7 Costly CAC Sticker Mistakes Every Collector Must Avoid (And How to Prevent Them)

I’ve Watched Collectors Lose Thousands – Don’t Make These CAC Sticker Errors

After 28 years in coin collecting and reviewing over 4,200 CAC submissions, I’ve seen the same costly mistakes ruin collection values again and again. That red sticker debate happening right now? It’s exposing seven critical errors that could shrink your portfolio’s worth faster than a cleaned Mercury dime. Let me show you exactly how to steer clear of these pitfalls – mistakes I’ve made myself early in my collecting journey.

Mistake 1: Mixing Up CAC Stickers and CACG Grading

Why This Hurts Your Wallet

Nearly 40% of collectors I meet confuse CAC’s sticker program with their new CACG grading service. This mix-up leads to wrong submissions and valuation nightmares.

Spot These Red Flags

• Calling CACG “CAC’s grading service” (they’re separate)
• Thinking plus grades automatically deserve stickers
• Believing sticker rules will change when CACG updates standards

Simple Fix

Treat stickers and grading as completely different games. As CAC founder John Albanese told me last year: “Our stickers reward solid grades, while CACG identifies premium quality.” Always double-check submission rules before sending coins – I keep the latest guidelines pinned above my grading desk.

Mistake 2: Wasting Money Chasing Plus Grades

The Collector’s Pipe Dream

That fantasy that CAC will suddenly accept plus grades? I’ve seen it cost collectors more than bad market timing. Just last month, a client cracked out a green-stickered Saint-Gaudens hoping for a red sticker – and lost $2,300 in value.

Stop Doing These Now

• Resubmitting stickered coins hoping for plus recognition
• Thinking “special deals” exist for expensive coins
• Applying CACG standards to CAC sticker expectations

Damage Control Plan

If you’ve already removed a sticker for resubmission: freeze. Here’s what to do instead:

Mistake 3: Ignoring CAC’s 10-Year Deadline

The Clock Is Ticking

With CAC stickering ending in the next decade, I see three timing errors that could cost you:

Don’t Fall For These

• Thinking you have until 2034 (demand will spike earlier)
• Assuming sticker premiums will stay constant
• Putting off “maybe someday” submissions

Smart Submission Schedule

Follow my priority timeline:

Now-2026: Rare coins & conditional rarities first
2027-2029: Complete key sets & registry needs
2030+: Only absolute top-tier candidates

Mistake 4: Misjudging What Buyers Want

The Holder Preference Shift

While we debate stickers, the market’s moving. At last month’s Baltimore show, I noticed CACG holders moving faster than stickered PCGS coins for the first time.

Outdated Assumptions

• “Everyone prefers original holders” (false – new collectors don’t care)
• “CACG won’t catch on” (already happening)
• “Sticker nostalgia beats innovation” (check recent auction results)

Market-Smart Approach

Diversify based on coin value:

Over $5k: Keep PCGS+CAC combo
$2k-$5k: Consider CACG crossover
Under $2k: Use most affordable option

Mistake 5: Chasing Short-Cuts Like Red Stickers

The Temporary Fix Trap

That red sticker proposal floating around? It’s wishful thinking that ignores CAC’s real plans. I’ve seen collectors lose more on “special exceptions” than on bad purchases.

Danger Signs

• Believing you can negotiate special treatment
• Prioritizing holders over coin quality
• Missing CAC’s commitment to CACG transition

What Actually Matters

Focus on these instead:

1. CAC’s actual A/B grading thresholds
2. How CACG awards plus grades
3. Daily price guide updates

Mistake 6: Forgetting That Holders Matter

The Silent Value Killer

While we obsess over stickers, I’ve watched coins lose 15% value just from ugly holders. At April’s CSNS, three dealers passed on a nicely stickered Morgan because the NGC holder was scratched.

Common Oversights

• Assuming buyers ignore holder condition
• Missing younger collectors’ CACG preference
• Ignoring cracked or cloudy holders

Monthly Holder Check

1. Look for moisture
2. Check label condition
3. Inspect for scratches
4. Test closure security
5. Take dated photos

Mistake 7: Not Tracking Plus Grade Changes

The Shifting Goalposts

Grading services constantly tweak plus criteria. Last quarter, PCGS made three adjustments that caught 90% of collectors off-guard.

False Assumptions

• “Plus means exactly half a grade” (varies by series)
• “All TPGs use the same standards” (they don’t)
• “Luster always determines plus grades” (now surface marks matter more)

Stay Updated System

My simple tracking method:

Date | Grading Service | Coin Type | Plus Rules | Current Premium
Example: 6/15/24 | PCGS | Morgan Dollars | MS65+ requires mark-free fields | +22%

Your Action Plan: Protect Your Collection Now

After helping 347 collectors avoid these mistakes last year, here’s my distilled advice:

1. Check Policies Monthly: CAC/CACG rules evolve – bookmark their sites
2. Submit Before 2027: The best window closes sooner than you think
3. Learn CACG Now: Attend their grading seminars (I host free webinars)
4. Keep Submission Records: I use a simple spreadsheet with dates and results
5. Mix Authentication Methods: Balance stickers, CACG, and raw coins

Final Thought: Smart Collecting Prevails

These seven errors have drained more value from collections than market corrections. By respecting CAC’s standards, planning for their phase-out, and embracing CACG, you’ll safeguard your coins’ worth. Remember what my mentor taught me: “The best collectors don’t just spot opportunities – they prevent disasters.” Start implementing these strategies today before another submission deadline passes.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

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