How I Fixed My PCGS Variety Attribution Error on an 1849 Half Dime (Step-by-Step Guide)

I Ran Into This Coin Grading Nightmare – Here’s How I Solved It

Let me tell you about the rollercoaster I experienced trying to get proper PCGS variety attribution for my 1849 Half Dime. After weeks of frustration, I finally cracked the code – and I’m sharing every detail so you can avoid my mistakes.

Here’s what happened: I submitted my 1849 H10C for Gold Shield Reholder with Major Variety Attribution. Despite clear V-2 variety markers, my coin came back without proper attribution. The process turned into a customer service maze with dead ends. After four weeks of trial and error, I finally got my corrected attribution. Here’s exactly how I did it.

Identifying the Problem

I thought I’d done everything right when submitting my 1849/6 H10C (PCGS #4342) through an Oklahoma City host location:

• Filled out the Gold Shield Reholder form perfectly
• Marked Pick Up Points using Clint Cummins’ guide (my bible for half dimes)
• Even physically pointed out the variety markers to staff

But when my coin returned suspiciously fast (submitted September 2, shipped September 10), the label showed no V-2 attribution. The evidence was staring right at us:

The Clear V-2 Markers They Missed

• Reverse die cracks between stars that even a new collector could spot
• The telltale “4 6” digits peeking through the “4 9” date
• Those distinctive lumps on top of the date – textbook V-2 features
• Crack from Liberty’s head to rim you could see without magnification
• Lump on Liberty’s cap that matched reference images exactly

My 5-Step Fix for PCGS Attribution Errors

Step 1: Customer Service Triage (Act Fast!)

I called PCGS the same hour I saw the error notification. The rep confirmed my submission was already in shipping limbo. My choices:

• Accept the wrong label (not happening)
• Get a prepaid label for resubmission (my choice)
• Wait indefinitely for “internal escalation”

Lesson learned: Speed matters more than anything with grading errors.

Step 2: Building an Evidence Binder (My Secret Weapon)

For my resubmission package, I included:

• Printed pages from Clint Cummins’ attribution guide with highlighted sections
• Side-by-side photos comparing my coin to the Simpson-Bender plate coin (PCGS #06666579)
• Hi-res images with red Sharpie circles around every V-2 marker
• A bullet-point letter referencing specific Cherrypickers’ Guide entries

My Pro Tip: Graders handle physical materials daily – your digital notes in submission forms often get lost in the shuffle. Print everything!

Step 3: The Art of Strategic Follow-Ups

After resubmitting, I created a tracking system:

• Monday calls at 9:05 AM PST sharp (right after their morning meeting)
• Polite but firm requests for senior specialist reviews
• A log with every rep’s name, time, and promised action

On my fourth call, I discovered why submissions stall: The attribution team travels constantly to coin shows. This explained why my submission kept getting bumped.

Step 4: Fixing Technical Glitches (The App Trap)

Mid-process, my certification showed as invalid in the PCGS app. Here’s how I fixed it:

1. Cleared app cache (didn’t work)
2. Reinstalled completely (partial fix)
3. Switched to desktop browser tracking (finally worked)

Turns out mobile status updates often lag behind their main system.

Step 5: The Sweet Taste of Victory

After three tense weeks:

• New label: 1849/6 H10C (exactly what I wanted)
• Proper variety attribution added (FS #4342)
• Crisp TrueView images showing all V-2 markers

What Every Collector Needs to Know

Your Pre-Submission Survival Kit

• Use multiple physical guides – not just Cherrypickers’
• Print and include reference materials with your coin
• Take timestamped photos of your coin with markers circled

Dealing With Customer Service

• Call immediately (within 24 hours tops)
• Ask specifically for the attribution department
• Get names and reference numbers like your collection depends on it (because it does)

When to Consider Other Services

While I stuck with PCGS, some collectors recommended VSS Variety Slab Service for speed. But remember:

• PCGS/NGC slabs command higher dealer trust
• Save third-party services for personal collection coins
• Use crossover services for attribution upgrades

The Real Costs of Attribution Errors

My experience revealed unexpected expenses:

What I Learned From This Mess

This ordeal taught me three priceless lessons:

1. Paper trails prevent nightmares – Document every form, call, and email
2. Specialist guides save submissions – PCGS’ own resources missed what Clint Cummins’ guide caught
3. Persistence beats bureaucracy – Regular calls moved my submission from the “lost” pile to the “fix now” stack

While I wouldn’t wish this process on anyone, surviving it made me a better numismatist. I now approach variety attributions with museum-level documentation – and you should too if you want your coins graded right the first time.

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