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.

Some of the innovative concepts at DGS are:

1. AuthentiVIEW ™: DGS is introducing a new service called AuthentiVIEW ™ which is integral to the submission process. All coins submitted above the “Budget” tier (i.e. valued above $100) will be imaged — this image will serve as an authentication tool for any DGS certified coin. Anyone will be able to go online, enter a serial # and see an image of the coin in the holder after it was graded.

2. Visual Population Report: DGS will be the first grading service to have an entirely visual population report on our web site. Users who wish to look up populations will be able to see the AuthentiVIEW images of all the coins graded. Feigenbaum states, “We anticipate this to be a useful tool for all numismatists. Just imagine the ability to see every 1901-S quarter we’ve certified; or a more common coin like the 1933-S Walker. This visual archive will be available to everyone.” The Visual Population Report will be available as soon as 1000 coins have been graded.

3. Net Grading of Problem Coins: Coins that have been cleaned, repaired, or damaged in any way will be slabbed in the same holder and label as undamaged coins, but the holder will describe the problem without “net grading the coin”. Coins will not be double-punished. The actual best determination of grade will be stated along with the notation of the problem. For example a coin may be described as: DGS AU55: Lightly Cleaned, Reverse scratches. According to Feigenbaum, “most coins are not perfect or original and it’s a shame not to have them in holders.”

4. Easy and Informative Web Site: DGS has crafted a new web site (www.dominiongrading.com) with easy access to submission forms, fee structures and AuthentiVIEW images. Submitters will receive email notification upon receipt of all incoming submissions and updates as coins go through the submission process.

Submitters are encouraged to visit the company web site at www.dominiongrading.com for answers to most questions, as well as online submission forms. You may call Dominion customer service toll-free at (800) 277-2646, or via email at service@dominiongrading.com.
Media Contact:

John Feigenbaum, President
1-800-776-0560 x104
email: info@dominiongrading.com

Kim Ludwig, Marketing
1-800-776-0560 x106
email: kim@davidlawrence.com

Dominion Grading Service
PO Box 2388
Virginia Beach, VA 23450-2388
Toll Free: 1-800-277-2646
Fax: 888-719-9739
www.dominiongrading.com
email: info@dominiongrading.com