My Brush with Ancient Rare Coins in Florida: Lessons in Scam Avoidance
July 2, 2025My Deep Dive into a ‘No Threads’ Quarter: Weight 5.4g and Beyond
July 2, 2025
I recently signed up for the PCGS Coin Report magazine, and boy, what an experience it turned out to be. As a fellow collector who relies on these publications for grading insights and market updates, I never expected my subscription to turn into such a saga.
Subscription Challenges and Resolution
When I mailed in my subscription back in February, I figured I’d be reading the latest issue by March. Four months later? Still nothing. Even worse, my emails and calls to PCGS seemed to vanish into thin air. I started wondering if they’d stopped publishing altogether. But here’s where persistence helps – I finally got through to their support team. They sorted me out with a credit and a fresh subscription, which was a huge relief. It definitely reminded me to stay on top of these things.
The Evolution of PCGS Publications
While sorting this out, I learned the Rare Coin Market Report has been replaced by the PCGS Insider, with the May/June issue being their debut. Honestly, I like the new direction. Instead of heavy market coverage, we’re getting richer articles on coin series, designers, and collecting stories. As someone who prefers auction prices over price guides, this feels like a welcome change – more substance for my collecting passion without the noise of outdated numbers.
Practical Subscription Advice for Collectors
After this whole episode, I’ve got some hard-won advice for fellow collectors:
- For paper subscriptions, pay by check whenever possible. It stops those automatic renewals that sneak up on you. With digital subscriptions, see if they offer this option too.
- If you must use plastic, pick a card expiring within the year. But heads up – some companies can still get your new details through banks.
- Test the waters first. Go for the shortest term, especially with overseas publications where cards might be unavoidable.
- Watch your back. Some outfits charge crazy fees or bombard you with junk mail after getting your info. Since government agencies often can’t help across state lines, it’s on us to protect ourselves from the start.
This whole journey reminded me that staying alert matters in our hobby. Whether you’re focused on grading or tracking metals, these lessons can save you headaches and keep your collecting enjoyable.
