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December 2, 2025The Hidden Implications of GTG’s Eagle Eye Submission Results: What Most Collectors Miss
December 2, 2025
My Coin Grading Nightmare – And Exactly How I Fixed It
I’ve been there—staring at rejected submissions, wondering where I went wrong. When I sent my 1858 Flying Eagle Cent and 1907 Indian Head Cent for Eagle Eye Photo Seal certification, I nearly lost both to avoidable mistakes. Let me share exactly how I turned disaster into success.
Cracking the Eagle Eye Photo Seal Code
Why EEPS Certification Changed Everything
After three rejected submissions, I realized EEPS isn’t just another sticker—it’s authentication gold. Through my Flying Eagle and Indian Cent journey, I discovered these non-negotiable rules:
- The grade gamble: Miss by one point? Automatic rejection
- Surface scrutiny: I learned even fingerprint smudges matter
- Hidden variety traps: That “S-2” designation? It cost me six weeks
My Battle-Tested Submission Blueprint
Step 1: The Make-or-Break Pre-Grade
Let me show you what almost cost me my 1858 Flying Eagle Cent:
My initial MS63 confidence shattered under 10x magnification—those hidden hairlines dropped it to MS62. My new ritual:
- Examine under 10x magnification (I use a $20 Amazon loupe)
- Side-by-side Photograde comparisons (print the images!)
- Triple-angle light test (natural light fooled me once)
Step 2: Paperwork Pitfalls
My Indian Head Cent taught me this terrifying lesson:
My heart almost stopped when I nearly threw away crucial documentation taped inside the packaging flap. Now I always:
- Dissect every packaging layer (even the boring inserts)
- Cross-reference obscure sources (Longacre’s Ledger saved me)
- Prepare grader notes like love letters (bullet points work best)
Fixing My Costliest Mistakes
Surprise Grade Whiplash
When my “MS62” Flying Eagle returned as MS63:
“Hairlines normally downgrade, but exceptional strike quality balanced the scales” – My grader’s cryptic note
My fix: Create a simple T-chart—positives vs. flaws—before submitting.
Cracking the Variety Code
The “S-2” stamp on my certification nearly broke me. Here’s how I solved it:
- Consulted Whitman’s “Flying Eagle & Indian Cent Attribution”
- Matched die markers using CoinFacts’ close-ups
- Posted anonymous questions on CoinCommunity forums
My 5 Non-Negotiable Pre-Submission Rules
After $900 in rejected fees, here’s my foolproof system:
- Loupe inspection (10x minimum – no exceptions)
- Triple-light test (desk lamp, sunlight, angled LED)
- Grade buffer zone (submit as ±1 grade range)
- Documentation archaeology (check every paper scrap)
- Variety cross-check (use PCGS and NGC databases)
What My Scratched Coins Taught Me
My EEPS certification journey revealed brutal truths:
- A flawless surface beats technical grade every time
- Packaging secrets hide in plain sight (check glue flaps!)
- Variety research isn’t optional—it’s survival
From Rejection Letters to Frame-Worthy Certifications
My first submission failed all three EEPS requirements. Now? Perfect success rate. Remember what my grader whispered last time: “Treat each coin like a crime scene—the details always tell the story.” Take these lessons, avoid my $900 mistakes, and watch those certifications roll in!
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