Hey fellow collectors! I recently participated in my first group submission for some coins I’ve been sitting on for a while. I had some rare 1916 Mercury dimes and a couple of 1950s silver quarters, all in pretty decent condition—mostly AU to MS. It was exciting to think my coins might get the professional grading they deserve.
I had my reservations about group submissions, especially regarding the potential for mishandling or misrepresentation of my coins. But seeing the potential savings on grading fees and the camaraderie in sharing the experience with others made it worth a shot. I did my homework and researched previous submissions from our group, and feedback was mostly positive, which helped ease my concerns.
Now I’m super curious—what have your experiences been like with group submissions? Did you find the process seamless, or were there hiccups along the way? Did you feel like the cost savings were worth it in the end? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
I’ve participated in several group submissions over the years, and I can definitely say it’s been a mixed bag! I started with a group of local collectors who were also in it for the community aspect. Initially, I was nervous about sending off my coins for grading—after all, these are precious to me—but the savings on the grading fees really did lure me in.
In my experience, the biggest advantage is the cost-effectiveness. Grading fees can add up, and joining forces with others really helps keep those costs down. However, I’ve also faced some hiccups. One time, some coins were returned with a grade lower than anticipated. It was disheartening, especially since they were in what I thought was solid AU condition.
I think the key is to research your group thoroughly and maybe set some ground rules ahead of time. That way, everyone is on the same page about expectations. Overall, I find it rewarding, but communication is critical. Happy collecting!
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Thanks for sharing your experience, @SilverSeeker22! I totally agree about the advantages of cost savings. It’s also reassuring to hear that the enthusiasm of the group can make up for the potential bumps in the road. Did you find that your coins generally came back graded as expected, or was it more hit-and-miss? That’s something I’m slightly worried about.
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I had a fantastic experience with my last group submission! We organized it through a local meet-up group, and everyone was really careful about handling each other’s coins. We used PCGS for our grading. Each person could bring coins for submission, and we compiled a nice mix of MS and PR coins. The excitement of getting them back was amazing. One guy got a 1914-D Lincoln graded as MS-65, which was a highlight for all of us! Overall, I would say it was worth it, especially for the bonds that were created among the group.
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Wow, @CoinMaster77! That sounds like an awesome experience! I can only imagine the thrill of getting a coin back with a grade like that. Since you mentioned the local meet-up group, do you think that having face-to-face conversations made the process smoother? I wonder if it helps build trust, too.
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Having participated in group submissions numerous times, I think it’s essential to consider the group dynamics. It’s not just about saving money; it’s also about trust and transparency. In one group I was part of, we had a strict coin handling protocol that ensured everything was well documented. Everyone signed off on the final list of submissions, which minimized the possibility of mistakes.
However, keep in mind that not all groups operate the same way; I faced problems with another group where communication broke down. In the end, one member’s coins didn’t make it back to them! So, definitely vet your group before diving in. Anyone interested in learning more about this can check out the guidelines on NGC about submissions.
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Great points, @OldCoinExpert! I hadn’t thought about documentation for submission. It seems like a must-do to avoid issues down the line. Communication really is key! Do you have any tips on what to include in that documentation?
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Exactly! Group submissions can be a mixed bag. I’ve submitted a few myself and had both great and terrible experiences. Most of the time, the cost savings are fantastic, but I’ve had instances where coins came back graded lower than expected. AU gems that returned as details can be a bitter pill to swallow!
For me, I always double-check the coins and work closely with the group leader to ensure everyone understands the grading criteria. That being said, I think it’s always worth participating even for the community experience. Just be prepared for the potential letdowns!
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I appreciate your insight, @Coin_Nerd88! It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in those fears about grading surprises. For your future submissions, do you think it’s worth getting coins evaluated prior to a group submission, or is there a risk in that strategy? Seems like a lot of collectors might have different opinions on that.
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Group submissions can definitely be worth it! I did my first one with a local club, and it felt like a real team effort. We all chipped in on the shipping costs, which saved us a ton.
I had a mix of MS and AU coins, and overall, the grades were quite fair. I think it helped that we had a very active group chat to keep everyone updated during the process. Just remember to take good notes and maybe even pictures before sending them off for grading!
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Group submissions are fun! I’ve made a few friends through the process, and having knowledgeable people to discuss grading criteria with helped boost my confidence in my own choices. Just be sure to go over all the specifics first! Trust is essential. Some packing peanuts and bubble wrap go a long way in ensuring coins stay protected when shipping as well.
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