PCGS Slab Lab
Interview series hosted by Seth Chandler, featuring leading figures in the numismatic collector and dealer community.
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20 entries found for [year:2022]
Slab Lab Episode 6 / Martin Logies Part 2
In December 2002, Martin Logies released a publication on Bust Dollars (as used as a reference guide by PCGS) titled, "Early Dollars: A Pocket Guide to Major Varieties." This was later published in a larger format, and included on earlydollars.org A myriad of stunning coins are on display in this episode, including the Silver Libertas Americana Medal whose history involves one of the Founding Fathers of the United States - Benjamin Franklin. As France was instrumental in helping the U.S. gain independence, these medals served as a gift to the King and Queen of France for all of their support; two gold medals were presented to them by Benjamin Franklin himself! Minted in France, the first batch of medals struck were distributed to the VIPs of the Court. It is safe to say that this batch bares Benjamin Franklin's DNA, as he handled and distributed these specimens. Subsequently, the bronze medals were given to more pedestrian recipients, with a batch sent to the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Congress did not order the particular medals to be struck. Hear Martin tell more about the "brainstorm" to create these famous medals, and much more in this episode of Slab Lab.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9UKLbLhKPY (link verified 1/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 7, John Dannreuther Part 1
One of Dannreuther's most noteworthy numismatic accomplishments was co-founding Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) in 1986. It began as a book project when he, David Hall, Bruce Amspacher and Gordon Wrubel met after coin shows to discuss writing a series of numismatic texts on each denomination. Instead, they decided the coin business needed guarantees of authenticity and grading to combat the abundance of overgraded coins, altered and repaired coins, and fakes at shows.
Slab Lab Episode 7, John Dannreuther (Part 2)
PCGS's inception was in 1986 and blossomed from the idea of guaranteeing the authenticity and grade of U.S. coins. This revolutionary concept allowed for certified coins to be bought and sold sight unseen, whereas before pricing and grading were subjective based on dealers and collectors needing to view the coin in person. Certified coins enabled increased trading volume in the market, making the hobby/industry much more efficient. Find out how four friends and prominent numismatists developed the grading system, and the original grading standards that evolved in to today's dynamic marketplace.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf4gcA_6b6M&t=1s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 7, John Dannreuther (Part 3)
In this episode of Slab Lab, hear all about early market acceptance of PCGS graded coins, the development of "no grade" codes, "details", and "genuine designations", and how to develop and hone your coin grading skills.
Learn more about "No Grade" codes here: https://bit.ly/3h2Dvsp.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPrB0N-Jp10&t=1s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 7, John Dannreuther (Part 4)
The final installment of Slab Lab with John Dannreuther, one of the top coin dealers and collection curators in the industry - is HERE. We have some incredible coins on display in this episode, along with JD's advice on how to build a stunning collection. See these coins and the discussion surrounding the 1794 $1 that sold in a private transaction for $12 million in January 2022, a 1954 Proof Franklin Half Dollar, 1841 Proof Quarter Eagle from the Smithsonian Institution, and a 1921 Satin Special Strike $20.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L35HXqH-Dcw&t=5s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 8, Steve Feltner (Part 1)
PCGS Director of Numismatic Education & Grading Team Leader, Steve Feltner, joins us in this episode of Slab Lab. Steve recalls his first ANA Summer Seminar and the knowledge gained from being in a room full of passionate collectors. Where his love for coins and people intersect, Steve aims to perpetuate the hobby for young numismatists just as collectors did for him when he was a young kid starting out in the industry.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nec-L0nQbPo&t=4s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 8, Steve Feltner (Part 2)
This episode of Slab Lab gives unique insight into path that led to Steve Feltner to landing his first role with PCGS as a professional coin grader. Hear the advice of his mentors and professors, how participating in advanced grading at the ANA Summer seminar honed his skill set, and what it's like behind the scenes of the PCGS grading room.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScGgl6iwI-A&t=17s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 8, Steve Feltner (Part 3)
The final installment of our interview with Steve Feltner, PCGS Director of grading and education is here. See pieces from his personal collection, including one of his very first purchases- a 1929-S quarter PCGS certified in an "old green holder" a PCGS XF45 George Washington funeral medal, a quick lesson on pioneer gold and the California Gold Rush, and more.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnsKRHwtt2I&t=23s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 9, Walt Husak (Part 1)
A valued member of the PCGS Set Registry, Walt Husak is an avid early copper and large cent collector/specialist, who has showcased his stunning array of Large Cents (1793-1814) at numerous coin shows over the years. The public has marveled at his collection which was on display at the September 2021 Long Beach Expo, and at the time this video is released will be represented in the PCGS Set Registry Copper Faceoff at the Central States Numismatic Society Convention in Schaumburg, IL April 27-30.
There are 58 different collectable Sheldon (number) varieties for 1794 Large Cents alone. Hear which years make up Walt's top three, and see the fan favorite - 1794 1C S-48 Starred Reverse, whose reverse has 94 stars and is unique amongst the large cent series.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfcsJB6z44Y&t=20s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 9, Walt Husak (Part 2)
Walt Husak certainly has a knack for knowing when to buy and sell coins. He has a great sense of timing and intuitive sense for the coin market. Some of the best coin advice we've received on Slab Lab is right in this episode - "Take your time, but buy it when it's available." Upon identifying what the right coin is, time is of the essence once it surfaces in the market. A collector for over 65 years, Walt is known for building one of the most complete collections of early American large cents before selling it in 2008 for $10.7 million.
Walt was recently crowned the winner of the Copper Face Off, PCGS Set Registry Showdown at the Central States Numismatic Show. See his winning collection here: https://bit.ly/3LRT2cj (link verified 10/2022).
Three of Walt's most prized coins can be seen up close in this episode. The 1793 Chain Cent AMERI S-1 PCGS AU58 - the rarest major variety of the Large Cents, the 1794 1C S-18b Head of 93, and the 1794 1C S-49 Head of 94. Learn the history of the Lord St. Oswald coins - an Englishman by the name of William Strickland who carried 35 coins home to Britain from America; many of which now represent the finest examples of their type to exist.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rgy8mYklq9k (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 10, Lee Minshull (Part1)
Lee Minshull, President of Minshull Trading is a rarities expert and one of the leading U.S/World Coin marketeers. Lee is in the wholesale business, providing a vast array of numismatic products to retail sales platforms. He became a coin dealer at the age of 14 years old!! Hear him talk coins, his personal favorites and a must-hear sales tactic for young numismatists considering a career in numismatics.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekW2fiqP1b4&t=22s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 10, Lee Minshull (Part2)
An 1804 Dollar, 1838-O Reeded Edge Half Dollars, Wreath and Chain Cents, and 1796 Quarters are among the early U.S. coins that Lee mentions in this episode... but early gold is his favorite - like the 1796 2 1/2 Stars. From looking at the Minshull Trading logo, can you determine which coin's reverse his official logo was derived from? (Watch for the answer.)
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBICS5wjhK4&t=23s (link verified 6/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 11 / Fred Weinberg Part 1
Enter the exciting world of error coins with specialist Fred Weinberg, who has been a highly respected collector and numismatist for over 50 years. Hear where Fred's interest in mint errors originated from. In 1973, Weinberg was selected by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to identify the many errors in the 2.5 million Carson City Silver Dollars that were being held at the U.S. Bullion Depository. Before his retirement in February 2022, Weinberg was a PCGS Authenticator for major mint error coinage!
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIzPe0HVvVM (link verified 10/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 11 / Fred Weinberg Part 2
Dive deeper into the world of error coins with the conclusion of our interview with Fred Weinberg. In this episode he breaks down his three categories of errors in the minting process- genuine errors made in the normal course that made their way "out" of the mint, errors that should NOT have gotten out, like bonded die caps, and errors that were made on purpose. And hear about selections from Fred's collection, that are in the process of being sold at auction.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRyUz3Tt7eU (link verified 10/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 12 / Mal Varner Part 1
Alhambra Coin Center, the subject of the first Slab Lab Coin Shop Review, is a full service shop founded by Malcolm Varner and his brother Jay Varner in 1975. Catering to a wide range of collectors from beginners to ultra advanced numismatists, ACC's house of experts specializes in U.S. and Asian coinage while also handling bullion transactions, vintage watches, top fashion purses, and other collectibles. Mal has been a professional numismatist since 1968, having garnered a national reputation as a rare coin expert with over a billion dollars in rare coin sales.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBXtS-lEaJM (link verified 10/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 12 / Mal Varner Part 2
Part two of our Alhambra Coin Center coin shop review is here! Hear Mal Varner recount some of the finest coins he's handled in his 50+ years as a professional numismatist, including a 1799 $10, original rolls of 1835 Bust Half Dimes, and more. He's worked with renowned collectors like Harry Bass, who formulated some of the finest known collections of U.S. Proof Gold and extreme Mint State rarities. Mal is not only a coin expert but has great interpersonal skills, being one of the best at working with the public and collectors of all levels.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrB2ROl9R-M (link verified 10/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 13 / Tony Littlejohn Part 1
After taking a hiatus from collecting, Tony Littlejohn jumped back into the market searching for a couple of proof sets, which reignited his passion for numismatics. Juggling a full-time job, raising kids, and going to dozens of coin shows per year, hear how he got his start in building Type Sets of Barber Half Dollars, Eisenhower Dollars, Susan B. Anthony dollars, and his most prominent pursuit: Standing Liberty Quarters.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpa0ZH_rawI (link verified 10/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 13 / Tony Littlejohn Part 2
Tony Littlejohn recounts the journey to acquiring the 1927-S in MS67 and a few more key dates to his Standing Liberty Quarter collection and his participation in Heritage Auctions. Collectors can learn from the insights Tony developed along the way in building his world class set. Hear him explain the difference between Full Head versus non-Full Head Standing Liberty Quarters. Although the relative rarity of full heads is greater, there are benefits to collecting nice appearing non-full head coins.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUI1tzPS_1Y (link verified 10/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 14 / Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Part 1
The late Dallas oil tycoon and philanthropist Harry W. Bass, Jr. was one of the greatest collectors of gold coins and patterns in modern history. As John Dannreuther and Steve Feltner explain in this interview, Harry was a die variety collector, buying early gold coins and amassing all 29 of the different varieties of quarter eagles between 1796 - 1834, and 133 of the 145 different varieties of half eagles. His collection, which contains such unique treasures as the 1854-D $3 PCGS in AU58 & 1870-S $3 Indian Princess, PCGS SP50 and other coveted rarities was bequeathed to the American Numismatic Association Money Museum, where it was on public display for two decades.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfzo-jBViR4 (link verified 10/2022).
Slab Lab Episode 14 / Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection Part 2
Enter the world of pattern coins. The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection included 144 patterns, coins that were designed and produced by the mint, that were never issued for regular issue, and could be comprised of different metallic compositions.
Note, this content is restricted on NNP. It may be accessed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAjqAUXusA8 (link verified 10/2022).