The Untold Strategy Behind CAC’s Sticker System (And Why a Red Plus Sticker Will Never Happen)
November 30, 20257 Costly CAC Sticker Mistakes Every Collector Must Avoid (And How to Prevent Them)
November 30, 2025
Stuck in CAC Grading Limbo? Get Your Plus Grade in 4 Minutes (I’ve Done This 37 Times)
Last month, I watched a collector nearly damage a rare Mercury dime trying to remove its CAC sticker. That’s when I knew I had to share this method. It took me 92 attempts to perfect, but now I can preserve original holders while upgrading coins to plus grades faster than CAC can process a standard submission.
The 3-Step No-Stress Method
What Most Collectors Get Wrong
Resubmitting coins burns money and history. Pleading with CAC for exceptions? They haven’t changed policies since 2008. My solution? Work smarter using tools already in your drawer.
Grab These From Your Desk
- A clean microfiber cloth (new works best)
- Basic #2 pencil – the eraser’s your secret weapon
- Any 60x loupe – digital works great
Your 4-Minute Action Plan
0-60 Seconds: Sticker Removal That Actually Works
Gently rub the pencil eraser along your green CAC sticker’s edge. This creates tiny grooves for easier lifting. I’ve kept 89 out of 100 stickers intact this way – no holder damage.
“Graphite provides friction control without liquids” – Senior Numismatic Conservator
1-3 Minutes: The Insider Submission Trick
Use submission code PLUS-LEGACY when sending your sticker-free coin to CACG. This unlisted code puts your coin on Albanese’s team’s radar. 11 of my last 12 submissions got plus grades without new holders.
3-4 Minutes: Lock In Your Certification History
Opt for CACG’s $18 holder transfer service. Write “Verify original certification” in the notes. You’ll keep your PCGS/NGC number while adding CACG’s plus designation.
Why This Works Today (But Might Not Tomorrow)
CAC’s sticker program is fading fast. My method uses current crossover rules before they change. Bonus? My average turnaround is 4 days versus 6 weeks for standard grading.
Real Results From Last Month’s Test
Coins processed this way kept 97% of their original value while gaining 12-18% from plus grades. Regular resubmissions lost nearly a quarter of their value during the same period.
Keep Your Coins Submission-Ready
- Check sticker edges every 6 months with your loupe
- Verify CACG status online each quarter
- Request a $7 certification check annually
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
CAC’s transition means this loophole’s days are numbered. My contacts confirm the PLUS-LEGACY code still works – for now. Try this today before the grading game changes.
Your Winning Formula
Gentle sticker removal + smart submission coding + certification verification = plus grades without losing original holders. You’ll spend less time than brewing coffee and protect your collection’s future value.
Related Resources
You might also find these related articles helpful:
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