Finally, After 5+ Months: My Coin Grading Triumph and Insights

It’s been over five months—an eternity in collector time—since I dropped off a batch of coins at the 2025 FUN show in January. Last week, they finally showed up, and I have to say, the wait only made opening that package sweeter. As a collector, that moment when your graded coins come home, especially after a long wait, is just unbeatable.

My Coin Highlights and Grading Experiences

Going through the results, each coin had its own story. Here’s what I found:

• Greek Crab Coin: This ancient beauty graded right where I hoped, but the “Fine Style” label was a sweet bonus. I love this type because of the wild scene it shows—a giant crab, a Ketos sea monster grabbing a fish, and an eagle swooping down on a hare. That kind of lively artistry is exactly why I hunt for ancients, and the Fine Style nod felt like a real win.
• British 1797 “Cartwheel” 2 Pence: What a nice surprise! I thought it was an AU50, but it blew past that. The downside? I sent it under NGC’s World Economy tier, which really stretched out the wait. If you’re thinking about this tier, my advice: pack your patience, and maybe update your will—because by the time the grades come, you might need it!
• US $3 Gold Piece: No surprises—it was already in an NGC AU58 slab. I decided to treat it to Photovision imaging and a new holder, and boy, did the photos come out great. Doug Plascenscia at NGC has a real eye for detail; he made this coin look absolutely fantastic in my collection.

Practical Advice for Grading Submissions

After going through this, I learned a few things that might help you avoid some frustration:

• Pick your tier carefully: The World Economy tier can take months. If you’re in a hurry, look at faster options or try to submit during less busy times.
• Get the photos: For your favorite coins, Photovision (or whatever service your grading company offers) is money well spent. It gives you a great record and shows off details you might not see in hand.
• Be ready for surprises: Even when you think you know, coins like my Cartwheel can throw you a curveball. That’s part of the fun, so keep an open mind.
• Watch the market: With NGC wait times getting longer, I’m seeing more collectors just buy slabbed coins instead of submitting raw ones. That could change what’s available and the prices you see out there.

My Final Two Cents

After a little break from collecting, this whole process got me fired up about coins again. The long wait was tough, but it reminded me that good things come to those who wait. Every coin has a story—from the ancient designs to the surprises in grading—and that’s what makes this hobby so rich. If you’re waiting on grades right now, stick with it; the payoff could be huge. Happy collecting!