5 Costly GTG Submission Errors That Could Tank Your Flying Eagle and Indian Cent Grades (And How to Dodge Them)

I’ve Seen These Mistakes Cost Collectors Thousands – Here’s How You Can Avoid Them

After reviewing hundreds of GTG submissions for Flying Eagle and Indian Cents, I’ve spotted five recurring errors that tank grades and destroy Eagle Eye Photo Seal chances. These aren’t just minor slip-ups – they’re the reason coins get graded MS64RB instead of MS65RD, or miss EEPS certification entirely. The good news? They’re completely avoidable if you know what to watch for.

Mistake 1: Missing the Grade-to-Seal Connection

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking “pretty coins automatically get photo seals.” The truth? EEPS approvals hinge on hitting specific grade minimums that vary by coin type.

Why This Happens

I recently saw a collector submit a gorgeous Flying Eagle cent they swore was MS65. The grader notes told a different story: “Numerous hairlines limit to MS62 – EEPS ineligible.” That single oversight cost them hundreds in potential value.

Your Action Plan

• Cross-reference those magic numbers – know your coin’s EEPS grade cutoff
• Submit coins graded 1-2 points under your target (graders are tough!)
• Invest in a simple UV light – it reveals hidden hairlines better than naked eye

If You’ve Already Submitted

1. Call the grading service immediately – request a hold
2. Gather comparison photos of similar coins that received EEPS
3. Ask about crossover options before they slab it

Mistake 2: Overlooking Key Varieties

Remember that 1858 Small Letters cent collectors debated last year? Turned out to be a rare S-2 variety worth 3x more than regular issues. The owner almost missed it because they didn’t check die markers.

Red Flags You’re Missing Gold

• You haven’t compared die marriages before submitting
• Your reference books are older than your oldest coin
• “Close enough” is your variety attribution strategy

Variety Verification Made Simple

The 4-Step Safety Check:
1. Hit VAMWorld for Morgan/Peace dollars (or Flying Eagle Cent varieties)
2. Check specialized guides - Logan/McCloskey for Indian Cents
3. Use 10x magnification minimum
4. Compare against recent PCGS population reports

Mistake 3: Skipping Paperwork Patrol

I’ll never forget the collector who almost tossed Rick Snow’s authentication note with the packing peanuts. That small cardboard insert contained crucial provenance info boosting their coin’s value by 30%.

Documentation Don’ts

• Never assume inserts are just advertisements
• Don’t rush unpacking – excitement causes oversight
• Avoid recycling packaging until you’ve checked every layer

The Smart Collector’s Unboxing Routine

1. Snap photos of the sealed package first
2. Use a precision knife (not scissors!) to open carefully
3. Inspect all materials under good light at 45° angle
4. Scan documents immediately – phone apps work fine

Mistake 4: Misreading Surfaces

“But it looked flawless under my lamp!” says every collector who gets a “hairlines” note. Graders use specialized lighting that reveals what your home setup misses.

My Surface Inspection Cheat Sheet

Pro Tip From the Lab

“Let coins rest 48 hours in an anti-static sleeve before inspecting. Dust loves to cling and mimic surface issues.” – Conservation Specialist

Mistake 5: Cutting Research Corners

“I didn’t know photo seals had requirements” hurts more when it’s your coin coming back rejected. EEPS rules change more often than you think.

Must-Check Research Points

• Current EEPS approval rates for your specific coin
• Grader preferences spotted in PCGS/NGC forums
• How conservation affects your series’ grades
• Recent designation changes (check last 6 months)

Build Your Early Warning System

Tech-savvy collectors use tools like this Python snippet to track approval rates:
import pcgs_api
eeps_data = pcgs_api.get_rates('Flying Eagle')
print(f"Current EEPS rate: {eeps_data.rate}%")

Not a coder? Set Google Alerts for “EEPS changes [your coin type]”

Damage Control: When Things Go Wrong

Even experts make mistakes. Here’s my 4-step recovery plan:

1. Assessment: Can this coin cross over to another service?
2. Evidence: Build a photo comparison portfolio
3. Appeal: Request review by a senior grader
4. Strategy: Time your sale to designation updates

Your Next Steps: Smarter Submissions Start Now

These five errors – grade/photo seal mismatches, variety blindness, paperwork neglect, surface misreads, and incomplete research – cause most submission fails I see. Avoid them and you’ll instantly improve your Indian Cent and Flying Eagle grades. Remember: In coin collecting, what you don’t do matters as much as what you do. Your next submission shouldn’t just cross the grading table – it should come back with the numbers and seals that make other collectors jealous.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• How to Instantly Nail Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Eagle Eye Submissions (5-Minute Expert Method) – Need Photo Seal Approval Fast? Here’s What Actually Works I’ll save you a secret: getting rejections on Flyi…
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• Flying Eagle vs. Indian Cent: I Tested Every EEPS Submission Strategy (And What Finally Earned the Photo Seal) – I Tested Every EEPS Trick in the Book – Here’s What Earned the Photo Seal After burning through six months a…