After all the sample slabs I have seen, once in a while one comes along and surprises me all over again. I have picked some that have done just that for this article. There are only a few and I picked them for different reasons, these samples may surprise even the most seasoned collector for one reason or another.

This first one I picked not only has a very interesting history to it, but I would dare to say that most collectors have never seen one before. The slab was designed by NGC to protect the coins of the National Numismatic Collection housed at the Smithsonian Museum. The idea behind the holder is to allow a safer way to handle and conduct studies on some 200 very rare coins that are most often researched.

What makes this type of holder so very different to the ones we are accustomed to is that these holders are NOT permanently sealed, and are hinged. This allows the coins inside to be inspected by the museum staff. NGC did make a sample slab for this amazing holder and as you can see by the pictures below it is extremely unusual.

I would like to thank the owner of this sample for sharing  it with me, and for the pictures he sent me as they give a very good idea of how this sample could be used.

This next sample slab also from NGC is a 1942 Mercury Dime, it showed up on eBay a few weeks ago. It really surprised me, but was also a surprise to some real veterans of the hobby. The reason is none of us knew of this sample slab, and none of us had ever seen one before.

At lease not any of the collectors I talked to, and they know sample slabs better than most, with several hundred samples in each of their collections. The coin looks to be in uncalculated condition, from what I can see from the pictures. It is a very nice example of the 1942 Mercury Dime.

I turned to NGC for some much-needed assistance, and asked them if they could help with any information they may have on this mystery sample. They were able to tell me that it was produced in January of 1996. In a case like this that is probably the most important question of all.

I would like to thank Max Spiegel from NGC, for his help in finding this information for me. Remember TPG’s don’t keep records of sample slabs. So I assume it took him a lot of digging to get just that one piece of valuable information.

The sample must have been made in such a small quantity that it just disappeared into the system. Most likely it was a dealer only sample? Although this is something I just don’t know for sure, but it would only make sense, because if it had been given out to the public I think it would have shown up long before now. Who knows how many others are out there. I’ll bet not very many.

From what I have read this next sample slab was first discovered in August of 2003. The reason I chose this sample is because of how very rare they seem to have become. Also the price one recently sold for. This picture is of one of my own personal samples and I feel very lucky to own it

I have just seen a sample like this (except with the date 1907) sell for a little over $300.00. Other than the date “which would not change the selling price,” the samples are all the same with a well-worn circulated Liberty Head nickel inside each sample. The only dates I know of so far are 1898, 1899, 1901 ,1902, 1906, 1907, 1910 and 1911. This is what I mean when I say: “Buy the holder not the coin.”

It is not the only sample slab that has been produced with a circulated coin inside. The one thing they all seem to have in common though is they can be very hard to find. This makes me believe that the circulated sample slabs were made in very small quantities and were also dealer only sample slabs.The only exception when it comes to quantities would be the PCGS Authentic Lincoln Cent Wheat Reverse It was the only sample slab ever produced in the tens of thousands and, for some reason, even those can be hard to find.

These are some great samples, the kind that are only seen on rare occasion. One day they may just appear for sale and you have to say to yourself: “Do I want to pay that much for a sample?”Knowing that you may never get the chance again So, now you have some thinking to do and I hope for your sake you are happy with that decision…

Since this is the first article on my new website, I wanted to give a well deserved thank’s to some dear friends who have been helping me with everything from putting this site together to mentoring me in the world of sample slabs. So here goes!

Daniel:  http://coinauctionshelp.com My best friend thank you for putting this all together for me.

My mentors: Herb, the man with all the pictures, an answers. Also to Oreville  a coin collector from the east coast. who collect US as well as Canadian coins He also has helped me with many questions They have both been so much help in my education into the world of sample slabs. They have always been there to answer any question I may have. Their knowledge of this hobby spans many years and I am also proud to  call them my friends.

Conder101 ; for his guidance and patience the man with all the answers on the subject of slabbed coins of any kind.

Of course thanks to you the readers, for all the wonderful comments and the encouragement you have given me since I started writing my articles. Without you there would just be no point to any of this.

Until next time, and remember:

When it comes to coins, remember ”Buy the coin, not the holder.”

When it comes to sample slabs, remember: “Buy the holder, not the coin.”

All the very best,

Alan Canavan

Hello, everyone. First let me say, it is good to be back writing about my favourite subject. I took a bit of a hiatus, as the research fact finding and checking got to be very intense for me. I just needed a short break, but now I am back and raring to go.

I am always watching the sample slab websites, mainly on eBay, and prices are rising, as I have said in other articles. Sample slab sites seem to get grouped together on different pages, and I have made shortcuts of each page to my desktop as there are several of these sites.

This gives me the chance to follow samples; I can also observe what the samples are selling for. Even the very new samples, and by “new,” I mean produced in the past year or two, are selling for much higher rates than one would expect for a new sample.  

This 2010 PCGS Shield Cent has been up for sale on several occasions for as much as $19.99.

Now I wanted to ask a very important question, so I sought the advice of someone I like to call a “Master collector.” He has been collecting samples for many years, acquiring vast amounts of knowledge on the subject. This is the question I asked him: “Is this the first time sample slabs have encountered such a rise in popularity and, if so, did the premiums on sample slabs go up as well?” Here is the response he gave to my question referring to sample slabs.

“It is seeing resurgence in popularity, with prices up-ticking as a result.”

Yes, they have hit an upswing before and higher prices as well, but the hobby slowed down waiting for the next resurgence. Well, that time is upon us again as new collectors begin their search for high-end samples before they disappear or become out of reach for the average collector. 

You will often find two or more of the same sample listed, one at the low end the other at the high end. Yet they are the sample slab! Let me give you an example: a few months ago I bought a 1964 NGC Kennedy half dollar sample slab for about $15.00, now I see the same sample slab selling from $29.00 to $60.00, what is up with that?!

Prices are all over the place when it comes to sample slabs with no let up in sight. With raw or slabbed coins, you expect to pay a certain amount for either of the two.

A raw coin sells on the condition, date and so on. A slabbed coin sells for the same reasons only the buyer already knows the grade, but with so many already being sold and populations recorded, the buyer has good idea what the raw or slabbed coin will cost.

With samples the pricing is much different. How did I get my 1964 Kennedy at such a low price, when the same coin is selling for $29,00 to $49.00 and more? This is what makes buying sample slabs so much fun, there are deals out there, and you just have to look. When comparing two exact sample slabs of the same generation and same coin.

It is not like one has a better strike or is a key date; they are, for the most part, the same. I have come to one conclusion and that is: the hobby of collecting sample slabs is again growing. I think this time it will remain a popular hobby, but, of course, that is my own opinion formed from all the research I have done.

The prices have not yet stabilized, so until that ever happens, you are going to find these kinds of price differences. I have been watching some samples on eBay; I am going to show a list of the same samples and the differences in pricing.

All these samples are from approximately the same time period. Also, remember that sample slabs from any generation may have more than one date – this is true of a lot sample slabs.

These 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964 D Roosevelt are all part of the first generation PCGS samples slabs:

1961- PCGS- Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime     

Best Offer Sold for $225.00                                  

1961- PCGS- Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime

1 bid Sold for $150.00

                                 The 1963 did have a proof dime in the sample slab, but are still part of the first generation PCGS Sample Slabs

1963- PCGS- Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime       

15 Bids Sold for $100.00                                        

1963- PCGS- Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime    

Best Offer Sold $125.00                                                                                     

1964-D- PCGS Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime  20 Bids Sold for $202.50

1963- PCGS- Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime

Buy It Now or Best Offer Sold $259.00

1963- PCGS- Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime

1 Bid Sold For $150.00 

These next Sample Slabs were produced between 1986 and 1989. Known as “The Rattler.” Other than the year and coin, each sample listed looks pretty much the same. Except for the PR-1961 Roosevelt Dime, as it had a proof coin inside and is one of the most difficult samples of this type to find    

1964- D-MS-64 PCGS Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime  2 Bids Sold for $10.99

1964-MS-64 PCGS Sample Slab Roosevelt dime 7 Bids Sold for $16.50

1960-D -MS-64- PCGS Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime Buy it now sold $19.99

1961 D -MS-64- PCGS Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime 4 Bids Sold $42.00

1963-MS-64 PCGS Sample Slab Roosevelt dime 10 Bids Sold $32.00

1963-D MS-64-.PCGS Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime 12 Bids Sold $46.00

1963- MS-64-PCGS Sample Slab Roosevelt Dime 5 Bids Sold $36.50

The Circulated Morgan Siler Dollar They would be the eight or ninth generation PCGS Sample Slabs

1921-Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS Sample Slab Sold 7 Bids sold for $61.00

1921 Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS Sample Slab 11 Bids sold for $93.88

1921 Morgan Silver Dollar PCGS Sample Slab 15 Bids sold for $111.11

Remember, these are just the samples I was following, I have seem sample Morgan’s sell for even more than the above prices. What you have seen above is indicative of all sample slabs. Now, here is something I found very interesting and it has to do with a promotional slab. I paid around $10.00 for this slab and have seen it around a lot lately. 

            Now just take a look at what this slab has been selling for, the only difference in them are the different State quarters inside the sample. Other than that, they are all the same slabs:

2001-P-NGC New York State Quarter Sample Slab  5 Bids Sold $4.25

2001-P-NGC New York State Quarter Sample Slab 4 Bids Sold $ 6.00

2001-P-NGC New York State Quarter Sample Slab 5 Bids Sold $10.51

2004-P-NGC TEXAS State Quarter Sample Slab 6 Bids Sold $20.84

2005-D-NGC CALIFORNIA State Quarter Sample Slab 7 Bids Sold $22.15

1982 Washington Commemorative Sample Now these NGC sample slabs are both from around the same time period. One is a proof and one is a mint, but for the most part the two samples are alike. Remember, when buying sample slabs, grade is not as important as the rarity of the sample itself. Both these samples were dealer slabs and were not handed out to the public.

This is not an easy sample to find, notice the amount of bids on each. If I were bidding, I would not be concerned about the grade proof or mint status. As a collector, I would find either sample to be a prize.

NGC Proof 66 1982-S Washington Commemorative Sample Slab 42 Bids sold $113.50

NGC MS 65 1982-D Washington Commemorative Sample Slab 22 Bids sold $67.00

I have been following the sample slabs shown above since the idea first came to me, trying to show that sample slabs have not yet found themselves in a place where the prices are evening out. Now, this is my own opinion, but I somehow doubt they ever will.

With samples starting from the first generations that are now becoming so rare to the new samples just coming out and all the sample slabs in between, it comes down to this: “There is just no way to grade a sample slab.” That and the fact that sellers are realizing prices like never before.

The sellers are also part of the equation, as they are starting to open the bidding with a higher price because they also see the hobby is growing very fast and the number of the bidders is increasing.

The good news is if you look at the samples and the prices they have been selling for, you can see that there are bargains to be found. Not that long ago, samples would have attracted far less bidders; therefore, the prices would be have been much lower.

Look at sample slabs that are still up for sale, you will notice that even with three or four days left in the bidding the amount of bidders is often quite high. This is something that I am seeing more and more often. I see the proof every day with the high prices and the large amount of bids. We have a growing numismatic hobby with collectors all hunting down the best bargains they can find.

There are those who have collected samples for years, but they have always been in the minority. I have heard it said, “I just don’t see the fascination in collecting sample slabs” and why should they! That is the great thing about coin collecting everyone can collect whatever coin or slab they choose, but nonetheless, it is a hobby and as those who have

collected samples from the beginning will tell you: it is fun and exciting with the thrill of the hunt always there to challenge even the most seasoned of collectors. With so many samples to choose from sample slabs are proving to be a valid and exciting part of numismatics.   As always, When it comes to coins, collect the coin, not the holder. When it comes to sample slabs, collect the holder, not the coin  All the best, Alan Canavan

Think you know the difference between a Sample Slab and a Promotional Slab? Don’t worry, a lot of people don’t. In this article you will learn their differences and see some images of “Sample“ Slabs you didn‘t know existed, or didn‘t know were actually Promotional Slabs, not Samples.

We’ve always defined a Sample Slab as a slab, given away for free, at coin shows and other events. Free being the key word here, because Promotional Slabs are also given away free at the same type of events, and this is where the confusion starts.

A Sample Slab is created to show off something as important as a new design to the slab itself. It might be a new security feature, or something as small as a change to fonts on the label.

On the other hand, Promotional Slabs are a way to promote a coin show or a member’s only luncheon, or coin club, and even to promote a special date such as the 1997 NYC 106th anniversary of the ANA. I even know of some that were given away at a wedding.

Since they are all given away for free, then the actual difference in these slabs is the word “SAMPLE” on the label. I thought the best place to start would be with one of the first Sample Slabs created.

The above image is one of the first PCGS Sample Slab and produced sometime in the late 1980’s. Compared to today’s samples you can see how very basic it is, without a grade or any serial number and no hologram.

With a 1963 Roosevelt Dime inside, this samples can also be very hard to find and, if you do find one, the cost is going to be quite high. The actual production numbers of these Sample Slabs is unknown. This is also the only first generation sample with proof coin inside.

Here’s another Sample Slab from a different TPGS. This Sample is from NGC and houses a silver 1959 Roosevelt Dime. Again the main word on this slab is “SAMPLE“, but this time with a grade and serial number.

You can also see, that unlike the early PCGS version this slab, has a hologram. It’s also a “Green” label. I have read that the green border is “a hard to find sample” but the green and the brown border are one in the same. This also goes for regular production slabs as well. The difference in colors were caused by colour-fast problems in the dye, which caused some of the brown labels to fade to green when exposed to the elements for some time.

The image below is from the same company and is a perfect example to start with when it comes to a Promotional Slab. Concerning this NGC slab, the first thing you should notice is the “SAMPLE” isn’t on the slab. You can also see the slab label is promoting Heritage Auctions; it even gives the phone number.

This was also handed out freely to promote this specific company with a 2001 New York State quarter inside. The State quarter was, and still is, a very popular coin to use in both Promotional and Sample Slabs. Notice that it doesn’t have a grade or serial number either. 

Here’s another Promotional Slab, this time from ANACS, celebrating 35 years of numismatics. Notice the word “SAMPLE” is nowhere on the slab, even though it’s promoting ANACS itself. Surprisingly they did not use the word “Sample” on this slab.

The company is not showing a new slab or label change; therefore to me, it is not a Sample and an example that causes so much confusion. It was given away free and is promoting the amount of years the company has been in business.

We have always accepted these slab types as Samples but they are not. It can be confusing, but after a few facts are pointed out it is easier to realize the differences. We have looked at the difference between sample slabs and promotional slabs and seen how different they really are.

Now, just to make things even more confusing, there is another type of slab. This type of holder was designed by NGC in 2003 and is the first time it was used as a Sample or Promotional holder because it is both!

Where does this slab fit in? Well, it was only given out to members that attended the Fun 2004 Registry and Message Board Luncheon, but we also have the word “SAMPLE” on the front of the slab, not in tiny lettering on the back.

Furthermore, it is a new slab for NGC, so even without the word “SAMPLE” on the front, it would be still be considered a Sample Slab for no other reason than that it’s the first time it was ever used. Again, there’s no grade or a serial number either.

For me, if it has the word “SAMPLE” on the label, I call it a Sample Slab. It houses five 2004 State quarters and there were only 50 produced. I have seen a few different versions of these samples up for sale several months ago. From what I remember, they sold for a very high price and with only 50 produced, it is no wonder.

Here is another style of Sample-Promotional Slab, this one being a 2010 Collector’s Society Members Luncheon slab, with the word “SAMPLE” on the orange border label.

The best part about this, or any type of members-only luncheon slab is the low quanity produced. They are made specifically for a small group of members who attend the luncheon, so they’re rare and this makes them even more desirable to collectors.

In this respect, these Sample Slabs are like coins, the smaller the mintage number, the higher the premiums are going to be. I recently received this sample from a good friend of mine.

Next, is a very different type of slab and it’s not a Promotional slab, but is it a Sample? It does say “Authentic”, so where would this slab fit in?

It is an unusual type of slab, and what I enjoy the most, is the fact that they house a circulated coin. The coins range from 1917 to 1929, as far as I have seen. They were produced by PCGS to go in to a Random House Coin collecting starter kit.

So, I would have to assume these slabs, were an example of what a slabbed coin would look like.Therefore, it would be considered a Sample. Estimated mintage of this slab was an amazing 50,000 to 100,000.

If compared to other Sample Slab production numbers produced, of a thousand or less, and they make up the largest amount of Samples ever produced.

It should be an easy slab to find, although I have not seen one for sale recently. It has me wondering just how many were lost, forgotten or thrown away after the starter kits lost their fascination?

With that amount of samples produced you should be seeing them all over the auction sites, but such is not the case. Lastly, but important, is the fact that it hase no holoagram on the back.

Here is one more PCGS Slab that I find fascinating, and it contains an American Silver Eagle. It says “Coin Facts Luncheon” and gives the date of January 3, 2007. Notice the label is different for this slab and so is the font under the logo.

This one says “The Standard for the Rare Coin Industry”, but it does not say “Sample” The words “Coin Facts Luncheon” is the banner for this slab. There’s no grade or serial number, and because of the different label, and the fact that the type font is completely different from other PCGS slabs, and it is promoting PCGS itself, it could be called a Sample Slab.

If, however, this slab was promoting some other company and PCGS produced it in another name I would call it a Promotional Slab. This slab would have been produced in very limited quanties, to give to the members of the lunchon only. This one is definitely on my want list.

I have been thinking about writing this article for a while now, I have been asked several times “How can it be a Sample if does not say SAMPLE? As there are some Samples that don’t, It can become very confusing at times, so I hope this has cleared up some of that confusion.

I attempted to use some good examples of these different slabs so they can be a reference for the new collector.

Regardless what you call them, they are all great fun to collect and how you classify them is really up to you. I buy all types, no matter what they say. For me, the only order I put my collection in is TPGS Samples then Promotional Slabs.

So, in the future, if you see a luncheon slab for sale, you will understand why it is selling for a premium and, therefore, justify the price.

All these slabs have their place in the history of numimatics. What you are doing, by collecting Samples, is tracking the evolution of the slabbed coin.

“So Remember to buy the coin not the holder. But when it comes to sample slabs, buy the holder not the coin!”

All the Best, Alan Canavan Free coin values CoinHelp!