Early Goals Have Been Exceeded, Signature Series Graders Added

{Virginia Beach, VA.} Dominion Grading Service (DGS) announced today that their initial operations goals have been exceeded in the first month. According to John Feigenbaum, President, “as of May 20, we have graded 638 coins and met our goals in many other areas as well, including our software which provides email updates to submitters as orders reach various stages of the submission process. The web site offers similar features, including the ability to view any coin slabbed and valued over $100 (a feature we call AuthentiView™).”

Signature Series Graders Added

In our first month of operations, DGS solidified Signature Series grader agreements with: Rick Snow (Indian Cents); Jim McGuigan (early U.S. coinage); Bill Bugert (Seated Half Dollars); and John Feigenbaum will perform this service for Barber coinage and Washington quarters, upon request.

DGS was very excited to receive its first Signature Series submission which included several rare large cent varieties, and a sharp example of the very rare 1802 half dime (DGS XF40 Slightly Bent, Light Graffiti), which has a pedigree back to the Buddy Ebsen collection and is valued over $100,000. Jim McGuigan — a renowned specialist in U.S. Bust coinage — graded and authenticated this important coin. His opinion was verified by three other graders at DGS. (more…)

PCI Brand Name is Discontinued, but Holder will be used for DGS Slabs

Virginia Beach, VA. The owner of the PCI grading service announced today that they have launched a new numismatic grading and authentication company named Dominion Grading Service, or DGS.

John Feigenbaum, President, stated today that “we had initially planned to keep the PCI brand name, but we quickly realized that it would be impossible to overcome the confusion that would ensue as we endeavor to recalibrate the [PCI] grading standards. Therefore, we have decided to discontinue the PCI brand in favor of an all-new grading company named Dominion Grading Service.“

Dominion will be using the same holder as PCI, but that’s where the similarities end. DGS grading will be based on strict standards (i.e. Photograde, for circulated coins). On mint state coinage, DGS will grade conservatively with a focus on eye appeal, freshness of surfaces (including originality) and marketability.

Feigenbaum continued, “The Company is a fresh start for us in creating what we hope will be an ideal certification service designed specifically for collector submissions. We are not looking for bulk submitters in the trade. At David Lawrence Rare Coins, we’ve had the good fortune to deal personally with thousands of collectors for nearly 30 years…and DGS is a great opportunity to bring that experience to the forefront as we deliver top-level customer service and conservative grading standards. We also want to personalize the relationship by adding innovative services, the same way we’ve done at David Lawrence and DLRC Auctions.”

DGS is currently in the final stages of preparing software for processing orders. Submissions are currently being accepted but grading will not start officially until May 1. Orders will be processed in the order received. (more…)