NGC Scratch-Resistant Holder - Worth It?

I have a huge 65mm medal that I was thinking of getting graded by NGC, and I saw the option to add a Scratch-Resistant Holder for $5 on the form.

I Googled it but I can't tell the difference, mostly because the slab's outer shell is all clear! NGC's website doesn't really show it any better either.

Does anyone have experience or have a personal photo comparison of the regular and scratch-resistant slabs? I was also thinking of getting a Double Thick holder for an additional $5 since the large medal may be more prone to handling, damage, and whatnot, which I'm guessing is just as the name suggests, but I'm wondering also if the scratch-resistant slabs already include that (?). Here are photos on NGC's site that shows the Scratch-Resistant Holder and the regular Edge-View Holder, respectively. I think that the first one looks thicker, so maybe adding both a Double Thick holder and a Scratch-Resistant holder is unnecessary.



Thanks in advance!

 

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I have five of the NGC over-sized holders. Four of them hold medals that are 63.5mm and the fifth one holds a medal that is 76mm x 9mm. I've had them for several years, and I don't believe they had the Scratch-Resistant option available at that time. Also, the Edge View holder was not available. These are things that you should confirm by calling NGC Customer Service, 800-642-2646.

Chris

 

You won't be able to see any difference in a picture or really even in person. If someone didn't tell you it was one version or another visually you wouldn't notice. I've never done experiments on one to see how much more resistant it is so I couldn't say if it's worth it or not.

I really don't get why that's still an upgrade for a fee and not just what they use on everything

 

Yeah I was going to call them about it tomorrow but they'll probably just say "yes", since they're the ones selling it. Although, it would be good to find out if they even offer it in the over-sized holders at all.

 

Yeah, it should be a competitive edge over PCGS as a default option.

I may just get it to see if there is any difference at all.

 

The optometrist always asks me if I want 'scratch resistant' lens's during my annual visit to his office. I always decline, because I take good very care of my glasses and make sure that I don't put them in situations where they could become 'scratched'. Do so as well, and avoid the extra surcharge........

 

That would actually just get them back to almost equal ground. The default option for PCGS is scratch resistant and water proof to an extent.

I have one and I can't cant tell any visual difference. It probably would hold up a little better over time though

 

Ok, I found this bit on the NGC forums, answered by an NGC rep:

"It is rather difficult to see the difference when looking at the obverse or reverse of the coin in the holder. The best way to determine if a coin is in a scratch-resistant holder would be to stack a few coins of the same generation and to look at the sides of the holders. The scratch-resistant holders will have a darker blueish hue to them whereas the normal holders will be lighter and more clear. Another way to determine the difference is by feel. The S.R. holders will have a more silky smooth surface compared to the normal holders."

 

I tried the side view and could notice a slight difference, not sure how much of that was because I knew which was which but does seem to be a good way to figure it out

 

By the way, I didn't know that NGC has a "Mega Holder" for coins/medals up to 180mm!

 

Thanks for checking it.

I think I'll get both the scratch resistant and double thick holders.

 

Tell them you want a double thick mega holder

 

This. It feels like a regular holder that has a coating on it. I've had a lot of coins reholdered and it automatically comes with the scratch-resistant holder. I don't go scratching up my slabs to begin with though so I'm not sure how much better it is, but it's only $5. As far as the double thick holders, the smaller ones are a pain to store since they don't fit in normal slab slots or trays nicely. For the oversize holder it wouldn't matter too much as the slab boxes for those don't have slots. I say go for it and let us know the results.

 

Just put your NGC slab into another protective plastic holder. Then you don't have to worry about scratches and don't have to pay the extra fee.

Slab the slab

 

Good idea. I have a lot of those baseball card protective sleeves and they are a literal exact match, meaning they fit very tightly but fit they do. But, maybe I'll just try out the double thick and scratch resistant holders to test them out.

 

OK, I just got in touch with NGC and the rep told me that there is no double thick or scratch resistant holder upgrade for the over-sized holders. But the over-sized holders may come with varying thickness, depending on the thickness of the medal/coin.

 

Oh, and the rep told me that it's the same as the scratch-resistant stuff used on glasses. So, maybe it'll be cheaper to buy it and apply it, if you know how to do it without making too much of a mess. But, I don't know too much about that application.

 

Exactly.

Most of the scratches you see on slabs come from dealers and collectors casually tossing coins around at shows, on hard surfaces, or stacking slabs. Any coin you submit will be in your collection, and you will treat it properly. No need to spend the extra money on some coating that won't provide you any benefit.

 

YES!

AND THEN encase the slabbed slab in clear-cast resin...

Nothin' will get at it then! Not even the owner of the coin.

But seriously, a little mylar envelope around your slab would work just fine...

 

Or just stacking them or putting them in a box without chucking them all over the place. About the only time most people will damage them at home is if they accidentally drop one.