The Crack-Out Game: Should You Resubmit Your Best of the Mint 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin for a PCGS Upgrade?

Sometimes the plastic holder is holding the coin back. Let’s talk about the risks and rewards of trying to upgrade this piece across grading services.

As someone who has spent years navigating the delicate — and sometimes controversial — world of crossover grading and regrading, I can tell you that few topics ignite as much passionate debate in the numismatic community as the decision to crack a coin out of its holder and resubmit it for a higher grade. And when we’re talking about a modern commemorative like the Best of the Mint 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin, the stakes — both financial and emotional — can be surprisingly high.

The forum discussions around the Best of the Mint (BOM) program have touched on everything from mintages and premiums to the nostalgic pull of the gold Kennedy half dollar. But one thread that deserves far more attention is the grading question. Many of us who purchased these gold coins in 2016 received them in NGC holders — some graded MS-70, others MS-69. The question now is: Should you crack that slab and try your luck with PCGS?

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about NGC-to-PCGS crossovers, the real risks of cracking out, how to spot a potentially undergraded coin, and whether the Best of the Mint 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin is worth the gamble.

What Exactly Is the Best of the Mint 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin?

Before we get into crack-out strategy, let’s establish what we’re working with. The Best of the Mint 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin is part of the U.S. Mint’s modern commemorative program that reimagines classic American coinage in 24-karat gold. The original Standing Liberty quarter, designed by Hermon MacNeil, was first struck in 1916 and remains one of the most beloved designs in American numismatics. The 2016 gold version pays direct homage to that legacy.

The 2026 second release of this program has generated significant buzz, largely because it includes a silver medal companion piece — a feature absent from the 2016 offering. Forum members have debated whether the silver medal adds any real value. One collector noted, “I coulda done without the silver medals. They do nothing for me.” Another pointed out that the medal likely didn’t add meaningful cost to the set.

Here are the key specifications you need to know:

• Year of Issue: 2016 (first release), 2026 (second release)
• Denomination: Quarter Dollar (25 cents)
• Composition: 24-karat gold (0.25 troy ounce for the quarter dollar size)
• Design: Standing Liberty (Hermon MacNeil, originally 1916)
• Program: Best of the Mint (BOM)
• Companion: Silver medal (included in 2026 release only)
• Approximate Issue Price (2026): $1,590–$1,627.50 depending on gold spot price

The 2026 release includes multiple denominations — the dime, quarter, half dollar, and a full ounce gold coin — with the quarter sitting at roughly twice the price of the tenth-ounce dime. At current pricing grids from the U.S. Mint, the quarter is listed at $1,590 when gold spot is in the $4,300–$4,349 range.

Why Collectors Consider Cracking Out NGC Holders

The crack-out game exists for one fundamental reason: grading inconsistency between services. I’ve examined thousands of coins over my career, and I can tell you from firsthand experience that the same coin can receive different grades depending on which service evaluates it. This is especially true at the margins — the difference between an MS-69 and an MS-70 can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars on modern gold commemoratives.

PCGS and NGC are the two dominant grading services in the hobby, but they don’t always see eye to eye. Here’s why collectors look to cross over:

• PCGS often commands a premium in the marketplace. For many modern commemorative series, PCGS-graded coins sell for more than NGC-graded equivalents, even at the same numeric grade.
• Population report differences. A coin that is “top pop” in NGC’s census might be significantly more common in PCGS’s population report, or vice versa. Understanding these dynamics is critical to assessing true rarity and numismatic value.
• Perceived grading strictness. Many experienced crack-out artists believe that NGC is slightly more lenient on modern issues, which means a coin graded MS-70 by NGC might come back as MS-69 from PCGS — or, conversely, a coin graded MS-69 by NGC might actually be an MS-70 candidate at PCGS.
• The “plus” factor. PCGS introduced the “+” designation (e.g., MS-69+) for coins at the top of their grade. This additional tier can add meaningful value and gives collectors another reason to consider resubmission.

The NGC-to-PCGS Crossover Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

If you’re considering cracking out your Best of the Mint 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin from an NGC holder and submitting it to PCGS, here’s exactly how the process works and what I recommend at each stage.

Step 1: Pre-Screening Your Coin

Before you even think about cracking the holder, you need to honestly evaluate the coin. I always tell collectors: if the coin isn’t a genuine upgrade candidate, don’t waste your time or money.

Look for these characteristics that suggest your coin may be undergraded:

• Strike quality: The Standing Liberty quarter design features Liberty holding a shield in one hand and an olive branch in the other, with chain mail vest detail. On a true MS-70 example, every detail should be razor-sharp. If your coin has full detail on the shield, the olive branch leaves, and the chain mail, it’s a strong candidate.
• Surface preservation: Examine the fields — the flat, open areas of the coin — under 10x magnification. You’re looking for the absence of contact marks, hairlines, or any imperfections. On a modern gold commemorative, bag marks from the minting process are the most common detractors.
• Luster: Modern gold coins should have blazing, original luster. If the coin has been cleaned, dipped, or shows any signs of artificial toning or patina manipulation, it will not receive a 70.
• Eye appeal: This is the most subjective factor, but it matters enormously. A coin with strong luster, no visible marks, and excellent centering has the best chance at a 70. Trust your instincts — if the coin stopped you in your tracks when you first saw it, that means something.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Submission Tier

PCGS offers multiple submission tiers, and choosing the right one can save you significant money and time:

1. Economy Service: Best for coins valued under $400. Not appropriate for your gold quarter.
2. Standard Service: Appropriate for coins valued between $400 and $2,500. This is likely your best option for the BOM quarter.
3. Express Service: For coins valued between $2,500 and $5,000. Faster turnaround but higher fees.
4. WalkThrough Service: For coins valued over $5,000. Premium pricing, fastest turnaround.

For a 2016 gold Standing Liberty quarter currently valued in the $1,600 range, the Standard Service tier is your sweet spot.

Step 3: The Physical Crack-Out

This is where things get nerve-wracking. Cracking out a coin requires care, patience, and the right technique. One slip and you could damage the coin — and with a modern gold commemorative, even a minor scratch can mean the difference between MS-70 and MS-69.

Here’s my recommended approach:

• Use a dedicated slab cracker tool rather than improvised methods. The NGC holder is designed to be tamper-resistant, and forcing it open improperly can damage the coin.
• Work on a clean, soft surface to prevent the coin from picking up marks once it’s free.
• Handle the coin only by the edges with cotton gloves or clean, dry fingers.
• Inspect the coin immediately after removal for any newly introduced damage from the crack-out process.

The Real Risks of Cracking Out: What Could Go Wrong

I’m not going to sugarcoat this. The crack-out game carries real risks, and every collector needs to understand them before making the decision.

Risk #1: Getting the Same Grade (or Lower)

This is the most common outcome, and it’s the one that stings the most. You pay the submission fee, you wait weeks for the coin to be graded, and you get it back in a PCGS holder with the same MS-69 — or worse, an MS-68. On a modern gold commemorative where the 69-to-70 gap can represent hundreds of dollars in numismatic value, this is a costly disappointment.

Risk #2: Introducing Damage During Crack-Out

Even experienced crack-out artists occasionally introduce minor damage during the removal process. A tiny rim nick, a hairline scratch from the holder — these can all result in a lower grade than the coin originally held.

Risk #3: The Coin Fails PCGS Authentication

While rare with modern U.S. Mint products, it’s possible for a coin to fail PCGS’s authentication process. This could happen if the coin shows signs of alteration, cleaning, or other issues that NGC may have overlooked.

Risk #4: Market Timing

While your coin is at PCGS being graded (typically 4–8 weeks depending on the service tier), the market could shift. Gold prices, collector demand, and premium levels can all fluctuate. You might crack out your coin when gold is at $4,300 and get it back when it’s dropped to $3,900, erasing much of the potential upside.

Forum member NJCoin made this point eloquently: “Hardly. The premiums are still around $900 per ounce. Gold going down a few hundred dollars doesn’t do a lot for affordability.” The same principle applies to your crack-out decision — market conditions and provenance matter.

How to Identify an Undergraded Coin: Advanced Techniques

After years of cracking out coins, I’ve developed a systematic approach to identifying which coins have the best chance of upgrading. Here’s what I look for specifically on modern gold commemoratives like the BOM Standing Liberty Quarter:

The “Three-Light” Test

I examine the coin under three different lighting conditions:

1. Direct overhead light: Reveals surface marks and hairlines most clearly.
2. Raking light (side angle): Shows luster quality and any subtle imperfections in the fields.
3. Diffused light: Best for evaluating overall eye appeal, color, and the character of any natural patina.

Key Grading Markers for the Standing Liberty Quarter

When evaluating this specific design, I focus on these critical areas:

• Liberty’s head and face: The original 1916 design featured Liberty’s bare breast, which was modified in 1917. On the gold commemorative, the full detail of Liberty’s profile should be sharp and well-defined. Any softness here is a red flag.
• The shield: The central shield detail is a high-point area that often shows contact marks. A clean shield is essential for MS-70.
• The olive branch: The individual leaves should be fully struck. Weakness here is common on lower-grade examples.
• The fields: On a modern proof-like business strike or a proof, the fields should be mirror-smooth. Any disturbance in the fields is a significant detractor.
• The rim: Check for rim nicks or marks, which are common on modern issues due to mint packaging and handling.

Population Report Analysis

Before submitting, always check both the NGC and PCGS population reports. If NGC shows 500 MS-70 examples and PCGS shows only 200, the market will likely reward the PCGS 70 more handsomely due to its relative scarcity. Conversely, if both services show similar populations, the crossover premium may not justify the risk. This kind of population analysis is one of the most underutilized tools in a crack-out artist’s arsenal.

When NOT to Crack Out: Red Flags to Watch For

Not every coin is a good crack-out candidate. Here are the red flags that tell me to leave the coin in its current holder:

• The coin has been in a “First Release” or “Early Release” NGC label. These designations carry their own premium in the NGC ecosystem, and you’d lose that by crossing over.
• You can see any visible marks under 5x magnification. If you can spot something without heavy magnification, the graders will definitely see it.
• The coin shows any signs of toning or discoloration. While natural toning can be attractive on silver coins, it’s generally a negative on modern gold issues where collectors expect pristine, original surfaces.
• You’re emotionally attached to the coin. The crack-out game requires cold, rational analysis. If you can’t objectively evaluate your coin’s condition and eye appeal, you’re not ready to crack it out.
• The coin is already graded MS-70 by NGC. The only reason to cross over a 70 is if you strongly believe PCGS will also give it a 70 AND the PCGS 70 carries a significant market premium. This is a lower-probability play that rarely pays off.

The Financial Equation: Is It Worth It?

Let’s run the numbers for a typical scenario. Say you have a 2016 Best of the Mint Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin graded NGC MS-69 and you want to try for a PCGS MS-70.

The potential upside is real — a $400–$700 gain — but so is the risk. My rule of thumb is this: only crack out coins where you believe there’s at least a 40% chance of upgrading, and where the potential financial gain is at least 3x the total submission cost.

Forum Wisdom: What Fellow Collectors Are Saying

The discussions on the Best of the Mint program offer valuable perspectives that complement the crack-out strategy. One collector shared a sentiment I hear often: “Some of this stuff can be tempting at first, but if you have been collecting for as long as I have, you learn that the modern stuff tends to ‘stack up’ in your safe or safe deposit box and become a ‘so what?'”

This is a fair point. Modern commemoratives, even those with gold content, don’t always appreciate the way classic numismatic pieces do. However, there’s a counterargument: high-grade certified examples of popular modern commemoratives consistently outperform their raw or lower-graded counterparts in terms of collectibility and resale value. A PCGS MS-70 BOM quarter will always command more than an NGC MS-69 or an ungraded example.

Another forum member raised concerns about the U.S. Mint’s allocation process: “Buyers club participants now have a sour taste in their mouths from the Mercury Dime BOM set — being stood up for their agreed upon deals.” This highlights an important point: the crack-out game isn’t just about grading — it’s about the entire acquisition and certification pipeline. If you can’t reliably obtain the coin in the first place, the grading strategy is moot.

Actionable Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or crack out your Best of the Mint 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin, here are my top recommendations:

For Buyers:

• Buy the best grade you can afford in the first place. A PCGS MS-70 purchased outright is almost always cheaper than buying an NGC MS-69 and attempting a crossover.
• Compare NGC and PCGS population reports before making a purchase decision. Lower populations generally indicate higher future collectibility and value.
• Be wary of the premium over spot gold. As forum members noted, premiums of $900 per ounce mean you’re paying significantly above melt value. Make sure the numismatic premium is justified by the grade, certification, and eye appeal.

For Sellers:

• If your coin is already in a PCGS MS-70 holder, hold it. Don’t crack it out to try for NGC — the PCGS premium is typically stronger for modern gold.
• If your coin is in an NGC holder and graded MS-69, consider cracking out only if the coin meets the criteria outlined above — strong strike, clean fields, blazing luster, and outstanding eye appeal.
• Time your sale around major coin shows when dealer demand is highest and competitive bidding can push prices well above guide values.

For Crack-Out Artists:

• Always pre-screen under magnification. If in doubt, don’t crack it out.
• Document the coin’s condition before crack-out with high-resolution photographs. This protects you in case of any dispute and preserves a record of the coin’s provenance and condition at the time of submission.
• Submit multiple coins at once to amortize shipping and insurance costs across several submissions.
• Consider using PCGS’s “Crossover” service rather than a full crack-out. With crossover, PCGS will evaluate the coin while it’s still in the NGC holder and only crack it out if they believe it will meet or exceed the stated grade. This reduces your risk but comes with a higher fee.

The Bigger Picture: Historical Significance of the Standing Liberty Design

Beyond the crack-out strategy, it’s worth stepping back to appreciate why the Standing Liberty quarter design holds such enduring appeal. When Hermon MacNeil’s design debuted in 1916, it represented a dramatic departure from the Barber coinage that had circulated since 1892. The Standing Liberty — with her shield, olive branch, and flowing robes — embodied the optimism and strength of a nation on the brink of World War I.

The design was modified in 1917, covering Liberty’s bare breast with chain mail — a change that remains controversial among numismatists to this day. The Type 1 (1916–1917 bare breast) and Type 2 (1917–1930 chain mail) varieties are both highly collectible, and a collector who owns a 1917 Type 1 quarter with a Full Head in MS-65 — as one forum member mentioned — has a genuinely scarce and historically significant coin. These rare variety pieces carry a level of collectibility and numismatic value that transcends any grading label.

The modern gold commemorative versions, whether from 2016 or 2026, serve as a bridge between that rich historical legacy and the contemporary collector market. They’re not just gold bullion with a premium — they’re tangible connections to one of the most iconic designs in American coinage.

As one collector beautifully put it: “When I was in the 9th grade, that coin meant a lot to me as something new as a collector. Call it nostalgia.” That emotional dimension is something no grading holder can contain — and it’s part of why the crack-out game, for all its technical complexity, ultimately comes down to a simple question: Does this coin deserve the best possible presentation?

Conclusion: To Crack or Not to Crack?

The Best of the Mint 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar Gold Coin is a worthy candidate for crossover grading — but only if you approach the process with discipline, knowledge, and realistic expectations. The NGC-to-PCGS crossover path can be profitable, but it’s not a guaranteed win. Every crack-out is a calculated risk, and the coin itself — not the holder — is what ultimately determines the outcome.

In my experience grading and cracking out modern gold commemoratives, the collectors who succeed are the ones who do their homework: they study population reports, they examine their coins under multiple lighting conditions, they understand the market dynamics between NGC and PCGS, and they never let emotion override analysis. They know that superior strike, original luster, and exceptional eye appeal are the foundation of every successful upgrade.

Whether you’re a seasoned crack-out artist or a first-time collector who just received your BOM set, remember this: the plastic holder is a means to an end, not the end itself. The coin’s beauty, history, and numismatic significance transcend any grading label. But if that label can help the coin reach its full potential in the marketplace — and if you’ve done your due diligence — then the crack-out game might just be worth playing.

As the 2026 Best of the Mint program rolls out with its updated offerings and that companion silver medal, the grading conversation will only intensify. Stay sharp, stay informed, and always — always — examine the coin, not just the holder.

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