My PCGS Magazine Subscription Saga: Issues, Insights, and Advice

My Subscription Headache

Back in February, I signed up for a one-year PCGS Coin Report magazine subscription, expecting it in the mail. Four months went by… nothing. My emails and calls to PCGS seemed to vanish into thin air – honestly, I was pulling my hair out! I started wondering if they’d quietly stopped publishing the magazine altogether.

The Shift to PCGS Insider

While sorting this out, I found out the Rare Coin Market Report *had* been discontinued. It’s been replaced by PCGS Insider, with the May/June issue being the first. The new magazine takes a different tack. Instead of heavy market stats, it offers lovely articles focusing on coins themselves, specific series, the designers, fellow collectors, and rarity. Personally, I like this change. I usually check auction prices for valuations anyway, and exploring the stories and history behind coins feels much more rewarding for my collection.

Practical Tips for Handling Subscriptions

Going through this mess taught me a few things about managing subscriptions the hard way. Here’s what I picked up, hoping it saves other collectors some grief:

• Pay by check for paper mags if possible. It avoids the whole auto-renewal surprise and stops companies from making unauthorized charges since they don’t have your credit card.
• If you need a credit card, use one expiring soon or pick the shortest subscription term to limit the risk.
• Watch out with online sign-ups. Some outfits play fast and loose with your details, adding late fees and even selling debts to aggressive collectors – government help can be spotty at best.
• For international magazines, a credit card might be unavoidable, but keep a close eye on those statements for anything fishy.

Resolution and Final Thoughts

After keeping at them, PCGS finally called me back. They apologized, gave me a credit, and are sending a new subscription with a free renewal tacked on – magazines should arrive in about three weeks. This whole ordeal really drove home how persistence pays off in collecting, especially when protecting your wallet. It also reminded me that while PCGS Insider seems like a great read for us coin folks, staying sharp with your subscriptions is key to keeping this hobby enjoyable and stress-free.