My Adventure with PCGS Magazine Subscriptions: Insights and Lessons Learned

Back in February, I signed up for PCGS Coin Report magazine hoping for regular coin insights, but ended up on quite the unexpected journey. Let me share what happened with the publication changes, how I finally got my subscription sorted, and what I learned along the way.

PCGS Publications: What’s Changed

During my subscription limbo, I discovered the Rare Coin Market Report had been discontinued. It’s been replaced by PCGS Insider, with their first issue covering May/June. Honestly, I like this shift. The new magazine focuses less on market reports and price guides—I’ve always preferred checking actual auction prices anyway—and more on great articles about coin series, designers, collector stories, and rarities. It feels like they’re giving us more substance without the constant market chatter.

My Subscription Saga

Four months passed with no magazines and no response to my emails or calls. I started wondering if they’d gone under! But when I finally got through to PCGS, they made things right quickly—issuing a credit and restarting my subscription. I should be getting my copies in a few weeks, which is a huge relief after all that radio silence.

Handling Subscriptions Wisely

This whole experience taught me some practical tricks for managing subscriptions:

• For print subscriptions, pay by check when possible. Companies can’t auto-renew without your card details, saving you future headaches. If you must use a card (like for digital access), pick one that expires soon.
• Always test the waters with the shortest subscription term before committing long-term.
• Be extra careful with your financial details. I’ve heard horror stories about companies slapping on crazy late fees or selling debts to aggressive collectors, even when regulators aren’t paying close attention.

Broader Lessons for Collectors

Beyond PCGS, this reminded me to stay alert in our hobby. Subscriptions can sometimes open floodgates of junk mail, so I only trust reputable sources. And when valuing coins? I’ll stick with real auction results over price guides—something PCGS Insider’s approach reinforces. It’s a better way to keep your collecting knowledge current.

Everything worked out in the end, and I’m genuinely looking forward to reading the new magazine. If you collect coins too, I hope my experience helps you avoid similar snags while enjoying our shared passion for history and metal!