[TwinLakesCoins] This statement "CAC Grading thinks they’re interchangeable" where do you feel they are that way?

[ToddPollock] For starters, the fact that they will honor a graded coin with a sticker by crossing it to CACG at the same grade. From what I also understand, the CAC sticker typically means “problem free and at the top of the grade listed”. What I’ve noticed is that most (not all) coins will cross to CACG, even ugly ones, because CACG will simply penalize a coin by a grade or two for eye appeal — meaning that, after the reduction, the coin will most definately sit at the top of that new grade. From my experience, don’t expect an upgrade from CACG and to get your coins to cross consistently, you’ll want to submit them with a point lower grade (or two, if ugly). Plus, recent market data is showing CACG coins trade in line with stickered ones, if not slightly higher in some cases. By nature of the label itself, all CACG coins come with the green “sticker” — it’s just built into the label. So, in my experience, CACG coins are some of the most conservative coins graded and bring strong prices in the market… why not include them as if they were stickered?

[TwinLakesCoins] I agree with most things you have said but there is one key place where I dont agree. We are big supporters of CAC and CACG. It was made very clear from the start of CACG that they are 2 separate companies but we all know they work very closely together. But CACG does not cross all CAC stickers. While most feel they do, they dont. Without 100% crossing that is a big reason we dont include them as the same in the sets.

[ToddPollock] Understood, appreciate the explanation! When looking at their website FAQ (attached), it's been updated to reflect this... however, the way it seems to read to me is that "they reserve the right" to not cross something, if there are parts of the grade that they deem non-crossable.... not that this is the norm, rather the exception. I'm assuming this may have more to do with the whole RD/RB/BN on old copper, as those can still turn in the holders, or possibly a PL/DMPL/UMPL designation, as some of those can cloud over time? Regardless, it seems like a "tougher" standard from where I sit... seems like you'd want to include them for that reason, but I don't represent the whole coin community, so maybe I'm just early to the game in my thoughts on this... Thanks again for humoring the discussion -- I appreciate it and what you do for running MyCollect! :)

[TwinLakesCoins] Believe me I think this is a discussion that will go on for quite some time. We have all heard different things about CAC over the years. I heard once that they dont look at the FB/PL/DMPL/FBL or any suffix, but heard other cases where they did so I dont know about that situation. The plus graded CAC stickered coins are an issue as those are not guaranteed to cross from what I heard last.

Not saying they make the coin look bigger just saying they have special features for cameras for different types of surfaces

[STRAYE] Not always incandescent, some use LED, some flood, some halogen. There are lots of options depending on what you want to work with. One major thing is getting the white balance right no matter the light source if the white balance is set correct, images from any spruce should look similar. Most good coin photographers down use special features, they know how to take picture and dont need the help.

[ToddPollock] i can agree to that it just seems like everytime i read articles on lightning its always incandescent, incandescent

[STRAYE] Most articles are probably basic guides. When I taught ANA photography courses it was never incandescent.

[ToddPollock] ok, i just read an article from cacg. Yesterday and thats what they mentioned was incandescent but what the heck do they know right!

Ill have to try that recipe and see if it works for me anyone else got any good suggestions im open for all tries

[STRAYE] Where was the article?

[ToddPollock] it was in cac rare coin market review greysheet publication may 2024 thru july2024

catalog/ magazine vol v1 No.2

Cpg greysheet publications

[ToddPollock] Sorry, I can’t reveal my secrets.