Duvall 4-E Variety is Just the Second Reported Specimen

Virginia Beach, VA. The graders at Dominion Grading Service are excited to announce that they have certified the second known example of this very rare variety. The Duvall 4-E variety was thought to be unique until the discovery of this coin, which has been graded AU58 Cleaned by DGS.

According to John Feigenbaum, President of DGS, the coin has “the initial appearance of a mint state coin but the luster is almost too nice and lacks the frosty surfaces of a true mint state. The coin has virtually no wear and has been very lightly cleaned to show evidence of wipe lines upon close examination in proper lighting. The only significant mark on either side of the coin is a 3 mm scratch on Washington’s cheek. Without the mishandling, this coin might have otherwise graded MS63.”

Feigenbaum continued to say that “this coin is the perfect example of the kind of collector rarity that we pride ourselves at DGS. Because the coin is lightly cleaned, some of the other grading services wouldn’t even examine the coin for variety. At DGS, we appreciate that many great coins may not be pristine, but still benefit from certification. Our affiliation with David Lawrence Rare Coins and DLRC Auctions also gives clients the opportunity to submit the coins and then bring them directly to market. In the case of the 4-E, the client intends to do just that. No other leading firm can offer that full-service experience in house.”

The Duvall 4-E Variety

The Duvall 4-E variety is distinctive because of the unique positioning of the olive branch on the reverse. The right side of the branch terminates over the numeral 9 of 1900. All other known varieties see this branch end over the right side of the first 0 in 1900. Prior to the appearance of this coin, the existence of Duvall 4-E was thought to be unique.

The only other known Lafayette dollar of this die variety was sold in August 2007 by Heritage Numismatic Auctions as part of their Signature ANA Auction. (Lot 2090). It was graded MS60 by ANACS and realized $18,400 to a phone bidder. According to the Heritage lot description, that coin was “well struck with dusky chestnut, aqua, and plum-mauve patina. Both sides unusually free from marks, particularly on the portraits.” Based on the description of marks, these are clearly not the same coin. (more…)

Virginia Beach, VA. Dominion Grading continues to reach important milestones as they establish themselves as respected third party graders in the numismatic community. According to President, John Feigenbaum, “We’ve now received over 1500 coins for grading, with a minority of those coming from our sister company, David Lawrence Rare Coins. We are very careful when grading all coins that are submitted and take great care to ensure that each DGS certified coin will stand on its own in the marketplace. The numismatic community is quickly becoming aware that our grading is conservative and consistent. Submitters have been very happy with the quality of our work.”

Expectations have been exceeded at DGS with the receipt of over 1500 coins in the first 45 days of grading. Feigenbaum continues, “It’s important to understand that we are not grading multiples of anything so far. Every submission has included a variety of different coins and our graders are really enjoying the process. It would be easy to grade a bag of silver dollars, or rolls of Lincoln cents, but on average we’re getting 10 different coins in an 11 coin submission.”

DLRC Auctions offering over 100 DGS Slabs this week

For the first time ever, there is a concentration of DGS slabs in a single auction at www.davidlawrence.com. The Internet Only auction, which closes Thursday, June 26, is highlighted by a choice XF45 Gobrecht dollar. In addition, there are many coins valued from $25-$5000 including a collection of early Walkers and better date Morgan dollars in XF-Uncirculated grades. (more…)

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…)