Second, go to www.pcgs.com (the PCGS coin grading service website).  You should be able to find information about how to submit coins to them there, including what materials they must be packed in.  Get the information from whatever grading service you are submitting to before you send in.  Finally, in searching rolls, I just put the coins onto a soft area in my working area (I confess on occasion I use a mouse pad) and then look at them under a regular light -- again if they are uncirculated, don't touch with bare hands. Also, don't do anything to try to improve condition, you'll only greatly reduce it, Hope this helped, Jim Lawniczak