Quality Designation Service NowAvailable !
OHNS Quality Examiners are pleased to announce that we will begin accepting submissions for authentication and quality designation, effective immediately. After limiting the availability of QD service to OHNS Auction submissions for the last few years, we are now ready to re-open this service for OHNS members. QDservice will remain a members-only benefit, and we hope this will encourage more hobo nickel enthusiasts to join OHNS!
Due to some changes in methodology from earlier years, we will be able to offer QD service at prices at-or-below 2018 levels, despite years of inflation in postage and insurance costs
The New QDProcess
A maximum of five coins should be mailed to one of the QD examiners listed on the submission form. Responsibility for packaging, mailing and insurance will rest with the sender, and it is recommended that coins be sent “Signature Required.” The sender must provide a Declared Value of the submitted coins for insurance purposes.
The First Examiner will evaluate the coins, take digital photographs, and complete a First Examiner’s assessment for the QD report. Digital copies of the photographs will be sent to a Second Examiner, who will make his/her independent assessment from photos only. The final QD report will contain the judgements, opinions and comments of both examiners, will be digitally signed, and sealed (see example below). Allowing the second examiner to work from digital photographs eliminates both the cost and the risk of a second transit through the mail, and speeds the process.
Finished QD reports, accompanying photographs, and the submitted coins will be returned to the sender via Insured Priority Mail, if the Declared Value is $1,000 or less; or via Insured Registered Mail if the Declared Value is more than $1,000.
Copies of completed reports and photos will be retained in the OHNS archives and by the QD examiners. For privacy and security, no records will be kept identifying those submitting coins for evaluation, after coins have been returned and the process is complete.
The Cost
Cost for the first coin will be $25.00, which includes return postage and insurance up to $500 of Declared Value. Cost for additional coins will be $15.00 each (maximum four additional). For submissions with a Declared Value in excess of $500, additional cost for insurance will apply. For submissions with a Declared Value over $500, contact one of the QD examiners for a total cost including insurance.
Please Note: The opinions rendered by the Quality Designation Examiners will be strictly that, and will not represent a guarantee of value or authenticity. They will be, however, the best considered judgements of qualified specialists in the field.
____________________
Howto Prepare Coins for QD
When submitting coins for Quality Designation, it is greatly appreciated if your hobo nickels are housed in plastic “flips” rather than in 2x2 cardboard folders or hard plastic coin holders. PLEASE do not use staples! If your coin is in a stapled cardboard flip that you wish to preserve, please remove the coin for mailing, and do not send the flip. For carvings that you believe to be by a known or nicknamed carver, please provide that information on the submission form. QD submission forms can be found at the end of this issue of BoTales,as well as at www.hobonickels.org.
If you are uncertain of an appropriate Declared Value for your coins, contact one of the QD Examiners for advice before mailing. Advice will not constitute an appraisal value for your coins and will be for insurance purposes only!
