The Hidden Cost of Dealer Stickers: Protecting Your PCGS Old Green Holders

The Silent Threat to Your Investment

Most collectors overlook the tiny details that can transform a common coin into a rarity worth thousands. In the world of numismatics, one such detail is the condition of your PCGS Old Green Holders (OGH). These vintage slabs, prized by collectors for their historical significance and aesthetic appeal, face a modern threat that many overlook: dealer stickers.

The Problem with Lot Stickers

Recent discussions in the collecting community have highlighted a growing concern about auction houses and dealers placing lot stickers directly on the reverse of PCGS OGHs. These stickers, while intended to identify lots and track inventory, can cause significant damage to the delicate hologram on the reverse of these holders.

In researching my latest acquisition I noticed the deterioration of the PCGS hologram caused by the auction houses’ lot stickers.

Visual Evidence of Damage

Collectors have documented the progressive damage caused by these stickers over time. The hologram, which is integral to the authenticity and appeal of PCGS OGHs, begins to deteriorate where stickers are applied and removed.

Timeline of Deterioration

• 2/2023: Initial sticker application
• 4/2014: Early signs of hologram wear
• 2/2026: Significant deterioration visible

Best Practices for Dealers

Some auction houses have recognized this issue and adapted their practices accordingly. Great Collections, for example, has implemented a method that preserves the integrity of the hologram while still identifying their lots.

I have to give props to Great Collections. This is how I received this coin from them. They understand the collector and their nuances.

The Application vs. Removal Debate

There’s an ongoing discussion about whether the damage is caused by the application of stickers or their removal. Some collectors argue that improper removal techniques are to blame, while others point to the inherent design flaw of having the hologram on the exterior of older slabs.

I would posit that it’s not the application of these stickers that is ruining the hologram, but the improper removal of the stickers.

Safe Sticker Removal Techniques

For those who need to remove stickers from their OGHs, several methods have been suggested by experienced collectors:

Oil-Based Solutions

• Paraffin lamp oil
• Goo Gone
• Mineral oil
• WD-40 (applied carefully)
• Vegetable oil
• Olive oil

The adhesive is usually soluble in oil. I get them off with a soak in paraffin lamp oil. If the stickers are plain paper, it will soak through the surface. If they’re glossy paper, scuff it first. If they’re plastic, it’ll be slower going, because it can only go through the edges.

Collector Preferences and Market Impact

The condition of the holder can significantly impact a coin’s value, especially for collectors who specialize in OGHs. Some collectors are so particular about holder condition that they avoid purchasing coins with stickers covering the reverse hologram entirely.

I have a hard time buying plastic varieties from GC as the sticker covers the reverse hologram.

Alternative Solutions

Several potential solutions have been proposed to address this issue:

For Auction Houses

• Use smaller stickers placed off to one side
• Apply stickers to the coin holder after photography
• Develop alternative lot identification methods

For Collectors

• Request re-holdering from grading services
• Carefully remove stickers using oil-based methods
• Purchase only from dealers who respect holder integrity

The Value of Preservation

While some collectors maintain that the coin itself is what truly matters, many in the community place significant value on the preservation of original holders. Vintage holders like PCGS OGHs often command premiums precisely because of their age and originality.

retirednow: Some of us prefer the vintage holders – worth less re-holdered.

Looking Forward

As the collecting community continues to evolve, awareness of these issues grows. The hope is that dealers and auction houses will adopt more collector-friendly practices, recognizing that the long-term value of coins and their holders depends on careful preservation.

For collectors, the message is clear: pay attention to the details. That small sticker on the reverse of your PCGS holder might seem insignificant, but it could be affecting the value and collectibility of your investment. By understanding these nuances and advocating for better practices, collectors can help preserve the integrity of their collections for future generations.

Key Takeaways

• Dealer stickers can damage PCGS OGH holograms
• Removal techniques using oil-based solutions can help
• Some auction houses already practice better sticker placement
• Holder condition significantly impacts collectible value
• Collector awareness drives better industry practices

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• The Hidden History Behind Dealer Stickers and the Deterioration of PCGS Holograms on Old Green Holders – The Birth of the Old Green Holder Era Every relic tells a story. To understand this item, we have to look at the era in …
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