Sending coins "in"

[AstroRaider]

I have seen lots of requests to send examples "in". I assume this is to acquire formal attributions. Since I am new to this, I have several examples that I want formally attributed, including the 1983 DDO I found a short while ago.

I have read where there is a small fee (per coin) for such attributions and an additional fee for return shipping.

Now, here are the questions...

Who performs the attributions and where can I get the fee schedule, address and any directions for shipping?

And, what Lincoln cents are "worth" getting attibuted? In other words, is it worth getting a coin attributed if the cost of doing so is higher than the actual value of the coin?

Thanks for your help...

[jcuve]

Different specialists maintain files of varieties and certain die errors they catalog (such as doubled dies, RPMs, Trail dies, etc.). Based on those files one can send in a coin so it can be compared to existing examples, identified as a particular number or added to the files if not already listed.

Such specialists have different fees, number of coins that can be sent and other specific requirements. One can typically find required information from the site listed for the attributer.

Using the online files, or ones found in a book, an identification can often be made. If you want to sell a coin, attribution can make it easier, but you would have to factor that into the price and see if it was worth it.

Sending in a coin would usually mean either it isn't listed or if one isn't sure if it is or is not listed - once attributed you would have a letter or emailing verifying the variety/error that could be used if it was to be sold later or slabbed by ANACS/ICG as a Discovery Coin if it was a new variety to the files and the TPG slabs from those files.

Some attributers I have dealt with in one way or another: John Wexler, James Wiles, Bob Piazza, BJ Neff, Billy Crawford, Bill Fivaz, J.T. Stanton and Charles Daugherty.

Some attributers on occasion work with TPGs. TPGs will also verify varieties from different files, but that has to be factored into the cost and you have to know if they will slab it before sending. PCGS and NGC have a limited number they will slab.

[atarian]

Ive dealt with BJ Neff in the last few weeks on a trail die I had, hes a great guy to work with. He was able to attribute my lincoln better than I ever could

[mustbebob]

Here is the attribution guidelines for coppercoins.com:

http://www.coppercoins.com/attribution.php

As Jason mentioned, each club has their own guidelines and it is normally mentioned on their Web Sites.

[RpmHunter]

Allan,

If you know what variety that you have, it's a waste of your time and money sending it to an attributor. If you don't know or aren't sure, then send it to an expert in the field as mentioned.

If you want the variety in a professionally graded holder, it has to be free of any problems such as scratches, corrosion or cleaning of a harsh nature.

PCGS will label the holder with cherrypickers guide varieties and a select few others but the cost per coin would be around $42.00 (Economy level) and you have to join their collectors club...another $100.00.

Anacs will accept submissions from anyone at a cost of about $16.00 per coin (economy level) and as long as you list the correct attribution they will add it to the label and grade the coin.

Scott

[Abraham]

"is it worth getting a coin attributed if the cost of doing so is higher than the actual value of the coin?"

[jfines69]

Abraham,
If the person sending the coin in to be attributed wants the attribution and is not concerned with the actual value then it is worth it... Such as a coin of sentimental value!!!
Jim

[jcuve]

"is it worth getting a coin attributed if the cost of doing so is higher than the actual value of the coin?"

For obvious reasons, some people will send in a "Discovery Coin" that is probably not worth more than slabbing costs.