Looks like the sellers who are selling these substandard slabs are rating my guides negatively.  I had close to 100% positive responses before posting this guide.  Must be the folks selling their own slabs want me to pull this guide.

Recently, I've noticed an increase in bad slabs.  A slabbed coin is a coin that has been incased and graded by a third party grading company like PCGS, etc.  But lately, there have been a lot of new slabbing companies appearing on E-bay.  Some of these slabbing companies I have never heard of before.  And also, you might find that only one seller is auctioning coins slabbed by a particular slabbing company.  It really makes me wonder if a few very dishonest sellers are slabbing their own coins in hopes to pass them off as higher quality coins.

Here is a perfect example:

Slab Obverse

Slab Reverse

Closeup Obverse

Closeup Reverse

This 1858 Half has been very heavily circulated and there are also problems with the coin.  There is some damage on the reverse (very deep scratches, especially under the word "States."  At best, I would say this coin is in Fine condition and not uncirculated.  To give you an idea of just how big of a concern this is, the 2006 Red Book lists this coin for $450 in MS-60.  In F-12 (Fine 12), the Red Book lists this same coin at only $38.

I am really surprised that E-bay is not cracking down on this practice.  It is an awful way for dishonest people to take advantage of beginning collectors.

Most serious coin collectors agree PCGS and NGC are the best grading services out there.  They are both very reputable and would never call a coin like this an MS-62.  There are other legitimate grading services out there too.  But there are questionable ones.

I'd recommend that that if you have never heard of a slabbing company, go to Google.  Type in the name of the slabbing company and search for it.  Maybe add a second word to your search like reviews, complaints, etc.  If there is a lot of negative feedback, you might want to pass on buying that coin.

Also, to give you an idea of what an uncirculated Seated Liberty Half should look like, I have included pics of one from my collection.  It is a raw coin, but it should give you an idea of the difference when you compare it to the coin above.

1860 Half Obverse

1860 Half Reverse

I really hope this helps at least one beginning collector.  And again, if you are not familiar with the name of the slabbing company, research before you make a bid.