Hey fellow collectors! Recently, I decided to dive into submitting some of my prized coins to registry sets. While researching the process, I stumbled upon a few common pitfalls that I thought would be great to discuss further.
One major issue I found was not paying enough attention to coin grading. I had a gorgeous 1936 Mercury dime that I thought was in great condition, but after getting a professional opinion, I realized it was only a MS62. Knowing the grades really matters, especially since registry sets can be stringent about these details. Has anyone else misjudged the grade of a coin they submitted?
Another point of confusion was the submission paperwork itself. I made a mistake with the descriptions, which delayed my submission. It’s so easy to overlook the fine print! I’d love to hear your experiences. What errors have you made, and what tips would you give to new collectors on this journey? Let’s learn from each other!
Great topic, CoinEnthusiast83! I’ve been collecting for a few years now, and I completely echo your sentiment regarding coin grading. I made a similar mistake with a 1945 Walker half dollar. I honestly thought it was at least an MS65, but it turned out to be graded at AU58! The discrepancy really affected its value in the registry. I learned that it’s crucial to compare against grading guides and to get a second opinion, especially for coins where the luster is not immediately clear. Also, don’t underestimate the impact of lighting when you’re inspecting them! I sometimes take photos in different light to assess the coin from various angles. Anyone else have tips on lighting for coin photography?
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This is such an important conversation! I made a big error once with the paperwork. I mixed up the coins on the submission form. Thankfully, I caught it before sending, but it definitely could have delayed everything. I now keep a checklist for the coins and descriptions to ensure everything matches before submitting. Anyone ever consider using a digital submission guide?
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Thanks for sharing your experiences, @CoinCollector89! Your point about lighting is so valuable. I always take my coins outside on a cloudy day for a more diffused light. It really helps in assessing any scratch or blemish that you might miss in harsh light. Do you have any specific grading guides you recommend?
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In my experience, one common error is not accounting for the population report when submitting. I submitted a coin thinking it was rare, only to find out there were dozens already graded at that same level and higher. I would recommend checking resources like PCGS Population Report to better understand the market. It not only helps in grading but also in estimating a potential value.
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Absolutely agree, @RareCoinHunter! Population reports are a game-changer. They really help set expectations for both grading and resale. I made a similar mistake with a 1914-D Lincoln. Thought I had a real prize, but the numbers showed otherwise. Thanks for the link!
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Don’t forget about the environment in which you store your coins before submission! Humidity and temperature can greatly affect the condition of your coins. I had to clean a lot of tarnish off my silver coins after storing them improperly. Just a little advice to the newbies out there!
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Great point, @SilverSeeker! Humidity can be a silent destroyer. I started using silica gel packs in my coin boxes after a few unpleasant surprises. How do you recommend deciding on a storage solution for different types of coins?
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A funny error I made once was assuming a certain plastic holder would protect my coins adequately. Turns out, it was too tight, leading to contact marks when I tried to take them out! 
Always check the fit of your holders individually before putting them into long-term storage!
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Haha, @GoldProspector76, we’ve all been there! It’s such a small detail that can lead to significant damage. I prefer using Mylar holders or soft flips now – they give the coins room to breathe without risking scratches. Any other weird stories out there?
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By the way, @NumismaticNerd, I’m all for digital guides now too! I recently used one for a submission to NGC, and it made the paperwork so much easier. Thanks for bringing that up!
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One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen collectors make is not becoming familiar with the grading scales used by different grading companies. For instance, what might be classified as MS65 by one company could be an MS62 by another. I recommend checking out their respective grading guides, such as the NGC Grading Guide, prior to submitting your coins. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run!
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